Hyperfixations and things I like a lot

Idk if this is a ocd theme but it's something I've been thinking for years and I have this doubt about it. I luv Elvis Presley a lot and I can't help but feeling that sometimes I don't deserve being a fan, like, sometimes I feel like I'm not THAT obsessed with him and that I need to be more and more obsessed with him in order to be a true fan. That feeling worsens when I forget things about him that everyone in the fandom knows, I have thoughts like "You're just a poser" "you shouldn't be in this fandom" It's not that of a big deal but it bothers me because it makes me feel so false (?) :/ Does anyone have this thoughs/feelings too with the things their love or with their hyperfixations? I'm curious to hear that I'm not the only one 💔💔(I'm sorry If this isn't ocd related, I just had the doubt)

PeterD

Date posted: 2d

I used to have little drives like that. But I was fortunate enough to not let it get to me whole bunch. I don’t deal with that much now. I feel pretty comfortable and confident in my own skin regardless of what others think. That took a long time for me to achieve that and I’m actually still working on it. But I feel the feeling that you are referring to is related to OCD. It seems like it would fall in line with the SYMMETRY and ORDER pillar of obsessions and compulsions. Sort of a perfectionism or specific hierarchy of knowledge that we are “ supposed” to have in order to achieved a status. In your case, a guru of Elvis 😊 or expert. Something like that. I guess when I felt like this, it wasn’t ever too significant. But it did impact me. What I did, more often unconsciously, was to delve deep into the subject and slowly, but surely become very knowledgeable about the subject, as well as engaging in the activities or likeness of the subject of possible. One thing I used to sort of leverage is what psychoanalysts would call sublimation (sort of, if someone has a better idea of what process or system I used, let me know). Because of that feeling, I would slowly but surely achieve the ideal that I was after. Whether or not that ideal was knowing everything about punk rock, or boxing, or grilling, camping, etc., AND I would give myself a very graceful timeline to learn the information and in the meantime, enjoy the activity and not put myself in a situation that would allow me to be “ found out” as a poser. In all reality I am and was not, just like you are not a poser. It is just who we are, and we might not be the best at it or be the all knowing of a subject or ideal, but really enjoy it. And focus on yourself and your enjoyment. Definitely don’t try to be perfect. I also use other little cognitive techniques to help. Maybe look up cognitive techniques to lessen the negative effects of perfectionism or I’m sure our NOCD therapist(s) and/or community will have some exposure tools to help quell those angsty feelings. Hope this helps a little. ❤️

Se3ther

Date posted: Yesterday

I think it makes sense that it's part of the symmetry/order ocd, I do feel sometimes that this is like a pyramid of fans, the most obsessed fans being at the top while the newbies (like me) stay in the lower level. I do know that everyone in that fandom is kind to newbies but it is kinda annoying having those thoughts when I just wanna enjoy the time and the moment with the amount of knowledge that I have. Thanks a lot for the help and the wonderful words!!! 💝💝💝 :3

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