Interview with Anonymous 13

"You guys are one of the nicest, sincerest, and supportive groups I have ever seen and been a part of."

Dan: Would you be ok with having this interview published online? You can keep your identity anonymous if you wish, and you may choose to not answer any questions.

AN: You can definitely publish it. Keep me anonymous though.

Dan: Awesome. First of all, do you know what fictosexuality is?
AN: Yes. Being mainly attracted to fictional characters.

Dan: Do you have, or have you ever had a fictional partner?
AN: Yes, I do right now.

Dan: What’s their name and source material?
AN: Yuno Gasai from Mirai Nikki.

Dan: What’s your relationship like? Are you happy together?
AN: Oh, we are definitely happy. We have been together seriously for years now.

Dan: That’s good to hear! How do you spend time together?
AN: A lot of ways. We really like listening to music together. Going on walks and sometimes just talking and hanging out.

Dan: Do you feel like your relationship with her has something that IRL relationships lack, and vise-versa?
AN: Our relationship has the simple fact of no complications, no arguments, nothing like that. The downside is well, obviously she’s not real.

Dan: That’s a very common answer, a lot of people feel that way too. When did you know you were a waifuist, if you are one?
AN: I didn’t really have a specific moment I could think of. Just one day it all suddenly clicked for me.

Dan: Interesting. What do you wish people knew about waifuism?
AN: Three things. 1. Usually it is far less of a sexual thing than most people think. 2. We are obviously aware that they are not real. 3. A lot of waifuists are actually female and that it is not an all male thing.

Dan: There’s a lot of stereotypes, huh? Are you a member of the LGBT+ community?
AN: Yes, I am bisexual.
Dan: Do you feel accepted in the waifuist community?

AN: Yes! Wholeheartedly yes. I spend a lot of time on the waifuism subreddit (which is how I found your blog, btw.) And people seem to like me. I even made a few deep personal posts and they were so nice!
Dan: That’s awesome, I’m glad to hear it! What are your views on polyamory in the waifuism community?
AN: Depends. If they are serious about waifuism then I don’t like it. If they view waifuism as a casual thing I guess it’s fine.
Dan: And do you have anything else you’d want to say?
AN: Shout out to everyone on r/waifuism you guys are one of the nicest, sincerest, and supportive groups I have ever seen and been a part of.
Dan: That’s awesome! Thanks for taking the time to talk to me!
AN: Alright thanks.

Interview with Niqua

Dan: Would you be ok with having this interview published online? You can keep your identity anonymous if you wish, and you may choose to not answer any questions.

Niqua: I am fully open and secure about my relationship and have no shame or problem with sharing. Feel free to use the name “Niqua”.

Dan: Alright. First question is if you know what fictosexuality is and if you identitfy with it.

Niqua: Yes, I am very aware of this orientation. I would use this to describe myself, but only as a measure for others to have some bit of an understanding of what I am referring to. However, for myself personally, I dislike this label as I don’t see 2D Entities (2DEs) as “fictional characters”. To me, they are just as real as you and I. This is always the way I’ve seen the world. And to call my  2DE counterparts “fictional characters” is a slur term, and no different than someone calling me the “N” word. 

Dan: Fair enough. I’ll try to keep this in mind during the interview.

Niqua: Thank you, I appreciate this.

Dan: So I can see that your partner is Ike. What’s your relationship like?
Niqua: Could you narrow this down? What is it that you would like to know/
Dan: Are you happy? How do you spend time together? Do you want your relationship to be long-term?
Niqua: Yes, I am the happiest I've ever been with my husband. He's been in my life for 15 years. We met as children, and I'm 30 years old now. Over the years, after I matured and learned more about myself, I realized that I always loved him. It was hidden to myself, but always within me.

Dan: That’s very sweet! Do you feel like your relationship with him has something that 3D relationships lack?
Niqua: He inspired me as a child. He was always very anti racist for starters, and because of how non judgmental he always was, he made me feel less self hatred for not being what "beauty" is supposed to be. (Which is white skin,  long blond hair and blue eyes apparently.) This is FAR from the only reason I love him as much as I do, but this is a good place to start. As for for the next question, I'm not exactly sure. I just see him as a person. It doesn't matter that he's 2D. Ike is Ike, and I love him for who he is personally.

