Why is this so much more satisfying? I could write this down on paper, any of us could. I could simply get a journal (diaries being, as we all know, for girls) and record thoughts there. But we don't, or at least not exclusively. And why? Why is it better to spill our guts where they are likely to be stumbled upon? After giving the matter almost a full 5 seconds worth of thought, I believe I may have arrived at the answer.
Now I call it reverse voyeurism because that's so much closer to the truth than exhibitionism. Though both terms are needlessly sexual and only serve to make the idea more exciting. We don't necessarily want to call attention to ourselves, though at least not directly. But someone could be watching. And that's the exciting part. Maybe I went through your photos, maybe someone else did. It's a gamble. Who was it? Was it that attractive acquaintance you secretly hope secretly wished they knew you much better? That creeper? Someone you don't even properly know?
Was it anyone at all?
It's got it all, mystery, danger, gambling, sex. There's no plausible upside to a physical journal or diary, the most likely consequences are discovery by the most unappealing of sources: a parent, sibling, or perhaps english teacher after you turn in the wrong notebook (THAT was fun). The people who come across such things are either close enough to you to not matter (in the sense that your relationship with them is established and very little new* and exciting is likely to happen) or have done enough snooping that they perhaps are not who you'd like to see your thoughts.
Online makes it easier for everybody, you've removed the stigma so that those you'd like to get access may freely do as they please. Especially with proxies, where somebody can make it appear as though they are visiting the site form Belgium (you visit this page a whole lot, Belgium, given how much I update). So, maybe it is them, the one you hoped was interested. And maybe, just maybe, it's somebody you had not even thought to hope for yet.
I add that last part because the asterisk above marks how far I got into this entry before I realized this is what sparked an interest that grew to a connection that blossomed into a 3+ year relationship. This very site, the interests section. Maybe that's what we're all hoping for. Given my case, maybe it's not that unreasonable of a thing to hope.
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