# Meenie7's invisible friend **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 22, 2008, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409 "2008-07-22T19:38:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 36
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/701 "2008-08-05T23:06:36Z")
[QUOTE=KGS] WE ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT SHE HAS A PROBLEM. [/quote] Yeah, I think we are. If she’s to be taken at her word (debatable), then yes, she has a problem. The nature of it is unknown, hence the call for professional help. This is not a tough call, either, and I don’t know why you’re belaboring it. > [@](#): > > The ONLY thing that matters is how this imaginary friend affects her everyday life. Which we really don’t know because we don’t know her. > [@](#): > > The tricky part about “Marcus” is that he’s a highly structured illusion with a visual and tactile element, You say illusion, I say hallucination, let’s all the whole thing off. > [@](#): > > and can apparently even interact with the physical world on a limited basis (as evidenced by the dice game, though I’ll admit that part did seem kinda hinky) and as such needs to be respected as a valid part of Meenie’s psyche. I disagree. I don’t think you’re qualified to say this. > [@](#): > > Psychiatry, by its very nature, does NOT respect such illusions, so a shrink is more apt to medicate him away, or insist that Meenie not talk to him anymore. Which won’t fix the root problem of why Meenie needed to invent Marcus in the first place – nowadays, the trend is to “Medicate First, Ask Questions Later.” I don’t think this is an accurate representation of the entirety of what psychiatry has to offer. It’s a biased, jaundiced view and I don’t think it’s right for you to be fearmongering like this. ---
**Author:** ![KGS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/702 "2008-08-05T23:23:40Z")
[QUOTE=Diogenes the Cynic] But there IS compelling evidence that a problem exists, moron. If what she’s describing is accurate, she’s having profound delusions and hallucinations. [/QUOTE] You’re fearmongering again. What’s so “profound” about the way Meenie describes her symptoms? Is she hearing voices? Do they tell her to cut the heads off of live pigeons and smear feces over herself? Is she unable to work, sleep, or communicate sensibly due to the constant bombardment of visions? The answer is: None of the above. I think calling Marcus a “hallucination” is stretching the definition a bit – he sounds more like an imaginary character who’s taken on a life of his own. Happens to me all the time when I write novels. 🆒 Your constant use of the word “delusion” is deliberate fear-baiting and isn’t helping anyone; just because YOU feel uncomfortable when Meenie talks about Marcus, doesn’t mean anyone else has a problem with it. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/703 "2008-08-05T23:30:12Z")
If you can’t tell the difference between reality and fantasy – and if what **meenie** is describing is accurate, she can’t – then that is a profound symptom. Whether you think the hallucinations are dangerous or not is beside the point. The point is that she is having psychotic breaks with reality. If you can’t tell what’s real and what isn’t, that’s a _problem_. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/704 "2008-08-05T23:30:41Z")
[QUOTE=KGS] You’re fearmongering again. What’s so “profound” about the way Meenie describes her symptoms? [/quote] Talking to (and making out with) a ghost on an almost daily basis for 8 years is a pretty fucking profound symptom. Combine that with lack of other friendships and you have a real issue. You know it is and you’re only saying it’s not because you’ve decided that you are not going to back down on this argument no matter how ridiculous it gets. > [@](#): > > Your constant use of the word “delusion” is deliberate fear-baiting No, it’s accurate. You’re the one who’s fearmongering. Your constant, inaccurate, distorted representations of what will happen to meenie if she talks to a medical professional is the very definition of fearmongering. If there’s no problem and nothing wrong, then a visit to her family doctor will not harm her but will set her mind at ease. She said herself that she was scared. You’re the one who’s not helping by instilling fear of doctors into her. You’re a hypocrite. ---
