Fan but not a Super Fan

I'm starting this thread to help get some things off my chest, not that it's super serious or anything like that, just some idle musings I've had. Now, I really like anime (which is why I'm on this site) but I never really feel any huge urge to discuss what shows and stuff I like to other people I know, even though they like anime as well (even if it's not on the same level as me). Of course I'd really like to talk about shows and stuff with other people but I just never feel motivated to do it in person. On the internet it's all good and fine, but just not in real life. I also don't own any anime merchandise except for a few Ryu (Street Fighter) figures and that's it. If you were to meet me in person you would never guess that I like anime and I don't feel the need to show off my love of it to the world. Even with all that, I still feel the urge to talk to someone -anyone- about shows I'm watching this season and to get to know other people that are the same. This feels more like an introduction, so to help make this board relevant, does anyone else feel like this as well? Do you keep it mostly to yourself, or do you feel the need to proclaim to everyone how much of an anime otaku you are? Thanks for reading this thread, even if you don't post in it.

I do actually feel this way as well. It's like... I got into anime because of my Japanese friends. They got me into One Piece. I am a casual fan and I like other anime as well, of course. But, I feel weird when people start telling me about why they don't like One Piece or why their taste in anime is more refined because the art and plot lines etc. Unlike you, I have a collection of weird One Piece merchandise. (Mostly stuff for my car) But, I don't brag about them or anything. If people want to chat about it, then I will share. I do like to talk to people about what I am watching, but I am a very casual fan, I don't even know what this season's anime is cause I don't keep up with anything besides One Piece. I really don't have all the time to keep up. So, you're not alone, I too am a more casual fan, not afraid to admit it, and not seeking to be anything more. :P

I got into anime by just deciding one day to start watching it, I can't really explain it. I usually like to watch several shows a season (mostly the average cute girls doing cute things shows and RomComs but I'll watch whatever catches my fancy), for example GochiUsa, Kawaisou, Daimidaler, and Mangaka-san, and keep up with them as soon as the latest episode comes out for each show. I think this might be why I feel the way I do is because I got into it without any outside help, just decided to do it one day and never looked back.

Well these days it's hard to make a living, so you got to budget everything including your own personal time to be honest. For me personally, anime & manga is just a small yet special part of who I am. To put it in simpler terms, it's not my life but the spice that adds flavor to it ^_^.

Well, I like how anime gets people interested in Japanese culture and language, and it also brings my friends and I closer together. In the case of One Piece everyone knows it even if they don't watch it, so while not all watch it, many Japanese will know what you're talking about if you mention it. I think that is what motivated me to keep up with it. Not to mention the manga is particularly helpful to memorize kanji. (Though it's mostly nautical words! :P) As far as anime goes, I can't stand sickeningly cute stuff. I even tried to watch some things and I just stared at it then went, "No... I can't stand this." oddly enough I can't stand super violent anime either. I find it ironic when my dude friends talk to me that they like something ridiculously cute and I just want to gag watching it. I think for me J-rock and visual kei makes me what I am. :P Less people relate to that, though. Even in Japan, so finding some pop culture many enjoy, like anime has helped me out.

I tend to not tell anyone anything about anime. Most people I know have their suspicions about me liking it. Although I do not hide it - I choose to not discuss it. Mainly because I'd get much unwanted attention. I'm a hermit and like keeping to myself. I am in no way shy - just - people get irritating after a time. Plus - the whole anime connection thing is tedious. Yea we could like the same anime - But more often than not the other person will subconsciously test if you're a "True Fan" of whatever it is in question. I don't like people that start confrontation based on liking certain anime or knowing enough about it - I avoid those people that are seriously being standoffish for what one knows or doesn't know about something. Long story short - we're both alike man.