Imaginary Friends Are Too Awesome…

Imaginary friends are a phenomenon in psychology and psychiatry. They are usually translated as “imaginary companions” or “fantasy playmates,” though there is no standard translation. Normally, they are fantasy companions that appear during childhood. Imaginary friends are played with as if they were real and function as companions who support a child’s mental well-being. Imaginary friends are rarely revealed to others and eventually disappear. This phenomenon is mainly observed in firstborn or only children, appearing at around 5-6 or 10 years of age and disappearing during childhood. It is a normal part of child development. The appearance is often human, but can also be animals, fairies, etc. Researchers differ on whether visible objects like teddy bears that the child can talk to should be included as imaginary friends.

I’ve been talking with mine for ages

On an internet forum, a discussion about imaginary friends began. Though imaginary friends typically disappear during childhood, the thread starter spoke about still having one as an adult.

• [5] What exactly is it like? Can you see them?

[6] I can sometimes see them [7] Everyone should create one. I’ve had mine since I was little

• [8] I imagine they only say things you want to hear. Do you ever argue with them?

[9] No. We’ve always gotten along well

• [10] Mine often appears when I’m holding back on something

[11] It’s comforting, right?

• [12] How do you create one?
• [13] Reminds me of “Goodnight Punpun”

“Goodnight Punpun” is a popular Japanese picture book about a little girl’s interactions with an imaginary friend named “Punpun” who appears when she gets angry. It’s one of the picture books that many Japanese people remember from their childhood.

[14] Mine has been around since my earliest memories [15] The game “Beyond” might be close to the feeling of having an imaginary friend

• [16] What does it look like when you can see it?

[17] It changes every time. Sometimes it’s a cat, sometimes a book [19] It would be best if it appeared looking like Tifa though

“Tifa” is a character from the popular game “Final Fantasy 7,” a woman known for her long black hair and fighting style. She is one of the most beloved characters among gamers.

• [20] Are they limited to words you already know? When I dream, sometimes unfamiliar words appear. Is this something different?
• [21] You’ll get possessed

[22] They tell me things I don’t know at all. Sometimes they point out mistakes on tests [23] That won’t happen. We’ve been together for about 15 years

• [24] Amazing. I want one too
• [25] Since you’re copying a new personality into yourself, your brain might get confused about which is the real you. Though more likely, you’ll develop schizophrenia

[26] It’s not about being the “real” me – it’s beyond that dimension. They’re completely separate beings from me

• [27] Is it different from what they call a tulpa?

“Tulpa” is a term derived from Tibetan Buddhism, referring to an intentionally created imaginary entity. In online communities, it’s used to describe consciously created mental companions or entities.

[28] It’s similar

• [29] So they’re different then

[30] I just looked it up, and tulpas have specific creation methods. Everyone should try it

• [31] Artificial spirits, tulpas, imaginary friends – they’re all pretty much the same thing, aren’t they?

[32] My imaginary friend has helped me even more than my parents. I’m truly grateful

As the discussion deepened, the thread transformed from a topic of mere curiosity to a place where participants shared their own experiences. The focus shifted from debating the existence of imaginary friends to exchanging personal stories.

• [33] Do they always respond when you talk to them?

[34] Always

• [36] Mine doesn’t speak…

[37] You need to talk to them many times

• [38] Mine doesn’t speak but communicates through actions

[39] Ah, I kind of understand. When I mentioned the cat form earlier, I was talking about a cat that just stares at me

• [40] That’s exactly it. It looks like they’re just standing there, but the position they stand in and the direction they look at has meaning
• [41] Internet forum people are kind of like imaginary friends, so I’m good
• [43] When you make real friends, those friends get cursed to death, as usual

“~ as usual” is Japanese internet slang used to ironically describe common patterns or predictable developments. Here, it’s a joking reference to the horror fiction trope where “when a protagonist with an imaginary friend makes a real friend, the imaginary friend becomes jealous and causes something bad to happen.”

[44] I have friends, and I’ve had girlfriends before

• [45] They feel like something different from friends or girlfriends

[46] This. It’s closer to family

• [47] Don’t you feel empty doing such senile things?
• [49] Do they help you when you’re having a hard time? Or do they become weak along with you?
• [50] I think mine is the type that helps

[51] Sometimes they help, and sometimes they give me harsh words

• [52] Hmm, that’s impressive. If they’re not just influenced by your own consciousness, that could be really beneficial
• [53] I don’t know how the mechanism works, but they often notice things I don’t, which is really helpful