Even without falling in love, many people can take emotional and verbal cues from characters they see portrayed in fiction. Romantic feelings are just one way fictional characters can affect our real life. [1] X Research source
Your fantasy can take any kinds of forms. You may picture a physical relationship, or maybe imagine getting married and living your lives together. A more active imagination might even consider how the relationship would end, including divorce, combat, or death. All things are possible with your imagination.
Let your imagination run wild. If you are love with this character, consider what they do that attract you, and depict them doing more of it. Include yourself, creating a world where the two of you can be together. If you’re more of a visual person, try sketching or drawing your fictional character instead. Visual work can be just as imaginative as the written word.
Just remember, if you are a character in your stories, to avoid posting personal details. You don’t want someone to be able to track you down based on private information that you made easily available online. Some people have been able to make a lot of money off of their fan fiction. These are the exceptions, so while you may be willing to publish your work online, don’t be surprised if only a few other diehards read it. [6] X Research source
If you are unable to stop fantasizing on your own, consider therapy or antidepressants to help break free. Discuss this option with a doctor if you are concerned about your ability to function.
Try to look for your character’s flaws or negative aspects. If he doesn’t have any, that itself is a flaw. No one is perfect, and you wouldn’t be okay with a real relationship where nothing was wrong with your partner. [9] X Research source Sometimes it helps to have other people say these things to you to make them more real. Discuss your desire to cut yourself off from this fictional world with your friends. They can help you of things that are real, and what isn’t.
This step is also important when considering how you react to characters you don’t like. Certain types of people are depicted in specific ways to get a reaction from you. For example, teacher characters can be shown as cranky old people who want their students to fail. While some of these people exist, that hardly represents them, and shouldn’t affect the way you interact with real teachers, especially those who are younger and friendly. [10] X Research source
Don’t read the books, watch the shows or movies, or do anything involving that character. This also means avoiding websites that talk about this fictional world. You wouldn’t want to stalk an ex on Facebook, so don’t give yourself a similar opportunity here.
For teenagers and young adults who have not yet experienced death, fictional worlds can be a good entrance to thinking about and discussing the issue. Consider sharing your feelings with others. You may find this can be a good way to start talking about serious issues in your real life as well. [13] X Research source
Just be careful about spoilers when dealing with popular books, movies, or TV shows. In the modern world, people don’t always experience things together, meaning some people won’t see things as soon as you do. If you posting on a public forum like Twitter, keep your comments vague, saying “I can’t believe that happened” rather than “Why did they kill my favorite character. ” Keep the details for people you know are on the same schedule as you. [15] X Research source
Reread or rewatch the parts of the book or show where your fictional love appears. The great thing about fictional worlds like this is that we can always go back. Look for other ways to keep the character in front of you, whether writing your own fan fiction, or drawing the character so you can see him again.
Alternatively, you can take a break from the show or book. If you are truly emotionally afflicted by what has happened, you’ll want to take some time away from this fictional world to make sure it isn’t overly affecting your real life.
