Tyson_Chandler
Newbie
I'm pretty new to LARP. It was something that I always wanted to participate in but never could find anyone else to join in with me. In fact, most of my friends laughed at me and told me the whole thing was a joke. Also, the expense of equipment and dress caused some delay while I put aside the funds necessary to begin like I wanted to. Long story short...once I became involved in LARP, a new world opened up to me. For most of my life, I've enjoyed playing sports like basketball, baseball, football, etc. While playing football, I even took ballet lessons to help with being light on my feet. But after my first LARP battle, I realzied I could never enjoy sports the same way. I was hooked. It was also somewhat ironic that it took me getting into character to find out who I really was.
My problem is that not many of my friends know that I particpate in LARP. Their opinion is that it's stupid and a waste of time. The first and only thing they think of when they hear LARP is Augie from the movie Role Models. I used to think that movie was funny but now I realize the damage its done to LARP. Anyway, I'm scared to even mention it most of the time and if I am going to a LARP event instead of doing something with them, I always say I have to work or do something else.
The thing is that all of them totally love the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Game of Thrones. They also play RPG video games all the time. So I know if they would every actually play LARP and let their guard down, they would really see what it's all about. But I just can't get the point where I want to bring it up in front of them. The other thing is, they will spend hours playing basketball. Other than the actual sport, how is that any better than me spending my time with LARP? I hate not being open with them and I'm ashamed that I can't just be straight with them.
I guess my question is what/how/if you guys deal with people (especially friends) that don't appreciate or respect what I choose to do and find enjoyable??? Have any of you been able to "convert" any friends that initally looked down on LARP?
My problem is that not many of my friends know that I particpate in LARP. Their opinion is that it's stupid and a waste of time. The first and only thing they think of when they hear LARP is Augie from the movie Role Models. I used to think that movie was funny but now I realize the damage its done to LARP. Anyway, I'm scared to even mention it most of the time and if I am going to a LARP event instead of doing something with them, I always say I have to work or do something else.
The thing is that all of them totally love the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Game of Thrones. They also play RPG video games all the time. So I know if they would every actually play LARP and let their guard down, they would really see what it's all about. But I just can't get the point where I want to bring it up in front of them. The other thing is, they will spend hours playing basketball. Other than the actual sport, how is that any better than me spending my time with LARP? I hate not being open with them and I'm ashamed that I can't just be straight with them.
I guess my question is what/how/if you guys deal with people (especially friends) that don't appreciate or respect what I choose to do and find enjoyable??? Have any of you been able to "convert" any friends that initally looked down on LARP?