From the outside my existence is boring. I stay inside all day. I don’t go out unless I have to because I’ve been bullied even as an adult for what I look like, so I just never go out to avoid people potentially judging me. I recently moved across the world and aside from my wife who works alot, I have no friends or family. I’m pretty much alone in the universe, tucked away in my corner.
I realized that’s why I read. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t go out and join a club or volunteer because of the language barrier. And I don’t have a passion that pulls me in like baking, gaming, or playing piano. So if I’m not studying or sitting here letting my mind run wild, I read. It’s like I get to be an observer in other peoples adventures and be entertained while the time passes.
What about you? Why do you read?
Thank you for opening up to us and being vulnerable. Please do try to take care of yourself and try to nudge yourself to venture out a bit. Not all people are judgmental/bad. You deserve human connection (besides only from your wife).
I like just like reading.
I read bc I enjoy it and it simply makes my life and personality better.
Sorry about your social anxiety. Think you should try to step out from your comfort zone. Gonto the gym, have a dancing lesson idk. Many ppl read bc they want to escape and thats fine too… but think you should try to make your life better even if its hard
I read because books are one of my passions. I have been a bookworm since I was a kid.
I think it’s incredible that people don’t think of reading as an escape… It’s just as much of an escape as watching TV or movies or playing video games… Maybe a little less brain damagey, but still an escape.
I read because it’s fun. I read fiction because it allows me to get inside another person’s life and experience new things, even if vicariously. I read non-fiction because I’m curious about stuff.
You owe it to yourself to learn the language. Since you read so much, pick up a book in that language. I’m sure you could find a good suggestion for beginners.
This. You’re always going to feel like this if you don’t try and become apart of the community you are living in. learning a language is also really good for your brain.
Yeah you need to start learning the language of your new country, learn it well and the locals will accept you
I grew up in a small community. Most of us “readers” definitely used reading to escape that existence. I found that reading sometimes prompts me into further interests. Is there a library near you where you could start a reading group to discuss the books you enjoy? You mention a language barrier, so that may be challenging. But you might be able to advertise it as giving other people a chance to speak your language. In fact, I wonder if there are groups, companies, or organizations near you who could use a native English speaker as a resource for their members to practice speaking with.
As someone who was horrendously bullied for years; I’d suggest doing things for yourself, and start brushing off people’s comments. It starts by taking care of your body. It sounds like you’re taking care of your mind fairly well; books are an excellent escape. Go to the gym. Walk/jog in nature. Build yourself up. You deserve it, and you’re much better than people pin you as. The damage bullying has done will never go away, but you can become much stronger from it.
I’d suggest doing things for yourself, and start brushing off people’s comments.
Life is too short to spend serious amounts of time hung up on opinions from internet strangers.
Half of us are idiots.
Half of us are trolls.
Half of us can’t do math anyway.
And the last half is just in a bad mood and taking it out on strangers on the internet.
In any case, we all have literally a million better things to do than worry ‘what will people I don’t know think of me.’
I read because it feels more fulfilling than watching TV. I also wanna write my own book one day and I think reading is a great way to help your writing skills.
The same here. My English isn’t good enough to charm Brits to become my friends. Time has faded away old acquaintances, and distance has taken them away. I no longer have any friends, and I’m losing interest in talking to or meeting new people. So reading is the greatest option in this scenario. You are not by yourself. Being your own buddy is not a bad thing; it is a stage in life that teaches you valuable lessons.
I think all readers like that escapism. Immersing yourself in a new world and everything else ceasing to matter for those few hours.
But do yourself a favour - put yourself out there. Try new things. Learn the local language. See the world. Not many people are lucky enough to move across the world and experience a different culture. Be the hero of your own story.
its pleasurable and also beneficial
I went from extrovert to introvert and turned to books. Life change for the better.