why I don't recommend 'reading challenges'

[@ninasalvatore565]

I had a huge summer TBR and I’ve only read 1 so far. It was my favorite book, Perfume by Patrick Süskind, and it threw me into a reading slump. Not because the reading experience was unpleasant but because of how much this book demands my attention. It prompted so much reflection, has filled me with such a burst of inspiration to write and made my vacation incredibly magical due to how it has created a sort of filter on everything I experience. We can’t control for how long a book keeps us in its clutches and rather than struggling against it, we should sink into its embrace. It’s a nice change of pace because my degree also forces me to jump from one book to another. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be owned by a book and it’s an honor to have such a fascinating master ruling over thoughts.

[@pearld1ver]

i just recently read parfume too and its honestly on if the most beautiful things ive ever read! (frankenstein too haha)

[@a-yam943]

perfume is one of the best books i’ve ever read

[@IoIita]

now i’m totally buying this book after seeing positive reviews lol. it’s been on my shopping cart for so long

[@aspen962]

i agree with what you said. perfume is the book im currently reading and because of how beautiful itself is, i can not finish before 1 month of full reading it. the fact that this book has one of the greatest reviews i’ve ever seen, makes me feel so bad because i taught i was a bad reader! it’s was incredible to see how Dakota made this beautiful community to support and show us the experience of the other…

[@missppbb7099]

So happy to see someone else love this book as much as i had

[@lysa2751]

I always feel kind of bad when i see people (especially online) who read way more than I do. I especially love your videos because you make people enjoy reading and doing it at their own pace and in their own way. This video especially makes me feel better for not having read 50-100 books since the beginning of the year, thank you for that

[@khushi-rs3js]

I love you for reminding us to "consume consciously" And that we don't have to prove ourselves or anyone anything.

[@charlotte-yp7ti]

i think we can blame the epidemic of reading challenges on the booktube/tok fervor for content. i'd even venture to say that challenges like this exist almost exclusively to be broadcasted to the internet (if you read 30 books in a month and no one is around to hear it, did it even happen?) and its true that they make engaging content. but it saps so much enjoyment from reading, makes reading an obligation instead of a passion, that it depresses me a little. same with when i hear people say they are in reading slumps, the phrasing (where you would normally use the word "slump" to describe a period where you aren't producing something, like a "writing slump") makes it seem like reading is a job, and you're getting behind on your quarterly quota. would you say you were in a movie-watching slump? a gaming slump? why is reading, in circles where the sole purpose for reading is entertainment, treated like work? don't we work enough? all this to say, its okay to step away from the content mill (the reading "grindset" if you will) for a while and simply read because its fun. love and light

[@siweslibrary]

I wholeheartedly agree with this. As much as online reading spaces can be fun and bring joy, they also create a competitive reading culture both in intentional and unintentional ways. Reading is also seen through an intellectual lens which is fine and whatever but we also end up seeking that social currency so we can be viewed in a specific way just because we’ve read 30+ books a month.

[@charlotte-yp7ti]

@Trinity M im also a writer and a veteran of the AR system, so i feel you there! i think its nice when you can read a book that helps you research something (im planning to write a noir so i'm reading lots of noir and crime novels atm) while also getting enjoyment from it. i like to think of reading as a kind of passive way of refining my skills as opposed to the sometimes difficult or draining act of actually writing. best of luck in your ventures my friend

[@SM-vr8dz]

Reading challenges can be good for exposing someone to books they wouldn’t normally read or to get to books that have been on their bookshelves for a long time. I love those kinds of reading challenges. I could never do a speed reading challenge.

[@girlafraid7571]

A 700 page book in one sitting??? That's insane. The most pages I've read in one sitting was 400 and I felt dizzy after.

[@terribleeyesshining]

I read the entirety of Half-Blood Prince in one sitting but that was a re-read so I didn’t feel so exhausted as I would if it was a new experience.

[@everIark]

Right?? I can't even fathom that I think the most pages I've read in one sitting was less than 100 but I'm also a really slow reader so

[@almondblossom4819]

I 100% agree! personally don’t like them because I like taking my time with books so I can really absorb the meaning behind the words, and if my reading a 400 page book in 1 day there’s absolutely no way I can do that 🍂

[@literaterue]

"CONSUME CONSCIOUSLY." Beautiful.

