Matt Duffy
New member
There were a couple messages in another thread that seemed to be questioning themselves. <BR> <BR>"Is it OK for me to be so obsessed?" <BR> <BR> It's a perfectly innocent question and deserves an honest answer. <BR> <BR> It's OK. You don't need a permission slip. Come back here anytime for validation if you feel the need. But you don't need permission. We are all here because we share the same interests. Your obsession is always welcome. <BR> <BR> I am as obsessed as anyone. See <A HREF="http://www.FirstTracksOnline.com/determination.htm" TARGET="_top">http://www.FirstTracksOnline.com/determination.htm</A> for proof that I'm as much a freak as you or anyone else. There is no reason to feel any shame for being passionate about something in your life. I'd be ashamed if I DIDN'T have something like that. Life would be dull. <BR> <BR> Don't let it bother you if the people that surround you don't understand. Your family will at least come to respect that you love it. They may not understand it, but you'll know it's OK with them when you start getting "ski stuff" for Christmas & Birthday presents. <BR> <BR> I once had a girlfriend whom I lived with for two years. I thought she was so perfect. I was deleriously happy, until... It became apparent that she didn't understand like I thought she did. She started trying to make me feel ashamed for spending so much time on skis. She wanted me to feel immature. In her perfect world, I would have said "Oh wow, you're right. What was I thinking?" , but I didn't. Instead, I became angry and fought with her. I was right, and I still am right. But she is gone. <BR> <BR> Point is, she was with me because she saw potential. While we did have a lot of fun; she didn't respect who I was, but who she thought I could be, or who she wanted me to be. That just isn't the way it works. <BR> <BR> You be your own animal. Be who you want to be and if you love something, I say go for it!