rant!!

As someone who's recently stumbled upon the concept of yumeshipping, I can totally relate to the confusion expressed in the original post. Yumeshipping, which involves fans shipping themselves with fictional characters, might seem unusual to outsiders but makes a lot of sense within fandom culture. It’s essentially a way for people to explore their emotional connection and affection for beloved characters in a creative and personal way. I found that understanding yumeshipping required recognizing it not just as a fan activity but as a form of self-expression. Many participants create original characters (OCs) or alter egos that interact with their favorite fictional personas in narratives or artwork. This practice can boost self-confidence and help fans relate more deeply to the stories they cherish. Interestingly, the post touches on 'non-sharing yumeshippees,' which refers to people who don’t share their yumeshipping preferences publicly, possibly due to fear of judgment. In my experience, fan communities can be judgmental, so it’s understandable why many keep this private. However, it’s important to acknowledge that shipping oneself with a popular character like Deadpool or even lesser-known ones is a valid way to express fandom. Yumeshipping often receives unfair criticism, as the post notes. Having been part of various fandoms, I’ve witnessed firsthand how shipping oneself with a character can be met with disdain or confusion. Yet, this practice is just another way people connect with storytelling and fandom culture without harming anyone. Overall, embracing yumeshipping or similar fan activities fosters creativity and helps fans explore their identities within a safe space. While it can seem strange initially, it is part of the diverse ways people engage with fiction and community. If you’re confused or skeptical, I encourage you to approach it with an open mind—you might be surprised by how meaningful these creative expressions can be to those involved.