[@_stuckinthevoid]

dakota, every time I watch a video of yours the only thing I want to do is read, read, read. even when in a reading slump. thank you

[@irisiulia]

you're honestly such a breath of fresh air on booktube i really appreciate your critiques of the way we consume literature in this day and age

[@filmaddict143]

I've accepted that im a slow reader lol, so I decided to stop rushing reading books and just read at the pace I read. I rather devour the book with each word in a slow pace than just fly through it without taking little to nothing in. I read books to escape to different places or learn about the ones here and I want to be there for every moment and make it last as long as possible. Thats why I would never set these type of challenges for myself lol

[@tirarosaurioreads]

I mean, with books I take the same approach as with other passions of mine: if it feels like a chore or something I am doing for others and not for myself, I need to STOP. Whether that means DNGing a book Im not enjoying, not forcing myself to read just "for the sake of reading", etc... I follow this rule religiously.

[@bugstarfreak]

i once forced myself to finish a book in a day or two. i liked the book and felt glad i was able to finish it in a few days but the reading experience wasn't fun and it felt more like a get over and get it done with

[@rhae7393]

I feel that challenges totally depend on the type of literature you consume, i can easily do 30 days of romance, middle grade (maybe) and thrillers, but throw a classic in the mix and the whole plan gets upended

[@GraveyardShift-tl6ri]

not all of the bookternet/tube of course but i feel like a big part of it aestheticizes reading more than wholeheartedly enjoys it and its sad

[@elisazouza]

I would love a tattoo tour Lady Dakota and a video on how you got your poetry published! I would love to publish my own poetry book one day but I don’t know how to even get it published! (Hopefully you see this)

[@dianewalker9154]

I have reading goals, like read two novels of Russian literature this year. Or gladly participate in monthly goals like Jane Austen July or Victober. But I read for pleasure and don’t want to stress out over it. I want to savor my reading like I do a good meal.

[@emily-tt9vt]

I relate to this so much! For me personally, simply reading as many books as possible in a short time for the sake of having read as much as possible doesn't make sense, I need to give the book I just read some space in my mind. Otherwise it's almost as if I didn't actually read that book. + As a slow reader who isn't yet at peace with being a slow reader I hate when reading feels like competition. But also as you said, no judgement here!

[@evanescentnecsenave]

YES i feel the exact same way!!! im so happy to find other ppl like me here😭

[@Ashmont27]

I feel like this was something that really needed to be said!!! As a viewer, I'd rather watch a well-thought-out review of a single book than watch someone try to read as many books as possible and have less to say about those books.

[@amarasteele4016]

You're always such a huge breath of fresh air. Since I got back into reading, I decided that I soild consume as much as I possibly can to realize that's not what reading is totally about. It's about having those aha moments weeks after reading while doing the most mundane tasks.

[@jonahbabei6883]

I’ve spent 2 months reading Motion’s biography on Keats (in small doses albeit), and I’m so glad I didn’t rush it! There’s a weird, cult-y idea on goodreads that the goal of a text is to complete it; adding another tally to the read pile. It’s silly; literature is to be studied and mulled over, and you will not become any smarter by skimming books through. Enjoy them, and don’t feel any need to mass-read for self-satisfaction. For the same reason, this is also why you shouldn’t feel guilty giving up on books halfway-through.

[@Maya-190]

I just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me to read again :)

[@sophiekatieeq104]

I love this ….. the stress of to keep up with everyone else reading fast or to be consuming as much as everyone else . I have learnt to take my time ; I know my love for reading and writing will never change or stop so I have learnt to take my time and go at my pace :)

[@mimimilani8620]

I fully agree! Thank you for always encouraging readers of all levels to go at their own pace and read for enjoyment and education

[@gitanjalix]

i agree!!! i deleted goodreads because of this, I want to appreciate literature in its purest form because its how we should respect the work in front of us and what the author deserves! if that makes me read less books than others then so be it!

[@pearld1ver]

ive been thinking about deleting it for weeks. i think im gonna do it now!

[@pearld1ver]

i did itttttt

[@charo5320]

for me is so useful for remembering what books i wanna read, but i deleted the reading challenge and unfollowed everyone so i can't see what they're doing

[@amai3285]

i merely use goodreads to put some to-read books and that's all about it. i think that what matters to me the most about the reading experience is to absorb, appreciate and to actively engage with the content. i don't annotate so that when it comes to rereading it, it feels a bit new and i might catch things i didn't the first time.

