05. The Titanic, espresso martinis, and racecars.
Basically, why I think a good hyperfixation makes life a hell of a lot better.
I have been a hyper fixator since I was about… one day old (I’m pretty sure).
However, my first BIG hyperfixation was with the Titanic.
I read every book about it, watched the movie about 111 times (RIP to when I asked my parents if “bastard” was a bad word), memorized every fact, and still, to this day, could win a game of trivia about everyone’s favorite shipwreck.
And when I think about all of the hyperfixations and niche interests I’ve had over the years, I can’t even keep track.
Essentially, I LIKE enjoying things. I love to get into something, and then really get into it. I want to know everything about it, and I want to make it my favorite thing ever.
It’s why I tend to be the person who says, “AH, this is my new FAVORITE espresso martini!” everytime I find one I love.
It’s why I dive so deeply into books that I can’t come up for air.
It’s why I watched a show about race cars last year and have since not stopped thinking about them. (Hi, F1. You’re my favorite hyperfixation.)
It’s why I find an interest and immediately IMMERSE myself in it.
And guess what? This annoys people.
I’ve had so many people say to me, “oh, you’re still on that?” or “oh, didn’t you say that XXX was your favorite?” or “oh, is that actually the BEST martini you’ve ever had?”
And here’s what I have to say to that…
Life is too damn short not to fixate on all the things, throw yourselves into every interest you have, and decide that every espresso martini you’ve had is the best one.
There are SO many things going on in the world — hello, we’re consistently literally on fire — so why can’t we just let ourselves enjoy things?
Something to think about, yeah?
And, I promise you… your interest/fixation/little obsession is worth being interested in, fixated on, and obsessed with.
(Though, disclaimer… I did make fun of my best friend Kelsey for her Beatles obsession during Covid. I regret this, Kels. I get it. It was just a lot of YouTube, ok?!)
Psst… need a new thing to hyperfixate on? Here are some ideas:
The Sarah J. Maas universe… specifically the Throne of Glass series — start with this one!
F1 (sorry, couldn’t help myself) — an easy barrier to entry is Drive to Survive on Netflix
Pickleball (I’m trying this, but also I really have zero natural athletic ability, which is challenging me)
Cocktail making or cooking your way through a cookbook
A new TV show, because there is NOTHING like hyperfixating on a good TV show (some good options for this: Game of Thrones, Sons of Anarchy, Downton Abbey (my next up!), and TV shows along those lines)
P.S. A few fun things to get you to next Tuesday:
Make this before Tuesday…
So, I’m 3 years late to the Emily Mariko salmon bowl, but I now would like it for every meal forever. (See? I told you. Hyperfixations.) If you don’t know what I’m talking about, see this TikTok.
Buy this before Tuesday…
When I buy products more than once, they’re going to be forever things for me. I just cracked open my 3rd tube of Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, and I think it’s HANDS. DOWN. the best makeup product I’ve ever used. Would highly recommend — and you can find it here. (Also, it’s actually in stock right now… which is rare.)
Read this before Tuesday…
Okay, y’all will either understand this or think I’m a #freak, but one of my hyperfixations — AND NOT IN AN ENJOYMENT WAY, OK?! CHILL — growing up was the BTK Killer. (Y’all, idk. The Titanic, the BTK Killer, I was interesting.) And my mom just sent me this news article (literally from THIS WEEK) about new murders he’s now suspected in. Wild. If you’re a true crime gal too, here you go: BTK serial killer’s chilling drawings released amid search for new victims