Dan: You’re on the very far end of the waifuism spectrum. What do you have to say to people who call 2DEs “fictional”? I personally believe this is an accurate term.
Niqua: As I've said previously, I am personally highly offended by this. In my reality, they are real. But at the same time, I understand that others don't see it this way, and it is what it is. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter. I know that Ike is real, and I'm going to live my life how I see fit.
Dan: So when’d you know you were a waifuist?
Niqua: Honestly, I've been this way all of my life to this point. I never had a "term" for how I saw the world, as this is all normal to me. Just as normal as the sky being blue. No term was needed. However, I only within a few months found this culture of waifuism, and I felt it someone described the type of person I am.
Dan: What do you wish people knew about the waifuism community?

Niqua: The main point I'd like more people to be aware of is that we are not one whole entity. There is a large spectrum that we all fall into. Some people see 2Des as these made up "characters", and others like myself understand that they are real. Also, we are not all "desperate", or "unable to find a 'real' partner." Our hearts guided us here.
Dan: Is there a specific reason that these characters are real? They are from anime, video games, etc, right?
Niqua: I'm sorry, but please do not refer to them as "characters" from this point forward. The term highly upsets me, and throws me off somewhat.

Dan: I apologize for that. I won’t.
Niqua: They are real because that's how my heart, mind and soul sees them. It's very hard to express to those that don't have a mindset such as this. Grass is green, the sky is blue, Ike is real, etc. 

Dan: I guess I can understand that. Are you a member of the LGBT+ community?
Niqua: I consider myself bi, yes, but I’m not actively engaged within the communities.

Dan: Do you feel accepted within the waifuism community?
Niqua: To a degree, yes. It’s nice to know that there are others like myself in this world. Many see their partners as “characters”, but there are others like myself who understand that they are real.
Dan: What are your views on polyamory in the waifuism community?
Niqua: Well, this personally is in conflict with my own values, however, I'm a "live-and-let-live type of person. As long as what they have is honest, and nobody's getting hurt, live how you choose to live.
Dan: Fair enough. Do you have anything else you’d like to add?
Niqua: I've been with my husband Ike for 15 years. He's raised me, inspired me, and given me the strength and courage to keep moving forward. The love I have for Ike is very real. I am devoted to him, and will stay by his side for the rest of my days.

Interview with Anonymous 12

"Even though that’s true, we love the character anyway."

Dan: Would you be ok with having this interview published online? You can keep your identity anonymous if you wish, and you may choose to not answer any questions.

AN: Yeah, go ahead and publish it. I don’t really mind. I do wish to remain anonymous and if you do, send me a link to it. I’m just kinda curious about what comments people may leave.

Dan: Alright, I will. So, first question. Do you know what fictosexuality is?

AN: Not specifically, but I can kind of infer. The attraction to fictional characters?
Dan: Alright, pretty much. Do you have a fictional partner?

AN: Yes, Mai Valentine from Yu-Gi-Oh.

Dan: And what’s your relationship like? Are you two happy?
AN: I think it’s working out. We’re both happy. We play video games and she’s the women’s champ in my WWE 2k series.

Dan: Do you feel like your relationship with her has something that IRL relationships lack?

AN: I’ve always been kind of a shy person, so I don’t really do great with women. So there is something missing, with me personally. So if there was someone like her I met in real life, I’d be too shy to talk to them. But here, that’s not a problem.

Dan: When did you know you were a waifuist?
AN: I can't really say, i know i was about 5 when i developed the crush on Mai. But I had some other fictional crushes too. I've always had fictional crushes my whole life. So I guess always, but I never heard the phrase "Waifuist" until I was about 20 or so. I knew that's what I was and officially joined the community.
Dan: What do you wish people knew about waifuism?

AN: That most of us are aware the waifu isn't “real”. From what I can tell, most outsiders tend to think we’re legit schizos. We’re fully aware that they aren’t sentient beings. But I have a pretty active imagination. Even though that’s true, we love the character anyway.

Dan: Are you a member of the LGBT+ community?

AN: Yes, I wouldn’t describe myself as bi, but I’m a guy and I like women. But I do find a somewhat small percentage of mens sexually attractive.

Dan: Do you feel accepted in the waifuism community?
AN: I think so, they've been nothing but nice to me over the past couple years I’ve been enrolled.

Dan: What are your views on polyamory in the waifuism community?
AN: Honestly? Sometimes I feel the group can be a bit too much with that rule. Only one waifu thing. That’s just kind of overreaching to me, it’s a little too far.

