Thank you Arashi fans!

[aly2]

Before 2007, I used to believe in the goodness of the people around me. That they would never do anything to hurt another person without proof. And even if there was really proof, they would not go around spreading rumours. Unfortunately, in 2007, something unexpected happened. Someone, an adult of close to 50 years old, started gossiping with her 18 yo+ daughter about my family. Namely my mother and my sister. A lot of 'things' happened - my mother was called crazy and money-faced. That she was pestering my dad to send my sister overseas to study etc. Then her daughter commented on my sister's ex-bf and how my mother caused my sister to be unhappy blah blah. It was a huge shock to my sister to find out that this 'thing' had been happening. For one thing, this 50 yo woman was someone that my dad worked with. In front of our faces, she was pleasant and friendly. But I never liked her (I worked at my dad's office previously and I didn't like her then) and I didn't like her daughter either (she's an arrogant pompous ass) Secondly, people believed that, due to her profession, she ought to have integrity, which she clearly did not possess! Thirdly, she (the adult) actually acsked my dad's secretary to type out that email to send to her daughter. Sounds suspicious? You bet! And my sister only found out about this because my sister knew my dad's secretary very well then. Was there a motive behind the 50 yo woman's asking someone else to type the email to her own daughter? Especially if it's such a personal email? Ever since I found out about this, my impression of her totally changed. And you know what the best part was? That woman's daughter knows my sister personally (same school, same tutor). They had attended the same tuition class (my mother introduced the tutor/tuition agency to that 50 yo woman who really needed a tutor for her daughter) in sec school. So it was really this main event which made me lose my confidence in people. I had been bullied alot by my so-called close friends when I was young. But even then, I did not totally mis-trust those around me. But with this happening to my family, caused by someone who could be thought of as a 'family' friend, I was really disheartened. So in the next few years, my motto was 'Don't share much with the people around you.' And that really was the way I lived. I could laugh and joke with my friends, but not many knew the 'real' me. In fact, I seem to have forgotten who I really am.

Then in 2008, I came across Arashi. Their affection for each other touched me and soon I couldn't help supporting them in everything that they did. I 'met' tons of Arashi fans and I fell in love with the Arashi fandom. The fans are generally accepting of everyone. And they are willing to go all out to help another fellow fan. Be it buying of goods or providing information, they are just willing to help. Not too long ago, I asked for help in coming up with a playlist featuring Arashi songs and other 'local' songs from various countries. Within a day, more like hours, I had 50 over replies and suggestions. I was in school when I read all the posts and I teared. Truly. That truly touched me lots. I never witnessed such a thing ever in my life - helping out a total stranger. For that, I truly appreciated the uniqueness of the Arashi fandom and most of all the power of Arashi.

So to all of you Arashi fans out there, thank you for just being you. Thank you!

Love lots,
Adeline