Permanent or social?

[Karma Moonshadow]

Within the fandom, I've noticed two completely different categories of furs - the permanent furs and the social furs. Alot of you joined the fandom because you thought it was cool, had a friend who was a furry, or were looking for a group of "different" people to get in with. But I've met a good many who, like myself, were furries deep down before they even knew what a furry was. So I've been curious for awhile. Is being furry a deeply engrained part of you or a passing phase?

[Puncia]

I do believe that with any human, interests come and go. It's part of developing and growing. The brain is extremely dynamic after all and highly unpredictable.

And I agree that there are many "categories" within the furdom as well, as it is with anything else related to hobbies, interests and/or life views for that matter.

Personally I've always had an interest in animals. How their brain works, their social structure, how they evolve... But also how they act, feel and see the world around them. Sometimes I even feel the human species lacks things that other animals still have. Miss them even. Like how manoeuvrable ears become a vital part of body language.

It's an interest, a fascination if you will. Maybe even a fantasy sometimes. But bottom line, I still feel like I am fully of the human species.

When I entered the furdom I had known about them for a long time without paying them much attention (though never thought badly of them), though I didn't feel like I knew enough and began to read about the whole thing and came to the conclusion that I "fit in". I haven't become more of a furry or changed. Rather just evolved and gained more insight and knowledge.

[WingedZephyr]

I'm quite sure I'll always be a fan of anthropomorphic animals. Always have been for as long as I can remember.

I might not remain active in the social side of the fandom itself forever, but I don't believe that part is required to still be a furry.

[Sgt. Blaine Stone]

I'm starting to get into the social side now...i need to get on here (TFF) more....I know I'll always be a fur inside, even if this is just a phase that I'll grow out of...

[Karma Moonshadow]

That makes sense. The social part could be a completely different side of furdom than the interest itself. It actually took me awhile to identify myself within the fandom, even though the passion had always been there.

[Vee Katame: His Wolfy]

I feel I'm a permanent furry. Always have been (though I didn't know the term), always will be. The social side is just temporary for me since I know I won't be able to come on this site all the time at some point, but for now I'm a part of both the inner furry and the social furry group.

[icy wolf]

iam a perment furry. i allways liked anthro even since i was a child so i dont think ill ever leave it.

[[Sov]]

Perminant furry here. Like Puncia said, the human brain is very dynamic, constantly changing, but I do believe after almost 14 years of fandom I'm gonna be in this for life. Regardless of staying in the social side of it for life or not, it doesn't matter. It's like WZ said, I feel like the social part is around right now and I want to be in it, but I doubt I will be in the social side forever, and I will remember the social side fondly once I've decided I'm either too old for it or have out grown it. Though it has nothing to do with my internal identification as a furry, and being into the fandom.

[Black-Horse]

Ive always been a furry my whole life, without even knowing it til last year. Then I realized, OMG Im not alone here. >.< Ive always been for horses, spiders snakes, wolves, cats, and Dragons. Mostly horses.

[[Sov]]

Alot of you joined the fandom because you thought it was cool, had a friend who was a furry, or were looking for a group of "different" people to get in with.

Also would like to know where you got this generalization? Not trying to pick a fight or anything, but it is one. Just curious as I don't know many non-perm furry pals.

[icy wolf]

i know furs who are in there 30s even some that are 40 and they still are socal. i know of some that are gandparents and there still a scoal fur.

[Karma Moonshadow]

Alot of you joined the fandom because you thought it was cool, had a friend who was a furry, or were looking for a group of "different" people to get in with.

Also would like to know where you got this generalization? Not trying to pick a fight or anything, but it is one. Just curious as I don't know many non-perm furry pals.

 
 
 
I don't generalize. I know of many people who got their mates or siblings or friends to become furries, who warmed up to it over time but wouldn't have thought of joining otherwise. This is concerning the difference between those who had always been a furry at heart and those who joined because they were brought into the fandom. For example I know someone who is trying to get her mate to become a furry. Should he ever decide to, it would be for social reasons, not because he had uncovered something that had always been hidden in him. That said, once he passes the social phase, it could remain just that - a passing phase.

[Kyriin]

I'd have to say it's about in between for me. I can't see myself giving up being a furry any time soon, but I did join it because I thought it was cool and was pretty much the sort of thing I'd be into. I would have though I'd gotten over it by now but I guess the fact I'm still part of the fandom means something!

[josh_down]

i'd say it's a part of me, but only really in a sense that it's my taste... just like someone might like metal music or football. maybe not 100% like that, but i can see myself still very much being a furry when im 60. i'd like to think that i am still somewhat involved in the fandom... if it's even still around... if the human race is even still around when i'm 60.

[Karma Moonshadow]

i'd say it's a part of me, but only really in a sense that it's my taste... just like someone might like metal music or football. maybe not 100% like that, but i can see myself still very much being a furry when im 60. i'd like to think that i am still somewhat involved in the fandom... if it's even still around... if the human race is even still around when i'm 60.

 
I think it will always be around for as long as the human race is, at least I hope so.