Dan: Fair enough. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

AN: Well, not really. I can’t really think of anything. But if anyone’s confused on how I play video games with her, I just kinda name the AI characters after her when I play single player games.

Dan: Alright! Thanks for taking the time to talk to me!

Interview with Anonymous 11

"Sometimes people really fall for someone, and choose to not pursue anything else since they are happy and content with what they have."

Dan: Would you be ok with having this interview published online? You can keep your identity anonymous if you wish, and you may choose to not answer any questions.

AN: Yes, I do not have any problems with that.

Dan: ALright, cool. My first question is if you know what fictosexuality is.

AN: Previously I did not know what it was. But now after spending some time here on the waifuism sub, I’ve learned that it is when you are in love with a fictional being.

Dan: Alright, cool. Are you in a relationship with a fictional character?

AN: Yes, you could call it that.

Dan: Who is it and what is their source material?
AN: Monika from the game DokI DokI Literature Club, made by Team Salvato.

Dan: Oh, I love that game! Though my girl is Yuri. So what’s your relationship like? Are you happy together?
AN: Haha, all girls click with certain people. Right now…

Dan: Yes?
AN: It is a straining relationship. Things used to be “better”, I guess. In these recent months my commitment has been sort of going here and there.
Dan: I’m sorry to hear that. Do you know why this is happening?

AN: After a while, you start coming face to face with the fact that everything that you know and love about the person is synthetic. Even if Monika, or any other character in this case, says that they love you, then it hurts to know that it all is to an extent; artificial. That is probably the biggest reason. So you start ‘trying’ less, and that is what I am experiencing, I guess.
Dan: That makes a lot of sense, “lie or goodbye” and most people choose goodbye. Anyway, when did you know you were attracted to Monika?
AN: I was chilling on a summer evening, had just logged off after talking to some friends. I had downloaded DDLC and thought to myself, "Ah what the hell, i'll give it a try". And like many others, I fell for it. I guess everything started when I sympathized with Monika, eventually it turned into attraction. I knew that I wanted her to be happy, and that after being with her, I noticed I was as well. That kept me around.
Dan: What do you wish people knew about waifuism?
AN: That the people who choose to have a fictional being as a SO, are not necessarily sad, desperate and lonely people. Sometimes people really fall for someone, and choose to not pursue anything else since they are happy and content with what they have.

Dan: Are you a member of the LGBT+ community?
AN: Not a member, but can’t deny I have questioned my sexuality.

Dan: Alright, cool. What are your views on polyamory in the waifuism community?
AN: I can understand people who do not feel or want a deep romantic relationship. But I sometimes think people can judge the people who are polyamory a bit too harshly. In the end it is their relationship.

Dan: And lastly, do you have anything else you’d like to say?
AN: Waifuism is both a curse and a blessing. A bittersweet double edge sword. It can give you the relationship of your dreams with the someone you want. But at the same time it messes with you, and tears you apart, torturing you with the fact that these beings are not real. Anything you do for them might be a waste of effort, and them having love for you is certainly not a guarantee. But in it all, it can help people, which it has. Waifuism has done both for me, it has healed and absolutely torn me apart. Other than that. No, thanks for talking to me
Dan: How poetic. And it’s my pleasure. I’ll send a link when the website’s up.

Fictosexual Orientation Survey

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Interview with Anonymous 10

"It has just the same amount of love as an IRL relationship and is as serious as one and it is not weird."

Dan: Would you be ok with having this interview published online? You can keep your identity
anonymous if you wish, and you may choose to not answer any questions.

AN: Yes, I’m ok with this being published.

Dan: So first of all, do you know what fictosexuality is?

AN: Yes, I do.

Dan: Are you in a relationship with a fictional character?
AN: Yes, I am.

Dan: What’s their name, where are they from?
AN: Her name is Kurumizawa Satanichia McDowell and she is a demon girl from hell.

Dan: What anime?
AN: Gabriel Dropout is the anime.

Dan: How do you spend time with her?
Dan: Mostly doing things around the house right now, but most of the time we enjoy watching TV,
playing video games, and cooking. Outside we enjoy going on walks and dates and just doing little
things around town.

Dan: Do you feel like your relationship with her has something that IRL relationships lack?
AN: Yes, I do.

