(07-17-2014, 06:53 PM)Gaspard Wrote: The Problem with Relationship RP's in any form is the Human component. As you 'emulate' your characters love to a person, depending how deep you submerse yourself in your 'role', the more you may actually 'feel' something, even on an artificial level. Some people tend to let the RP influence too strongly, thus creating a vicious feedback cycle where their Real life emotions take charge over their IC habits.
THIS.
I've seen this many times over the years of RP, and thought about it in my last post but didn't want to get too long-winded all at once. I've witnessed quite a few people fall into this trap (or perhaps they intended on falling into it all along?), and I think it has to do with people liking the experience of "falling in love" or simply being loved/needed by another person. This may be the result of a lonely life and using MMOs or any type of RP outlet to be the "best version of themself" and achieve that which they are currently lacking in their real life. They don't have to be flawed or alone, as in a fantasy MMO, you are a "hero" and become strong/impressive to your peers based on your deeds and/or awesome end-game gear. The pull one feels to "become" this other person and live out their own fantasies is probably very strong for some, especially those who may have some sort of otaku syndrome where they want to be like their favorite badass anime hero who gets the busty girl with little-to-no effort.
I do enjoy the sensations one can feel during RP. I've met some fantastic people on Balmung since I started, and I'll admit it does give me an "emotional fix" of sorts that I'm not quite privy to in my real and very ordinary life. I am not involved in romance, since I believe my perspective on romance RP is a little more slow-going than most people want to spend their time on. Many prefer to just plan a relationship and begin when you are already "together" so no time is wasted in courtship, but I like the development and deepening of a relationship, seeing that transition from "friends" to "something more". I do not actively seek it out and have an open mind towards it, but it would probably take a very particular set of circumstances for any of my characters to get involved on that roller coaster ride of emotions since I like to be a little more serious and realistic about the process.
When it comes to the clingy people though, as was mentioned, the most you can really do is make your feelings known and get some distance. They may try to pursue the issue and guilt trip you, and I wouldn't say it in real life, but in a game where nothing is real, if someone threatens to "kill their character and never play again"... Let them. Call their bluff, because chances are they're not going to just up and delete all of their hard work just because someone wouldn't cyber with them or be their girlfriend/boyfriend. Forcing someone to be bound to you in such a way is basically akin to slavery and terrorizing you into giving in to only their demands. If a person truly appreciates the romance aspect of RP, they will respect the other person's feelings and presence of free will. Who wants to have someone bound to them who doesn't truly love them anyway?
Just be careful out there, and don't let anyone else bully you just because they're seeking some sort of wish-fulfillment from their own personal issues/insecurities. Everyone has their own particular fantasies and/or secret desires that they will most likely (to varying degrees) try to seek out within this game where they can be someone other than themself. I'll agree with a previous poster that the statement that someone was trying really hard to find a relationship since launch would be a very bright red flag to watch out for. Blist them, perhaps get a GM involved if it goes even further? I'm not sure if they can do anything about harassment, but if they can and the behavior is getting more and more intense, perhaps take a screenshot of your conversation with the person in question who will not leave you alone. I don't know if it will help or if anything could be done about it, but there must be something that could improve things rather than just letting it be and hoping the person can take a hint.
Are there any PC police forces in game where one could file a complaint? Now there's some RP potential right there. lol... Well, assuming everything was still happening IC, as no character really has any business in the matter once it starts delving into OOC...
Yune Tabrisviel (Revamping, WIP) | Umeyae Kakurei | Ranshe Mei
