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'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer - Hatchette Books
Among Twilight fans, there are shades of devotion. Some people are casual fans who'll pick up the books or go see the films, and others are rapacious, Saga-hungry fiends who'll spend five days on the sidewalk just to see the New Moon premiere or sit outside behind a cramped barricade all day just on the off-chance they'll see a glimpse of Robert Pattinson at work (Note: all types of Twilight fans are welcome here).
In one woman's case, she has found that the Twilight series' hold on her attention is getting to be a bit much, so she reached out to the L.A. Times/Chicago Tribune's "Ask Amy" column for advice.
"I have been obsessed with these stories and have really grown attached to the primary male character . . . I feel like I am missing a lot all of a sudden, and I keep thinking about this character and wanting a love like he has," she explained.
From the rest of the description offered, it was hard not to tell that she was referring to her affection for Edward Cullen in the Twilight series, so the columnist outted her as being a Twilight fanatic and advised that she seek professional help.
"If you confess to an obsession, wonder if you are having a breakdown and worry about your behavior, then you should seek counseling," said Amy. "You must be the hero of your own story."
You can read the whole thing here.
Can you relate to "Obsessed" and her fascination with Edward Cullen? Do you think the intrigue fades after a while, or do you think it is worth getting a professional opinion? Also, what kind of advice would you have for a fellow Twilight fan in this situation? Comment below and let us know!
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Comments
I guess i'm head over heals when it comes 2 EC... who doen't wanna be BS after reading the saga? We all wanna be the object of afection and the damisel in distress... as long as we know what is "real" and what is "fantasy"... I believe is great to fantasize 'bout fictional characters... as long as we don't loose ourself into our own imagination...
Even thought... it is nice to dream, isn't? :)
Well i don't think she needs help! Unless its completely taken over her entire life. There's no reason to "settle" for a relationship. If she feels something is missing and she wants someone who loves her unconditionally, is there emotionally for her, puts her needs first and is her soulmate, then what is wrong with that.
The Twilight Saga has become a phenomenon and there are many different types of fans. Myself i love the series i;ve read the book numerous times and i have also bought the Wii game, blankets , dolls, movies, t-shirts, the bookazines, Books(lol) so i guess i can say that i might be a little obsessed but i do know the difference between fiction and real. To take it to another step and obsess over a fictional character is a little much and i think would require help...I hope that the lady that wrote in was just joking around and if not i hope she gets the help she needs ...because EDWARD ISN'T REAL...It's just a story
I too find myself day dreaming of Edward Cullen. Not only him but Robert Pattinson (in my opinion) is the perfect specimen of a man. I have read and re-read the entire Twilight Saga more times than I can count and have seen the first two movies over 200 times. I pay my bills on time, wake up at 6:00 every morning, my house is clean, my life is in order. I think that when these things begin to fall apart, you may need to speak with someone who can help you to get your priorities in order but as long as you are living your life and taking care of your resposibiliies, who are any of us to tell you that you are too much of a fan? Doesn't the word FAN come from fanatic afterall?!
I think she will be okay.... I mean it will fade I was like that at first also... not necessarily in love with the character but in love with the story... but at the end it is just a story .. But, I doubt there is a need for a therapist to get involved in fascination with a character.
I'm obsessed with everything Twilight, but I also put my friends and family first! My husband doesn't understand but deals with it. I even included him when we went to Vampire Baseball, we live in New Orleans and with the Saints that was my lead in!! He laughed at me over a dozen times as Daniel Cudmore, Alex Meraz, and Chaske Spencer visited us often! And i get a weekend in Houston for Convention! But I have promised him that things will die down after that, or at least till June! Eclipse comes out 5 days after my birthday!! So yes I'm obsessed but I can toss it to the side and handle my everyday house, family and friends needs with out a mention of any thing Twilight! You just need know how to do it and when to do it! That's what a FAN is!!
I get obsessed also when cool stuff comes out. And I am middle age. I guess I have always been this way. Same thing when Harry Potter came out, got all the books, movies, bought the cards, beans, I even have little owls I collected. Twilight came out and the same thing..Boooom obsessed again. I know it will pass for most people, you start to get interested in other stuff and the obsession passes. What you need to do, is get interested in other things. The people that stay obsessed on one thing, are lonely, or unhappy with their real life, and need to be pulled away from their obsession.