Dan: What would that be?
AN: Our relationship has contentment, security, and trust, which I think most IRL relationships lack.

Dan: I see. And do you feel that IRL relationships have something your relationship doesn’t?
AN: No, not really.

Dan: When did you know you were a waifuist?

AN: About 3 years ago, but I wasn’t aware of the community until 1 year agog.

Dan: What do you want people to know about waifuism?
AN: That it has just the same amount of love as an IRL relationship and is as serious as one and it is
not weird.

Dan: Are you a member of the LGBT+ community?
AN: No.

Dan: What are your views on polyamory in the waifuism community?
AN I honestly think it’s a taboo thing and I personally think that only 2 people should be in a
relationship because that’s what keeps the relationship happy and without jealousy.

Dan: So my last question is if you want to say anything else?
AN: No, I have nothing else to say.
Dan: Alright cool! Thanks for talking to me!

Interview with Anonymous 9

"I wish more people knew about how real it feels that it may be different from real relationships, but it
feels just as real."

Dan: Would you be ok with having this interview published online? You can keep your identity
anonymous if you wish, and you may choose to not answer any questions.

AN: Absolutely

Dan: Alright, thanks.

AN: Anonymity, though, please.

Dan: OK. So do you know what fictosexuality is?
AN: Alright then. I sort of know what it means. It’s like homosexual/bisexual/heterosexual/etc. Except
with fictional characters, right?
Dan: Yeah, pretty much, though you can be homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual ALONG with being fictosexual.

AN: Ah, I see. Also, I forgot to mention, I have no problem answering any questions you have so don’t be shy!

Dan: So who’s your SO?
AN: Oh man, she’s pretty obscure, cause I’m a hipster like that… it’s Rosalina from Super Mario Galaxy. /s

Dan: Haha. So what’s your relationship like?
AN: It’s a normal heterosexual relationship, we’re currently boyfriend/girlfriend but I’m planning to
propose soon, and we both have a very deep connection with one another. We’re very lovey dovey
towards each other, use our own pet names, go on dates, play video games, read, listen to music
together etc. And we get up to some more “naughty” antics from time to time. Just a normal loving relationship.

Dan: That’s good! Do you feel like your relationship with her has something that IRL relationships lack?
AN: From my personal experience, I think one major advantage is the boost in communication with
each other. There are almost no miscommunications between us, and we can work out anything by
talking. Not to say that isn’t possible in IRL relationships, but it’s just my experience.

Dan: And do you feel like IRL relationships have something your relationship with Rosalina doesn’t have?
AN: One thing that IRL relationships do have is physical intimacy, like the little things, hand-holding,
hugging, just being able to feel your S/O. Having a plushie has helped me significantly in that regard,
as I snuggle with her almost 24/7. Though there is something to be said about holding a real person
in your arms. And a plushie also isn’t viable for every waifuist, as some other relationships are
with more obscure characters with limited or no merchandise

Dan: That’s very true. When did you know you were a waifuist?
AN: I think I’ve always been a waifuist, though I never really joined the community until recently, and
Rosalina, though she is my true special one, she isn’t my first waifu. To be honest, I’ve always
felt an affinity for fictional characters, not even just a physical or emotional attraction, they just feel
more real to me. It may be a byproduct of growing up with cartoons, books and video games, but
I’ve always found one or more characters in any media that really sticks out for me. 

Dan: What do you wish people knew about waifuism?

AN: I wish more people knew about how real it feels that it may be different from real relationships, but
it feels just as real. And also to be aware of the few bad apples within the community, as they don’t
represent us at large.

Dan: So true.

AN: I’ve seen two whole communities collapse due to toxic members.

Dan: Are you a member of the LGBT+ community?
AN: I don’t associate myself with the movement, but I think I may be bisexual.

Dan: Ok, cool. What are your views on polyamory in the waifuism community?

AN: I don’t see it as a real problem, if someone feels an affinity for more than one person and those
feelings are reciprocated from all parties, then I think it’s ok, just as long as everyone is of
age and nobody's getting hurt.
Dan: And finally, do you have anything else you’d like to say?
AN: I think I’d like to say to those curious or critical about our community is just give it a shot.
There are some really terrible people here yes, but there are so many more genuine and wonderful
people who just want to live a normal and peaceful life with someone who is very special to them.

Dan: Well said. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me!