[@emstavale]

I firmly believe that we should normalize changing our minds. So, you committed to something and now it’s feeling daunting or overwhelming, or you’re simply burnt out? Change your mind! Bail! I unapologetically flake all the time and my friends still love me. We need to prioritize our mental, physical, spiritual well-being!❤️ If we don’t take care of ourselves we will have nothing left to offer those we love. I am also a person who reads slowly and puts a book down when I realize I’ve become too tired or distracted to retain the information. Speed reading can be great, but like you said, if you really want to retain what you’ve read, it’s not a crime to slow down. Sometimes I devour a 400 page book in two sittings. Sometimes it takes me a week or two. Read at your own pace! 💖

[@ashmosphere]

i felt so much more clear minded when i adopted this mentality for books, as well as tv/movies-- whats the point of rushing through them all? truly enjoying a quality piece is a gift, and it shouldn't be hurried!

[@LilyBugInterrupted]

I challenged myself to read a book a day as well as of late. I can't begin to describe how much I needed someone to remind me to CONSUME CONSCIOUSLY. The thing is about skim reading, and I am not sure if this happens to many people or if it's just me, while I'm in the process of doing so, I tend to read mindlessly. The details slip my attention, but the main course of events is there, which is, in my opinion, suck-ish and kills the fun of reading. Instead, I would rather let every little detail sink in and marinate in my brain. That's more like me. Love you, beautiful Dakota, for always knocking some sense into the best of us, the lit fanatics.

[@nessaaaaaaa7]

i really needed this! i always feel guilty that i dont read 100 books a year lol

[@tsumugiiz_luvr6036]

after i do a reading challenge i just get in a giant reading slump and it sucks 😭

[@saraackerman8019]

I fully agree. I always like to sit with a book after I read. I also feel a lot of challenges emphasize how many books can you read. But I'm hesitant to set a big read goal because I think it will discourage me from longer books, when some of my favorite books are on the longer side.

[@Lucy-yx5vg]

I'm so glad you hve released this! Because I enjoy reading so much, but I become obsessed after reading and have to have time to consume and write notes and essays and explore the genre. I enjoy reading so much but sometimes feel awful that I cannot consume at the same rate as others but this video warms me

[@josi4801]

Thank you so much for saying this, I recently just got back into reading and I only read 1 to maybe 3 books per every 2 months. All of the social media influencers I follow read more than 10 in just a month. I've been trying to read more I just don't have the time to read 24/7, but after watching this video, I realize I spend a lot of time thinking about my books after reading them, and that's a skill I'm grateful to have

[@najifaanjum3324]

It's absolutely lovely that she talked about this, and can I say just how much I appreciate and love the way she talks! I used to be a bit uncomfortable with using versatile words in fear of being cheeky, but now that I see her doing exactly that without any cheekiness, I know its possible.

[@laindarko3591]

I can only read for about 30-45 minutes at a time typically, and need to do other tasks or activities in between. I love this because it extends the reading experience beyond just the reading. If I am enjoying a book and reading it over the course of a week, for that whole week I'm suspended in the state of reading that book, if that makes sense. It's very pleasant

[@christopherhellinger1135]

I started reading Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon yesterday, in part for the challenge and in part because I was genuinely interested. There are sections that are 1000% dreadfully unenjoyable but then there are such unique and interesting themes popping up unexpectedly, and I read a huge chunk of it yesterday not because I told myself I would but because I constantly wanted to be reading it. I thought I'd go into it saying "oh I'll read this much today" but It's such a relief knowing I don't have to do that, and the reading experience is much better for it. I'll take this video as a sign that I'll finish and enjoy it all the way through.

[@anvitomer3443]

Thank you for existing

[@tabithafahey1017]

earthlings is my favourite book EVER OF ALL TIME i love sayaka that talented freak

[@Werasliwa]

That is so true. I myself always need (want) to take a brake from the book I’m reading, because without that I just don’t think about it in my one way ❤️❤️

[@literaterue]

For some reason, this content soothed the super slow reader softie creature that lives inside of me. What a masterpiece, as always. Thank you for this, Dakota.