This is no different than men obsessing about sports right? So because females have an intense like and affinity for Twilight, it becomes a 'mental problem?' I think the double standard is in play here. I am a Twilight fan, not the most obsessive, but a fan nonetheless. I don't have cutesy Edward cutouts or pictures all over the wall because I have too much respect for my husband of 21 years, but that doesn't mean I don't love looking at Edward on my PC wallpaper. I enjoy it, my daughters enjoy it, and it is harmless. If you don't like it or like the fans, get another hobby, but my Twilight love will continue, even for this old lady. It finally replaced my Star Wars obsession I've had for 33 years. Just sayin.
If you want to be negative, then a lot of us who are fascinated, intrigued and enthusiastic could be labelled as "obsessed." Amy has given good advice, however. If her interest in the idealized romance of the Twilight series is causing difficulties with everyday life, then therapy is the way to go!
But she said "she wanted a love like he has".
What is wrong with wanting a loving relationship like Edward and Bella has? Maybe this girl wants to be loved or maybe she is already in a relationship and feels no "real love" there.
And there is nothing wrong with having fantasies about the main character of this book...be it Twilight or ANY book.
I've read many comments from women who said they wished Mr Darcy from Pride & Prejudice was real, how come no one says they need help? This is because many people have "issues" with Twilight fans...the girl does not need professional help. She will get over this. Everyone has an obsession and no one has a right to judge a person because of that.
Honestly there is nothing wrong with finding yourself enamored with the story even the love interest. I'm 33 and this is the first time any story has reached me on a deeper level. So the best thing you can do is enjoy your life and join the rest of us who have gotten caught up in the world of Twilight here @ twilightmoms.com we are also on twitter. There are many of us who feel the way you do and we support each other.
Sure everyone wants an Edward and when you're in your 50s (as I am) love is probably a little harder to come by-but nothing wrong with still wanting to find your soulmate. But hey she should head over to TwilightMoms.com- she can talk to people over there over there and it's a lot cheaper than counseling which I doubt she needs for this anyway.
AMEN LAUREN!!!! nuff said
i think a ton of people want love like that. unconditional and passionate. but this is the real world and expecting the best only leads to dissapointment. i agree counceling is best if she feels that this obssession will get worse. its nice to dream but we must realize the difference between reality and fantasy
IM OBSESSED WITH TWILIGHT! BUT MOSTLY WITH EDWARD CULLEN! AND IMA B 30 IN SEPT. I Hve a Shrine in my room frm posters to the dolls puzzles magnets pillows books movies! Im not mentally ill i agree about the whole double standard thing dont men hang up pics of half nude women up tht are famous same concept ppl!!!! Anyway im IN LOVE WITH TWILIGHT AND NO WILL CHANGE THT LIKE IT OR NOT!!!
By the way tht pic of EDWARD ON THIS PG ALSO HANGS IN MY ROOM!!! Its a fleece and its huge and I love it!!!
I am 43 and a hardcore Twilight fan. It's been nothing but healthy for me! A healthy fantasy life is good for you! No one actually thinks Edward is real. Come on that's part of the fantasy! After going through an 11 year bitter divorce it's a blessing to have Forks to escape to when I need to be in a place where people are happy and full of love and not full of hate!
I am 26 years old and I love anything Twilight...my sister got me started and I haver surpassed her love for it. I have a litle shrine in my living room theat drives my husband crazy!!! He has his x-box and I have my Twilight!!!!
well...! People help me out i'm more than obsessed with the Twilight Series..!
and i fell like reading the saga all the time...! plus its also affecting my studies and my sleeping habits...!
TO LISA DID U ACTUALLY GO TO FORKS? CAUSE I REALLY REALLY WANNA GO THIS IS MY FUTURE SUMMER TRIP... I SAW THE DOCUMENTARY ON FORKS AND IT LOOKS LIKE THEY REALLY WORKED HARD TO MAKE IT A GREAT TWILIGHT FAN EXPERIENCE....IT LOOKS GREAT AND I EVEN SAW A GIRL ON THERE THT LOOKS JUST LIKE ALICE.. MY MOM THINKS IM INSANE FOR WANTING TO GO THERE FOR THE SUMMER BUT I LOVE TWILIGHT IM HEAD OVER HEELS FOR TWILIGHT AND SO IN LOVE WITH A FICTIONAL CHARACTER..EDWARD CULLEN <3 And so the lion fell in love with the lamb what a stupid lamb what a sick masochistic lion!!!!!
Well I guess I better set up my counseling sessions. Ive dreamed about these characters for pete's sake!!! Good dreams too!!
I went to counseling and did such a darn good job that my therapist is now Team Jacob.