**Author:** ![KGS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/705 "2008-08-05T23:45:38Z")
[QUOTE=Diogenes the Cynic] If you can’t tell the difference between reality and fantasy – and if what **meenie** is describing is accurate, she can’t – then that is a profound symptom. [/quote] She’s aware enough to know that other people can’t see or speak to Marcus, which is why she describes him as a ghost. I don’t see her claiming that Marcus can do things like drive her car while she takes a nap or something like that. As long as her belief in Marcus doesn’t put her in danger, there’s no reason for anyone to get their knickers in a bunch. > [@](#): > > The point is that she is having psychotic breaks with reality. There you go with your fear-baiting language again. :rolleyes: [QUOTE=Rubystreak] You know it is and you’re only saying it’s not because you’ve decided that you are not going to back down on this argument no matter how ridiculous it gets. [/quote] I’m not backing down because I know I’m right. And I’ve already expressed my opinion about Meenie’s social issues and what she should do about them. Don’t make me repeat myself. > [@](#): > > She said herself that she was scared. Wait a minute…where did she say that?? A link, please? ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/706 "2008-08-05T23:59:27Z")
[QUOTE=KGS] There you go with your fear-baiting language again. :rolleyes: [/quote] No, it’s YOU who’s fearbaiting. See, we can go back and forth like this forever if you want. > [@](#): > > I’m not backing down because I know I’m right. Clearly Diogenes and I aren’t backing down because we know we’re right. So… you know, ad nauseum. > [@](#): > > Wait a minute…where did she say that?? A link, please? Wow, you really can’t remember what you’re arguing anymore, can you? You had some bad experiences with psychiatry, we get it, and you’re projecting that fear onto meenie. That’s quite fucked up. Please stop. > [@meenie7](#): > > I worry a lot whether he’s real. If I’ve had a sustained intense hallucination like this for 8 years, something is very, very wrong with me and that’s scary. [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10019344&postcount=59](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10019344&postcount=59) The girl is experiencing fear which could be allayed if, as you claim, there’s truly nothing wrong with her. But you, with your fucked up personal agenda, are discouraging her from putting her fears to rest. You are wrong here and I wish you’d stop it. ---
**Author:** ![KGS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/707 "2008-08-06T02:10:10Z")
[QUOTE=Rubystreak] [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10019344&postcount=59](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10019344&postcount=59) The girl is experiencing fear which could be allayed if, as you claim, there’s truly nothing wrong with her. But you, with your fucked up personal agenda, are discouraging her from putting her fears to rest. You are wrong here and I wish you’d stop it. [/QUOTE] You have got to be kidding me. THIS is your cite?!? To clarify, here is the relevant quote: > [@meenie7](#): > > I worry a lot whether he’s real. If I’ve had a sustained intense hallucination like this for 8 years, something is very, very wrong with me and that’s scary. She is not scared of Marcus. She is afraid of the notion that this “sustained, intense hallucination” might mean that she’s crazy. I don’t know about you, but that’s a healthy fear, don’t you think? Don’t they say, if you _think_ you might be crazy, that means you’re probably not insane? (Geez, and you accuse ME of twisting people’s words…) As for “allaying her fears,” I have already PM’d her and given her my advice, expert or not. Have you done the same? ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/708 "2008-08-06T02:22:10Z")
[QUOTE=KGS] You have got to be kidding me. THIS is your cite?!? [/quote] Reading comprehension is clearly not your strong suit. I said she was scared. I didn’t say she was scared of Marcus, moron. She’s afraid she’s mentally ill. As she fucking well should be. > [@](#): > > To clarify, here is the relevant quote: THAT IS THE EXACT FUCKING QUOTE I POSTED. Are you even reading this thread anymore??? My God. > [@](#): > > She is afraid of the notion that this “sustained, intense hallucination” might mean that she’s crazy. I don’t know about you, but that’s a healthy fear, don’t you think? YES. I posted the quote because it’s a relevant fear that YOU cannot allay. Only a qualified person can do so. > [@](#): > > Don’t they say, if you _think_ you might be crazy, that means you’re probably not insane? (Geez, and you accuse ME of twisting people’s words…) Yeah, and based on that fucking stupid little aphorism, and your many experiences with psychiatrists who told you things you didn’t want to hear, like probably that you are mentally ill, you can tell her that she’s not insane. Wow, you are a piece of WORK. What words did I twist? Answer: I didn’t. But you are a seriously fucked up dude. > [@](#): > > As for “allaying her fears,” I have already PM’d her and given her my advice, expert or not. Have you done the same? YOU CANNOT TELL HER THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH HER. Only a qualified professional can. The arrogance of you is sickening and unbelievable. I’m not going to PM her. She’s getting more than enough attention and who the hell am I to tell her what to do? I’m just here to prevent you from getting the last word. ---
