55 replies to this topic

[Direwrath]

I'm very outspoken about what I believe is possible, not in a way that I try to make people believe as I do, but more like I'm proud of my ability to leave my mind open to all possibilites. I've learned through life that people will judge you whether or not they know those little secrets, so I'll give them something to judge.

[axlfoley]

I believe in Ghosts...I'm way open to this. I've heard a few stories from my relatives who have encountered the other side to have intrigued me and allowed me to realize that we're among the spirits

[Copper]

I believe in Ghosts...I'm way open to this. I've heard a few stories from my relatives who have encountered the other side to have intrigued me and allowed me to realize that we're among the spirits

I have just had an encounter, so, yes, I do believe in ghosts. I didn't used to, I always thought that there may be something there, but wasn't quite sure what. I'm wondering if anyone has ever encountered a mean ghost. or one that hurt people. Has anyone ever heard of this before.
Copper

[Puti]

There's all kinds. Just like there are all kinds of people.

Welcome to the village!

[Ditz]

I believe in Ghosts...I'm way open to this. I've heard a few stories from my relatives who have encountered the other side to have intrigued me and allowed me to realize that we're among the spirits

I have just had an encounter, so, yes, I do believe in ghosts. I didn't used to, I always thought that there may be something there, but wasn't quite sure what. I'm wondering if anyone has ever encountered a mean ghost. or one that hurt people. Has anyone ever heard of this before.
Copper

we have a mean ghost. He doesnt much care for me where as the lads that I live with he doesn't mind.

[GHIceman]

This is a tough one. I usually wait for awhile to sort of get a feel for people first. While it seems like just about everyone has had some kind of weird experience at least once in their lives, there is still a large majority of people who are willing to slap a label on anyone that they know is in any way involved in poking around with the occult. It's usually one of those situations where I'll wait to see if they express any interest before really going into it. I've found that a good way to segway into the ghost side of things is to start with urban exploration. It's a pretty non-threatening thing for someone to hear that you just enjoy playing around abandoned buildings.

I think that as "ghost hunters", "paranormal investigators", "adventurers", whatever-you-call-it, that we have a responsibility to try and look as sane as possible. Doing anything other than coming across as completely normal people who fit reasonably into society damages not only our image, but the image of everyone else involved in this field. Credibility is definitely something that this field is lacking right now thanks to the way that we are portrayed in the media. Too many bad psychics like Sylvia Brown, too many bad "ghost hunters" on shows like Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted, and they, sadly, represent their respective groups a great deal considering their media presence.

Jumping the gun on telling a "straight" what you believe, and how you are unarguably correct in your beliefs will only scare them off, and they'll just tell their friends about what a whackjob you are. I think that easing someone into telling them what you believe/what you do is really the best choice for everyone in this situation.

Then again, this is just my opinion.

[UnScene]

This is a tough one. I usually wait for awhile to sort of get a feel for people first. While it seems like just about everyone has had some kind of weird experience at least once in their lives, there is still a large majority of people who are willing to slap a label on anyone that they know is in any way involved in poking around with the occult. It's usually one of those situations where I'll wait to see if they express any interest before really going into it. I've found that a good way to segway into the ghost side of things is to start with urban exploration. It's a pretty non-threatening thing for someone to hear that you just enjoy playing around abandoned buildings.

I think that as "ghost hunters", "paranormal investigators", "adventurers", whatever-you-call-it, that we have a responsibility to try and look as sane as possible. Doing anything other than coming across as completely normal people who fit reasonably into society damages not only our image, but the image of everyone else involved in this field. Credibility is definitely something that this field is lacking right now thanks to the way that we are portrayed in the media. Too many bad psychics like Sylvia Brown, too many bad "ghost hunters" on shows like Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted, and they, sadly, represent their respective groups a great deal considering their media presence.

Jumping the gun on telling a "straight" what you believe, and how you are unarguably correct in your beliefs will only scare them off, and they'll just tell their friends about what a whackjob you are. I think that easing someone into telling them what you believe/what you do is really the best choice for everyone in this situation.

Then again, this is just my opinion.

GH., very good expression. I just recently joined and started with the question of accredited schools. I have the chance to now devote myself to full time writing, and my subject will be the paranormal. Someone on the site asked me why if felt I needed papers with "letters behind my name", this is the perfect example, credibility. When I send a manuscript to a publisher, I expect my work, and knowledge, to be respected and not lumped with the "new age" people who have hung out their shingle and call themselves professionals.
I have had the good foutune to grow up in a family, and a extended family where the paranormal was a way of life and never questioned. But, I'm finding, like my father used to say, "a little religion goes a long way".
I get most upset with the condensending attitude of "Oh, ain't that cute".
But, I can be just as passionate as the next, and I won't back down. I have my belief's and I am proud of the scars they have left.
Then again, this is just my opinion.

[DuctTapeYeti]

As many people have said in preceding replies - I'll tell people if the subject comes up but I don't just say "Hi I'm Bob - I believe in ghosts". Usually by recounted a couple experiences (a big one - the full body apperition from a few years ago) and a small one I can get them started on their own once they get past the "movie" version of hautings.

[Celtic_Spirits]

I chose only those who are close to me. I learned that lesson long ago. It does not matter how much I believe it is how that belief is perceived by others. I have been given that 'look' more times than I care to count.

I work at a school and unlike Les, it is not a welcome topic. I work with teenagers, some of who I know believe, but are leery of opening up due to the area we live in.

It is not a topic that readily comes up in a conversation. It seems to pop up after people have been drinking, and the looks can still be very strong. I am only as open to those who are accepting and have a belief in the subject. I was married five years before I could talk to my husband about it. He was very close minded until he had his own encounter. Now he is as eager as I am to find a group to join in our area. He too wants to know the truth and seek the proof.

[TheresaRHPS]

I tell everyone and anyone, hehehe. I'm constantly coming into contact with people with whom the subject always seems to come up...and therefore I keep a large stack of business cards on me at all times. I also proudly wear my group t-shirt, or another paranormal investigator type shirt out in public, hehe.

I'm in WV, which although technically in the Bible Belt, is full of wonderful and very superstitious mountain folk, lol. Everywhere you go, someone has a story to tell, and I've had the pleasure of not only meeting people who have referred cases to me, but who act as excellent resources as well. I'm known in at least two different courthouses in my vicinity as the ghost girl...and whenever the records or county clerk's office sees me coming, they're always curious and always willing to give me a hand in research.

Oddly enough...I've never gotten an odd look or anything said to my face, lol. Everyone I've encountered as been supportive and curious. And it always helps to have intelligent, scientific, thought out answers to any questions that will inevitably be thrown at you by people.

Edited by TheresaRHPS, 24 November 2007 - 05:04 AM.

[honeybeary]

I only tell those really close to me. Usually I say I don't believe in gjosts.