TO LISA DID U ACTUALLY GO TO FORKS? CAUSE I REALLY REALLY WANNA GO THIS IS MY FUTURE SUMMER TRIP... I SAW THE DOCUMENTARY ON FORKS AND IT LOOKS LIKE THEY REALLY WORKED HARD TO MAKE IT A GREAT TWILIGHT FAN EXPERIENCE....IT LOOKS GREAT AND I EVEN SAW A GIRL ON THERE THT LOOKS JUST LIKE ALICE.. MY MOM THINKS IM INSANE FOR WANTING TO GO THERE FOR THE SUMMER BUT I LOVE TWILIGHT IM HEAD OVER HEELS FOR TWILIGHT AND SO IN LOVE WITH A FICTIONAL CHARACTER..EDWARD CULLEN <3 And so the lion fell in love with the lamb what a stupid lamb what a sick masochistic lion!!!!!
I am 65 years old and I am just obsessed with this story as everyone else. My husband thinks I am crazy but I do not care. This is something I love. Haven't felt this way since I was a teenager. Love it
I had just read Twilight when I was going thru one of the hardest times of my life, it's been my sanity & I've made some amazing life long friends thru it...I'm 30 yrs old w/ a husband & 3 boys. My hubby has survivor man & I have Twilight. My boys r even into Twilight & I have taught my 1 1/2 yr old to say Team Edward...I'll eventually have a girls trip to Forks when I move back to WA. To say a TWI-FAN needs therapy is stupid, hello sports fans, gamers, I know guys in their 40's that still collect action figures & comic books.....need I say more
its 8 in the morning and m watching Twilight....yet again....! lol
I am 30, and obsessed with Twilight.... so what, I have always had one or another obsession in my life. Hubby has his PS3. I got the series of books just after i went to see New moon last year... and havnt really stopped reading them since...
I my history with obsessions taught me how to handle a obsession, so that it doesnt become a problem in my life. Yea SURE... fantasize about Edward and Bella's romqance.... but dont BECOME Bella.... (dont ever put yourself into the scene)
I have taken some aspects of that love and tried it out in real life.... (i made a point of not expecting the same results... i just wanted to see what the results would be) and i was pleasantly surprised. Its always possible to improve reality with fantacy.
I suppose thats the difference between a healthy and a sick obsession.
Sick: Try to turn your reality into the fantacy...
Healthy: Bring some abstract part of the fantacy into real life and see if you like the outcome. (No the actors are not abstract)
Well... if she needs to go to therapy, then maybe i do as well as i have a very healthy addiction to Twilight. I read the books 6 times and i have lost count on how many times i've watched the movie and im sure when the New Moon DVD comes out here i will be watching that a further i dont know how many times. I dont know how many times my husband and children have said i'm fanatical. I even have google alerts on Edward Cullen sent to my email every day so that i can see what he as is Robert Pattinson is up to, but its a healthy addiction and better than being addicted to drugs, alcohol etc...
Sure, everyone wants a realationship like the one Edward and Bella have and there's nothing wrong with fantasising. I have a happy marriage and i know that one day this addiction will be over as will probably be the same for this women, fazes come and go, so i'm sure she'll be fine. If i had to see a therapist over this addiction, i would have her addicted in no time.
Wow, everybody's responses are so heartfelt. From one Twi-aholic to you others, a word to the wise, don't let it affect your studies. Falling in love with this saga is easy, the forbidden romance draws lots of people in. People are not in love with the fictional character, they are in love with the idea that anybody could love that much and that true! Their minds seek it... and since finding it in real life is almost impossible, they revert back to the books (cuz truly.. the Twilight movie did not do much justice to the book...) and their hearts heal... It has been responsible for permanent wedges in peoples marriages and has raised the bar a bit for our youth... I hope boys take notice of the simple parts.. you dont have to glitter but holding a car door open, walking hand in hand, listening to what she has to say. THAT would make you an Edward! Until then.. the obsessions will continue. (I am 36, read the books 18 times, goto conventions and daydream about the actors..) LOL
Denise, I wish I knew you. I too am obsessed to a point with Twilight. I have New Moon and now I am obsessed with Jacob. I am old enough to be his grandma but I think daydreaming is healthy. It is also fun!!!!
As long as we are on the subject, a lot of the reason that everyone is so turned on by the hunks, Jacob and Edward has alot to do with how powerful they are. Women love to feel safe and a man with an inordinate amount of it is going to get us every time. And their gorgeous looks don't hurt either. It is normal to feel safe and it is something that is just in us. Female animals also love the strongest mate. They choose them every time.
i can relate......not only do i have twilight stuff all over our house and go to forks/lapush every chance i get but i bought edwards volvo c30!! everyone except my fellow twilight girlfriends thinks i'm nuts but sometimes i need that escape. oh edward......
