Why am I embarrassed?

[Anonymous]

Over quarantine, DS, DH and I really got into Harry Potter. It started with the books, which we all read together back in March when we weren’t working for those couple weeks, and it progressed into the movies, and then became completely all consuming, but in a good way. Over the summer we scoured eBay and other retailers for memorabilia. We grew quite the collection and have even revamped our lower level/basement family room into a HP shrine of sorts, with framed images and other items on the walls, lighted display cases for our memorabilia, etc. For Christmas our extended family embraced our fandom and we received some unique gifts. But we aren’t on social media or anything so others don’t know how much we’ve embraced HP.l, and I’m the worst culprit.

We are having a friend couple over for the very first time since March and I am downright embarrassed for them to see our cache and I don’t know why. It’s weird too, because my friend is the type who goes all out and decorated every corner of her house for every single holiday, so I doubt she will judge me. It just gives me anxiety and I can’t pinpoint why. Help!

[Anonymous]

No support, just enabling- post pandemic you must got to both Universal Orlando parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No support, just enabling- post pandemic you must got to both Universal Orlando parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

You don’t even understand how anxious and excited we are to do this!

[Anonymous]

I read this somewhere and it really rings true:

Enthusiasm is social courage.

Society is very “yeah, whatever.” Be the person who cares about something! Who has an interest! Even if you feel a bit uncomfortable at first. People like you are way more interesting and fun than people whose interests and hobbies are “watching TV and hanging out with friend and family.”

[Anonymous]

there are worse things to be embarrassed about.

[Anonymous]

Because you see Harry Potter as a "guilty pleasure," because it's not sophisticated or adult or whatever, rather than just something you enjoy. Let that feeling go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No support, just enabling- post pandemic you must got to both Universal Orlando parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

You don’t even understand how anxious and excited we are to do this!

I am excited for you! They’re amazing!

[Anonymous]

I think its cute! Don't be less of who you are--- at least you took an interest in something! The fact that you share it as a family is even better.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I kinda adore and admire you. Not because I'm a harry potter fan, but because I like people who are engaged and passionate about whatever it is that they're into. I'd embrace the quirk and have fun with it!

[Anonymous]

I don’t even like Harry Potter abs I think this is adorable. What a great way to bond, particularly in these difficult times.

[Anonymous]

If you want some lighthearted fun, Amazon is streaming “Puffs”. “Seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic and magic.” It’s a love note, somewhat satirical, view of the time from the perspective of the Hufflepuffs. Yes it pokes some fun at aspects, but it’s heartwarming and very funny. There are some PG - 13 moments in the streaming version. “A play for anyone not destined to save the world.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I read this somewhere and it really rings true:

Enthusiasm is social courage.

Society is very “yeah, whatever.” Be the person who cares about something! Who has an interest! Even if you feel a bit uncomfortable at first. People like you are way more interesting and fun than people whose interests and hobbies are “watching TV and hanging out with friend and family.”

New poster here - I love this!
"Enthusiasm is social courage."

And I'd add...it feels good to care about something and to have a shared interest with your family. We're struggling with that a little right now as the pandemic drags on. Embrace your Harry Potter love!!

[Anonymous]

I would love to come over to your house OP.

[Anonymous]

OP, this has been such a weird year. If you're coming out of it with a family love of Harry Potter, I'd call that a positive thing!

[Anonymous]

I don't know why you're embarrassed. The mass consumerism? Maybe you spent more than you could afford? Maybe you haven't had a hobby in a long time and you don't know how it feels as an adult and worry you should be more productive? Maybe you think it's for kids? We can't know.

if I came over and saw that I would be uncomfortable. I have hobbies and interests, but when I spend money on them they are for experiences, rather than products.

Maybe just ... don't bring any more stuff into the house and for your next HP indulgence re-read the books or cook the foods they mention if any (I know nothing about HP), or re-enact your favorite scenes with your family, or after Covid, go to the HP amusement parks.