**Author:** ![KGS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/709 "2008-08-06T02:43:57Z")
[QUOTE=Rubystreak] She’s afraid she’s mentally ill. As she fucking well should be. [/quote] She _should_ be afraid she’s insane?? Who’s fearmongering now? You know, **Ruby** , at first I didn’t think you had any sort of ulterior agenda and you were merely backin’ up yer homie Diogenes, but now you got me wondering… > [@](#): > > THAT IS THE EXACT FUCKING QUOTE I POSTED. Are you even reading this thread anymore??? My God. I’m baffled. I posted an exact quote and you yell at me for posting an exact quote?? 😕 As for your sudden outburst of ALL CAPS, all I can say is…switch to decaf, dude. > [@](#): > > YES. I posted the quote because it’s a relevant fear that YOU cannot allay. Only a qualified person can do so. You keep implying that “qualified” = “professional”. I’m no professional, but in my Not So Humble opinion, I feel that I _am_ qualified. For example…did any of you miss the fact that **meenie7** is a writer? I’m a writer myself, and we writers tend to be eccentric. And that’s all that needs to be said about her – she’s eccentric. Case closed. > [@](#): > > Yeah, and based on that fucking stupid little aphorism, and your many experiences with psychiatrists who told you things you didn’t want to hear, like probably that you are mentally ill, you can tell her that she’s not insane. Wow, you are a piece of WORK. Heh. Who’s _ad hominem-ing_ now, bitch? That _is_ the word you like to throw around a lot, right? As if it means a goddamn thing in this particular forum… > [@](#): > > YOU CANNOT TELL HER THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH HER. Again. Decaf. Dude. > [@](#): > > Only a qualified professional can. Absolutely bullshit. What makes you think you’re so skilled to make that statement, anyway? C’mon, if you’ve got credentials we should know about, lay 'em on the table. If not, then you’re just another random shmuck who’s regurgitating what you read on Wikipedia and watch on the evening news. That’s not _ad hominem_, by the way. Don’t even bother to pretend that it is. > [@](#): > > She’s getting more than enough attention and who the hell am I to tell her what to do? I’m just here to prevent you from getting the last word. As am I. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/710 "2008-08-06T02:50:58Z")
Give ME the last word! I’m cool! Just ask my mom! ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/711 "2008-08-06T02:57:16Z")
[QUOTE=KGS] She _should_ be afraid she’s insane?? Who’s fearmongering now? [/quote] She should be concerned for her health. Yes. > [@](#): > > You keep implying that “qualified” = “professional”. I’m no professional, but in my Not So Humble opinion, I feel that I _am_ qualified. For example…did any of you miss the fact that **meenie7** is a writer? I’m a writer myself, and we writers tend to be eccentric. And that’s all that needs to be said about her – she’s eccentric. Case closed. WOW. This is true, distilled, wrongheaded arrogance right here. Being a writer and a mental patient qualifies you to tell a person you only know via the internet that she doesn’t need to see a doctor to allay her own very legitimate fears about her own health? I honestly think that’s morally wrong. What if she really does need medical help and you discouraged her from getting it to win an argument with some bitch on the internet, and her health is harmed? Because if she’s not lying, that is a very real concern, but what do you give a fuck? She’s just words on the screen, and what’s really important here is that you beat me in an argument and get the last word. You are a petty, fucked up little man. > [@](#): > > Heh. Who’s _ad hominem-ing_ now, bitch? Good one! Keep showing your true colors. I hope meenie is reading this thread so she can judge the quality of your advice from your spittle-flecked bullshit and insults. You are either a troll, and I’m having the fucking hell trolled out of me, or you are really fucked up. Either way, impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/712 "2008-08-06T03:02:28Z")
And, I’m done. I swear to god I am not going to read or respond to this thread anymore because I am now convinced that I am being trolled and I feel quite stupid for giving KGS this much airtime here. Good night, KGS. Please, by all means, have the last word. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/713 "2008-08-06T07:53:57Z")