(37 yr old wife and mother)
I am married and a mom of two and I am obsessed. I went to Twicon last year and had my tickets this year before they cancelled it. I literally have twilight in every aspect of my life. My clothes are twilight, my office has twilight, and even my music is twilight inspired. I wait for midnight showings and midnight release parties, but I consider my obsession healthy. Although I would love my husband to have characteristics of Edwared Cullen (or Jacob Black) I know he is just a character. Like any other show or book I read and something happens that I didn't want to happen (e.i. someone dies or ends up with the wrong guy)I have to just deal.
I think the obsession comes from a world of people who are stressed out and want to be loved. Edward offers such an ideal love - one all of us girls dream of. Because that "love" he gives Bella is so unconditional and wonderful, we women/girls out there become obsessed about it. Like we would obsess over chocolate or any other addiction. We're all Twi-Edward-addicts.
I am a mom of two and also married, I became a real fanatic last year when I finally picked up the book and could not put it down. What appeals to me is that I had seen the movie and the characterization of Edward by Robert P. is so what I would have imagined probably because I saw the movie before I read the book. Anyway Robert P is 180 degrees different in real life and that makes the character more believable to me. I became obsessed because of his commitment to Bella. But I know no man or woman could be as perfect as “Edward’s” love and I am a sucker for romance.
Good advice. Honestly I think all of these Twilight fangirls who are obsessed with Twilight & keep saying "OMG EDWARD IS THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE!11!!!111", need to accept the fact that's its fiction! Edward isn't real & its pathetic that you're obsessed to him to the point where you pretend he's real!
Why do many girls love that creepy Gary Stu?! I mean Twilight is Godawful! Edward is a creepy stalker & Gary Stu, who's only loved by the fangirls because he's hot! Bella is an annoying bitch & a Mary Sue! And Twilight pretty much raped vampires! VAMPIRES DON'T EFFING SPARKLE! ALL THE "VAMPIRES" IN TWILIGHT AREN'T VAMPIRES! THEY'RE EFFING PIXIES! And you know what? I agree with Amy! That girl, along with all of you insanely obsessed Twilight fangirls, need help! You all also need to acquire a sense of taste! Because if you love Twilight then the odds are you probably have no taste whatsoever!
Why do many girls love that creepy Gary Stu?! I mean Twilight is Godawful! Edward is a creepy stalker & Gary Stu, who's only loved by the fangirls because he's hot! Bella is an annoying bitch & a Mary Sue! And Twilight pretty much raped vampires! VAMPIRES DON'T EFFING SPARKLE! ALL THE "VAMPIRES" IN TWILIGHT AREN'T VAMPIRES! THEY'RE EFFING PIXIES! And you know what? I agree with Amy! That girl, along with all of you insanely obsessed Twilight fangirls, need help! You all also need to acquire a sense of taste! Because if you love Twilight then the odds are you probably have no taste whatsoever!
I can no longer relate to the obsession with Edward Cullen. But that's because I'm more obsessed with Jacob *LOL* So I can definitely understand the "obsession" bit of it. As to whether one would need professional help, that all depends on the individual I think. If life is completely disrupted and the obsessed fan FEELS that a change needs to be made, or the people around the obsessed fan feels that things are getting "outr of hand" then maybe professional help is the only way. But many obsessed fans can carry on without necessarily messing up their "life-before-Twilight".
I enjoyed reading these comments.
I have been "addicted" to Twilight, but only in a fun way. It is only a problem if it gets in the way of leading your own life!
Perhaps if the media stopped pushing easy sex, porn and loveless relationships, women wouldn't get addicted to Twilight.
I have a Jungian take on the Twilight Saga. I think every character in it represents a part of me. It's given me a great chance to take a deep look at myself.
It would be a good topic for intense therapy for anyone.
Spoiler alert:
That loss of love you feel that you think Edward has, is something you missed out on as a child, trust me.
To all who confessed, your stories are all almost similar to mine! I happened to enjoy this "obsession" in a healthy way, i read the books, i have the brick-thick copies, i bought Twi-related mags (believe me, an odd selection, fr teen mags to GQ to Details!)
My husband knew, and this doesn't mean i love him less, he even bought those things for me, just because he know i like them! This is just a type of interest i'd say, guys DO obsessed with things too, are they going to therapy? I don't think so!
As for why women fell in love with Edward, it's because he's a remarkable character. A portrait of what's missing from today's men characteristics. And for you guys who rants and bashes Edward in foul language and cruel ways - you might want to instrospect your OWN "shining qualities"!
Wow some of these comments are just plain disturbing!
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