[@liliamuseum196]

Oh i was binge watching your videos and you bless us with a great video, like an unwaited epiphany !! Thank you lady Dakota , you make my day!

[@dreamingofthemoon]

This makes so mich sense now. I always take a little (or a lot, depending on the book) time to just sit with the things I read which is why I mostly don't start a new book right away after finishing the last one. My friend, on the other hand, reads two to three books back to back. We just talked about it yesterday actually and I felt envious of her and wanted to read faster too but now I'm realizing that her speed comes at a price. While I remember the plot and the main characters names often, she doesn't. Sometimes she reads a book only to realize halfway through she already read it which is unimaginable for me. I don't know if that's because she reads mostly romance books who generally have very similar plots and covers or if it is due to her way of reading. Nevertheless, thank you for making it clear to me that my way of reading is valid too:)

[@morganpony2]

I tried to join a reading challenge recently... and I couldn't even pick books for the prompts. Once it started I knew I wouldn't be able to participate the first week and then I already felt behind. So I quit. Before I even began. It felt wonderful, and I've still tip-toed through four books this month. :D

[@TK-vt2xv]

i made a bookstagram account to be part of the internet community of readers, but what i did not expect was the competitive reading challenges and having to read what’s in trend right now, otherwise your posts don’t get any traction. i too found myself skimming chapters and not ingesting what i’ve read (and also spending a lARGE amount of money on books) because if you don’t read fast enough - if you don’t post your reading updates frequently enough - you’re not going to stand out from the algorithm and the community. it caused such a HUGE reading slump for me. i’m so glad you made a video about this, lady dakota

[@razan4874]

I absolutely agree with what you said . Reading is a process of understanding first, then figuring out how what you read benefit you and it takes time. it's not about finishing a book as fast as possible so you can read another book . that is what I dislike in some readers when I discuss a book with them I find out they haven't really understood what they read or haven't thought about it, so I get a bit disappointed but it's not a big deal (it's just unfortunate) people are not the same in counsuming anything ...

[@bobbyfischer4297]

Marvelous ✨

[@-lovecassy_333]

I adore your beauty and philosophy on books, you’re one of my biggest of my inspirations and recently have helped me get back into writing poetry, which means much more than you could ever know. Also, I am currently eating blueberries as soon as you mentioned the simile you made. Much love and best wishes, please continue doing what makes your heart soar

[@asiamarie5068]

light of my life

[@elisazouza]

Finally!!! I was so confused when you posted on your IG shall I read 30 books in 30 days and I was like Dakota no, you won’t be able to process and take in the literature and just be happy about the 30 books and not the art and the work in books 😭😭😭 I was like this is not like you, please don’t do reading challenges. I enjoy doing the goodreads reading challenge tho because I can log my process and people on booktube do this a lot and I can’t tell if their happier saying oh yeah I read 30 books in this amount of days but didn’t take in the words on the paper! Also I hope I can reach a following like you one day because I absolutely adore literature and I’m so glad you introduced me to Dorian Gray

[@elizasperry7916]

i've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and this video really helped remind me why i have chosen reading as my primary source of entertainment. i don't know if it completely cured the slump, but i'll mull it over. thank you

[@dpacc88]

This girl is wildly magnetic! 😍

[@limeparticle]

I kind of needed to hear this, I think. Thank you ❤️

[@BeautifullyTragicxx]

I totally agree. I understand why booktubers do it, it seems like a good way to make interesting book-heavy videos, but they don't seem practice for everyone, esp people who aren't able to monetize that challenge.

[@rory1723]

I wanted to come back to this video to say it really helped me! By not putting that pressure on myself to just consume so much literature, I’ve actually read more. Since I was able to relax, and not pressure myself into it, I actually wanted to read. And thankyou Dakota.

