Fangirl Essentials - "Claiming" Characters

This is a practice that stirs up a lot of hostility in the fangirl community. You know what it is. You've done it. Maybe you're even doing it now.

Claiming Characters is when a fangirl decides to stand up and say that a character is "hers" or that the character "is" her.

The innocent, non-aggressive practice of Claiming is no big deal. In fact, it encourages a love for fandoms, and helps stimulate the "fangirl ecology". However...

Humans, by nature, are territorial jerks. If something is "theirs", they will always feel entitled to it. They will not want to share. They will not accept anyone's input on the item, because they believe that they and only they can understand the item.

Bitches, get off your high horses.

You do not have to share, because he is not yours. The manga-ka (or creator) is sharing with you. Appreciate this. Be thankful for this. Do not be selfish concerning this.

There will always be somebody who understands him better than you do.

Alternate Universe is usually bullshit.

No matter how similar you are, you are not this character.

If somebody pairs this character with somebody you don't like, don't flip out. It's their opinion. None of your business.

He does not care about you. Even if you were put into the 2D world, this fact would hold true.

If he were real, and met with you, he would not care about you.

You are a fan, and therefore nothing but a spectator. Learn to be humble.

Don't write fanfiction about this character, because it will be biased, and probably bad.

Don't pretend this character is a part of your family.

It may be hard, but try not to fantasize about this character being affectionate towards you. No pairing the character with yourself. Under any circumstances.

This has been mostly an anger rant. I used to do this, along with a large group of friends, so I never saw how wrong it was. Nobody ever told me about the millions of other girls doing the same things with the same characters... and when I ventured outside my circle, into the internet I discovered how HEAD BASHINGLY ANNOYING these fifteen year olds could be.
Do your fandom a favor, and just be a fan.