[QUOTE=Crafter\_Man] It’s pretty obvious to me that she’s simply making it all up. [/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Hamfisted Grunt] Looooooong time lurker here, and this is the thread to get me to finally join. I’ve long held this board in high regard for it’s commitment to taking a logical and reasoned approach to such a wide variety of subjects, especially on the internet where such an approach is practically unheard of. Though my personal worldview clashes with such blindly materialist and dogmatically skeptical views as Diogenes the Cynic (whom I take to be the most vocal proponent of strong skepticism on this board), I find myself finally joining here to support his position in this case. This whole thing is just silly to me. It is clearly obvious to me that she is making it all up as she goes along. \ [/QUOTE] Did you both just completely miss the link in this very thread that links to a post made four years ago (in 2004) by **Meenie** in which she mentions her “ghost friend”? So no, I have trouble beliving she’s making this all up as she goes along or lying. Not unless she first put it in motion a whole four years ago and only planned to bring it all to a climax today, in 2008. And I’m not one who believes in the “ghost friend”. I do not, however, think she is lying or making it up and I am of the opinion (which is what this whole thing started from, so really, you’re all just arguing over someone’s stated opinion on things) that anyone who thinks she’s lying or making it up is pretty short-sighted. Seems obvious to me that she really believes what she claims. That being the case, you ( **meemie** ) should probably seek professional help immediately. ---
**Author:** ![SherwoodAnderson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@SherwoodAnderson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SherwoodAnderson)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/714 "2008-08-06T08:24:54Z")
[QUOTE=Idle Thoughts] Did you both just completely miss the link in this very thread that links to a post made four years ago (in 2004) by **Meenie** in which she mentions her “ghost friend”? So no, I have trouble beliving she’s making this all up as she goes along or lying. Not unless she first put it in motion a whole four years ago and only planned to bring it all to a climax today, in 2008. [/QUOTE] Did you miss that she claimed in that same post to be living the Sixth Sense back then - seing all kinds of fantastic and terrifying ghosts in every corner back in college. Did you miss her waving off that statement now, saying she don’t believe in those ghosts anymore. I’d say that some form of deception - not necessarily malicious though - is still the most likely option. (Sorry meenie) ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/715 "2008-08-06T09:45:58Z")
[QUOTE=Bryan Ekers] Give ME the last word! I’m cool! Just ask my mom! [/QUOTE] This post looks remarkably like “attention-seeking behaviour”, to me. Or is it perfectly ok when you do it? ---
**Author:** ![flyboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/4da419/32.png) [@flyboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flyboy)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/716 "2008-08-06T13:30:12Z")
I no longer care about meenie–she’s a freak, either a complete nutbag in need of serious help, or a major troll. My sympathy factor for someone with such delusions or motives, who deliberately does not seek out help, is 0. I’m just sitting here in stunned amazement at KGS, who has skyrocketed to the top of my Blithering Fucking Idiot list. While I’m tempted to hope he sticks around just for the amusement factor, I’m also afraid he’s like the religious fanatic in The Mist–slowly converting those who stop to listen. And, btw, go **SherwoodAnderson**! 30 posts in 4 years! Out of lurker mode! ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/717 "2008-08-06T14:06:58Z")
[QUOTE=ivan astikov] This post looks remarkably like “attention-seeking behaviour”, to me. Or is it perfectly ok when you do it? [/QUOTE] Yes, it’s perfectly ok when he does it. Now sod off. ---
**Author:** ![SherwoodAnderson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@SherwoodAnderson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SherwoodAnderson)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/718 "2008-08-06T14:38:42Z")
[QUOTE=flyboy] And, btw, go **SherwoodAnderson**! 30 posts in 4 years! Out of lurker mode! [/QUOTE] Thanks for the encouragement 🙂 I’m still leaning towards remaining a recovering addict, though. ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/719 "2008-08-06T15:02:58Z")
[QUOTE=SherwoodAnderson] Thanks for the encouragement 🙂 I’m still leaning towards remaining a recovering addict, though. [/QUOTE] I’m 8 mths clean after 20 years of amphetamine addiction, and I’ve found posting on forums a worthwhile distraction. It might explain a little about my posting habits as well, for anyone who is interested. ---
**Author:** ![SherwoodAnderson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@SherwoodAnderson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SherwoodAnderson)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409/720 "2008-08-06T15:19:00Z")
[QUOTE=ivan astikov] I’m 8 mths clean after 20 years of amphetamine addiction, and I’ve found posting on forums a worthwhile distraction. It might explain a little about my posting habits as well, for anyone who is interested. [/QUOTE] Good for you ivan, keep it up! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409.md?page=35) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meenie7s-invisible-friend/457409.md?page=37)