Do I Exist?

[gina_taylor]

Some people that I've been talking with have told me that I don't exist.  How can I prove to these people that I really do exist? That I am a real person, and that I am not something that I just conjured up.

Gina

[Sarah Louise]

I guess the question is, are they saying your not a real person, not really alive?  Or are they just denying your life as Gina.

If they are denying Gina, then that is their problem, not yours.  Tell them to get over it, or leave as your friends.  Any real friend will accept you for who you are.  My friends have accepted me, my family now that is and was a different matter.


Sarah

[melissa_girl]

Well, it's just something they have to take your word for.  It's called trust.

By the way, it sounds like you have a similar problem as God has with people needing proof that He exists.  It's something you either believe or don't believe.  There is no need for proof.

Melissa

[Kimberly]

Hrm, well my general response is rather impolite. However, if they are of value... Perhaps explain to them that they do not understand and have no basis to judge.


I do not, however, agree with the idea that there is no need for proof.

[melissa_girl]

I do not, however, agree with the idea that there is no need for proof.

What kind of proof can be provided?  You can show somebody a phychiatric evaluation and they may pass that off as BS.  You can act like yourself and they can say you're acting.  People may say you're doing this for attention.  People may say you're doing this because all you want to do is sleep with men.  The only proof really is you and if they don't think you exists, then in their eyes, there is no proof that exists.

Melissa

[Sarah Louise]

The only proof you could have is to show them you are happy and comfortable with who you are.

Gina, don't let the nay sayers affect your life.  Stay above them and just live your life and be happy.

Sarah L.

[Kimberly]

Well, 'no need for proof' is a broad spectrum. I need proof to satisfy myself that I truly am what I think I am for instance. However I do agree that for another they can believe me or not, sometimes nothing I say makes any difference at all. But, such is life.

I have my proof a thousand times over by the way, but it does not diminish the need I see for proof. Because that proof to myself is a bastion of sanity in an otherwise insane mess. I know who I am, as do many of us, but I also know just how easily it is to be deluded. That proof I require convinces me I am exactly what I think I am, for the reasons I think I am.

You could say the proof I require is a requirement for my sanity ^*wink*

I do, however, agree that nothing you can say nor do can prove anything to anyone if they are unwilling.

[Sara]

Very true Melissa, Some people just dont want to know about it and are so selfish but think you are the one being selfish and you should be able to revert back to the way you used to be except you have been trying to tell them that you kept it hidden for your whole life or so it seems even from yourself. My coming out was not my doing but my brain spitting the dummy. You all know the story of how depressed I became, if I had my way I would never have said anything but being scared and alone led me to tell my wife and even the doctor told her but do you think she accepts it, no way. Every day she will treat me like dirt, it is like I have something wrong with me and you will find that most people think of you as strange when you tell them. Older people tend to have the biggest hang ups. They just dont understand nor want to understand that it is not our fault for the way we turn out. We are back to the gender rule thing and I'm getting a bit sick and tired of society telling me how they want me to be. Tell them to get a life have nothing more to do with them, they are stepping on your aura. SSSSCCCCCRRRRREEEEAAAAMMMM out loud and say I am not an animal I am a human being and I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!

There that felt better (that should have been put in the PMS Zone).

Sara.

[melissa_girl]

Sorry for the confusion Kimberly.  When I was talking about not needing proof, I was referring to other people needing no proof and they will either accept you or reject you.

I'm glad you got that out Sara.  I hope you feel better.

Melissa

[stephanie_craxford]

This one is sooooooooooo simple Gina

Simply tell them:

I think therefore I am...

Then explain it to them with this link:

http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/Outline_of_Great_Books_Volume_I/ithinkth_bga.html

And if that doesn't convince them a punch on the nose would certainly demonstrate that you exist.

Steph

[Peggiann]

Gina Hun,

GO ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEING HAPPY DOING WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!

DO not go see...Do not Call... Do Not write... Do Not have contact at all with those who say you do not exist! When they come knocking and calling and writing remind them, They said you do not exist. You took them at their word and are happier for it. Just watch and see how mush you exist!

Smiles,
Peggiann

[Chaunte]

Gina,

Yes, hon, you do exist - probably more so than many of us.

If you are able to rise in the morning and help make the world a better place, even if it is just by sharing a smile and friendly hello, then you are far more alive than many who walk this earth.

Chaunte

[HelenW]

Gina,  I'm sorry if this offends but I cannot think of a more insensitive, ignorant and rude thing to say to anyone, they they "don't exist!"  The kind of people that would say such a thing do not deserve an explanation.  They probably wouldn't understand or accept whatever you said so ignore them.  I think that's what I'd do.

Ach!

The nerve !!!

(sorry bout the rant, it just gets my goat!)

helen

[beth]

hello Gina,

                Anyone that takes the time to get to know you will know that you exist. No proof is required for those that will not take the time. I can testify to the fact that Gina Taylor exists. I have heard her thoughts and fears. I have laughed at her humor and have had tears fall when hearing of her struggles. You certainly exist Gina.


beth

[Jessica]

Some people that I've been talking with have told me that I don't exsist.

That is vague and I think further context is needed to accurately understand the situation.  Some believe that nothing exists.  Are they saying, nothing exists, therefore the 'you' that you believe to be you doesn't exist, because noone exists within the framework of what we believe to be reality?

If that is the case, you got into a philosophical debate and that is their viewpoint (which you can counter rather successfully with, "If you don't exist, then why should I listen to your viewpoint, you're just a figment of my perceived reality?" Or, restated, "What makes your perceived reality better than my perceived reality?" In truth, they can only come back with something from their own perspective, which is only valid for their reality and as such, has no truth for your own. 

If they are telling you that you are mistaken in the way you feel, and you don't exist as you feel, then simply ask them how it is that they know how you feel?  Secondly, ask them what better qualifier exists as to who you are other than how you feel on a consistent day-to-day basis?

I think more information on the situation is needed before I jump to a conclusion personally.

*edited for clarity*

[Cassandra]

As a purely philosophical exercise no one can prove they exist to another person anymore than you can prove the existance of god. That is the premise of the treatise posited by 19th century philosopher and existentialist thinker Descartes. I think, I think I am, therefore I am has become fodder for posters and a Moody Blues song. 

The treatise does however go on from there by proving logically that you can only vouch for your own existence and that everything else is a creation of your own mind. So your actual response to these people should be no you don't exist you are just a piece in the fabric of the universe brought into existence by your god like mind. And that undoubtedly you brought them into existence after eating some bad fish.

Of course that's all a bunch of mental masturbation. In truth as Steph alluded, a swift kick to the shins should dispell any doubt as to your existance. 

Cassie

[LostInTime]

The IRS says I have to file forms, therefore I am.   >

For philosophers, how about some Hume?

Truth springs from argument amongst friends.

[gina_taylor]

My thanks goes out to all that replied here. All your replies have given me a lot of food for thought. I agree with you on your thoughts there Melissa, that it all boils down to TRUST. And Melissa, that's a very profound  thought there about the proof of God and if he exists or not. Putting it into perspective with my thoughts, it's almost the same. Looks like I'll be bitting back with some snappy comments to my friends whenever they say anything derogatory.    And thanks you ever so much Beth for your kind and heartfelt words. They really touched my heart when I read them. 

Gina

[Kimberly]

Naw, just smile and nod your head and know better... They'll get the hint eventually, I'd think.
Either that or find friends.

[Peggiann]

I agree with Kimberly, Smiles are contagous when you make them feel a smile creep acroos their faces they'll know your real hun. Or find friends is very true.

Smiles Lady,
Enjoy your evenig.

Peggiann