Is it normal that i take on the thoughts/feelings of movie characters?

87% Normal
15 Comments

When I watch a movie (or read a book or watch a TV show) I tend to take on the feelings/thoughts of that story in my daily life. For example, I'm currently watching a TV series about a group of adults who all go back to their high school hometown. All of the past loves, past feelings, past drama is brought up in them and there is tension and anxiety as well as good reunions. I go about my day now almost pretending I'm one of them (except it is subconscious--not actually pretending in a way that I know I'm doing it).
This actually really bothers me because if I watch something upsetting, I become deeply upset in a way I can't control.
Is this normal? Am I crazy? I've heard this is something actors struggle with a lot. How do I stop doing this!?

Voting Results
87% Normal
Based on 39 votes (34 yes)
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Comments ( 15 )
  • KeddersPrincess
    11 years ago

    I've always found myself doing this for years. Except, I don't really pick up in the emotions, if that makes any sense at all. I don't know what that is, but I often thought I was the only one who did it.

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    • flyinlion
      11 years ago

      It makes sense to me :)
      I don't get emotional when I watch movies either, if that's what you're saying. It is hypnotic, as someone above said--not something that I'm aware of on the surface.

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  • Energy
    11 years ago

    That's what good shows and movies are suppose to do.

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  • NotStrangeBird
    11 years ago

    You should avoid "the Texas chainsaw massacre" or like movies for obvious reasons.

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  • q25t
    11 years ago

    I do the same and so mandatory school reading was always a problem. I had to read Crime and Punishment my senior year in HS and I was depressed for weeks. Then we were assigned Metamorphosis after that and I simply didn't read it as I had no idea how that one would affect me.

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    • flyinlion
      11 years ago

      YES. I had the same problem as well! Even 'stupid' books (as in, not intended to be school reading types) suck me in. I remember being Lena from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for wayyyy too long when that book came out.
      I'm so glad I'm not the only one :)

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  • thanksforthefreecar
    11 years ago

    Don't watch sad films. Although if you watched comedies you might end up acting stupid.

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  • kelili
    11 years ago

    I once heard that when we watch a film we are in a state of hypnosis.

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    • flyinlion
      11 years ago

      That's fascinating! It makes sense....Thanks for that tid bit :)

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  • jucedaguy
    11 years ago

    You could start by getting of the meth?

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    • flyinlion
      11 years ago

      Haha... I'm not on Meth or any other drugs. And it's not Breaking Bad--it is a show called October Road that I found on Hulu!

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    • SirSlenderMan
      11 years ago

      Breaking Bad would do that to ya. I guess it's understandable.

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      • jucedaguy
        11 years ago

        Yeah true, what would happen if OP watch a "shameless" marathon?

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        • SirSlenderMan
          11 years ago

          Sounds like a good time lol. Shameless is great.

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          • jucedaguy
            11 years ago

            Vernon Francis is my hero. He proves any one can get some totty.

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