unpopular opinion: sometimes... fandom isn't that important. sometimes fandom isn't "that deep" to someone. sometimes people don't interact within the fandom and like to watch from afar. sometimes people just want to look at cool art or read cool fanfics, and that's it.
let's normalize fandom being a hobby or an interest and not a lifestyle. normalize taking a step back, taking time off and disconnecting from fandom without feeling bad. it's okay and healthy to prioritize yourself over media instead of consuming it 24/7. it's okay to set boundaries and enjoy something the way you need.
on the other hand, it's okay to like fandom. it's okay to enjoy it to the point of it being your main interest and something you put a lot of effort into. if that's what suits you, then cool! but also realize that not everyone is as into it as you are and it's important to not take personal offence to things unrelated to you. respect other people's boundaries, as well as your own!
i'm going to clarify some things i've seen in response to this post:
i made this post because the fandom i'm in is the first one i've actually interacted with entirely online (thanks, pandemic!). i've enjoyed it but i've also experienced people who take "fandom as a lifestyle" way too far and proceed to take fandom discourse to a personal level. they've attacked me, personally, as well as others. i then realized that i have a life outside of this drama and decided that it's really not even that important, in the grand scheme of things. how people online, who i will most likely never meet irl, think about me really doesn't matter. i know my worth and value and it doesn't lie within a fandom.
it's very easy to get "sucked" into fandom life, especially nowadays. it's important to keep yourself in check and remind yourself that sometimes, it's not that deep - fandom discourse sucks, but in retrospect, it's inevitable and doesn't need to be taken so seriously. finding a healthy relationship with fandom is important and not taking things out on other people is just as important!