[@lapvona]

i’m doing a july readathon, and only because i’ve been on holidays for the whole month. it’s been quite nice actually, just kinda like a reminder to read more instead of endlessly scrolling on my phone. but i cannot imagine doing a 30 day reading challenge, it quite honestly makes me sick

[@m7a.videodiaries]

i don’t know what it is exactly but im in LOVE with the way you speak you sound just like how I write my essays for school i really don’t know how to explain it but i swear im complimenting you 😭😭

[@nicks.bullsh1t301]

Thank you for this video of yours. I feel like it was really needed,at least for me,to get validation that reading challanges and mass consuming literature is not the only way of reading. I feel like in this current state of reading comunity on social media,like booktok for example,your worth,or sometimes even your selfworth is dependent on how big your number of read books is and I don't like it. Yes sometimes i hyperfocus on reading,rn i've stared my third book for today,but taht is valid,but reading slow,taking your time is as valid. I'm thankful for you to have clarified taht for anyone who has seen that video and might have had a different opinion before

[@luisac2193]

What a pleasure to see your post, my Lady!

[@schmiddinski]

This is how I feel about most books we have to read for school. I am interested in all of them, because they were written by someone and also because there are people who think it should be read by students like me. But then we skim past certain parts and over analyze others and I sometimes think it all goes to fast for me to comprehend what the book was even about. I think it's sad how our education system treats literature.

[@pavlinamestakova4729]

I do agree. But 12 hour read-a-thons help me get over a reading slump. I start with the book that I have been putting off finishing and then re-read a favourite or read some sweet easy book.

[@ellie5596]

This video was a reality slap on me cause I have a big expectation that I would read a lot over the summer. After all, it's hard to read during school season and there are a lot of hype books and new releases that hype me up but I can't cause it's a lot, so I put myself under pressure that I need to read a lot just to catch up and also the social pressure in readers to read a lot and know a lot of books until I question myself why I read books. It was a reality check that I read because I admire the stories, and it's okay to read it slow to appreciate every scene on every page, I need to stop putting pressure on myself to read fast, and read many just to catch up on books will always be there.

[@elize3137]

I completely agree but I have to add 1. I feel like if I'm not enjoying the book but I don't want to dnf it because it's not bad, I'd rather speed read so I don't waste much time on it. I KNOW, I know reading is never a waste of time, but if you don't have much free time then spending too many days on a book you don't enjoy much can feel like a waste 2. I'm (currently) obsessed with finding new favorite reads so I'm torn between just enjoying the process of reading and speeding through my tbr until I find a new obsession I can't be the only one who feels like this😬

[@RamonaGelosi]

I feel validated as a slow reader🥺❤️✨

[@elisabethn3913]

Thank you! I’ve always loved reading, but in recent years I had a period of time where I focused more on the the accomplishment of finishing a book instead just reading it and enjoying the experience fully. Thankfully, I’ve recently gotten back into reading more in the way I did before, letting my mind take me where it wants to go, letting myself reflect over the book or whatever tangent some sentence makes my train of thoughts go on, letting myself digest a book instead of going straight onto the next one. I even feel that I actually read more in this way because I read when, how, and what I want which makes me way more excited to read. And yes, it’s exhausting how humans tend to make everything a challenge or a competition.

[@yasminchowdhury3909]

I agree gotta let your interpretations of a book marinate

[@1book1review]

plans need to be abandonned if they don't bring joy or work out for you anymore. Good on you for bailing. And you learned so much about your reading in this challenge. Thanks for charing.

[@szczesciejestkoloruczarneg749]

_the best of booktube_

[@ariadna9522]

Omg, Drakota, thank you a lot, for what are you doing, thanks for yourself at all, and the inspiration that you give! Love u sm!

[@angrybirb8928]

I totally agree, reading challenges work for some people but for lots it takes away from the reading experience. For myself, I try to get a goal of how many books I want to read in a year and I make this something that I know I can accomplish/have accomplished before, this is because it helps me stay motivated to read while still allowing me to consciously consume literature!

[@Emma-vc9zy]

Literature is meant to be digested, fully. That takes time.

[@g13-dizonmicaelliahfranzt.93]

I love you my queen !!!

[@ReadingNymph]

I do find slowly reading a book can be so much more enjoyable, though I struggle with it, especially as I vlog and im always aware of talking about the same book all week 😅

[@ipshitajee]

Wait, 700page book in 1 sitting?? That's a superpower.

[@marengrace3242]

this reminds me of the Donna Tartt quote, "It is better to know one book intimately than a hundred superficially"

[@neveralea5485]

this is partly why i don't enjoy reading several books at the same time. i tend not to be as invested in a story if i have to shift my attention to another story simultaneously. i loved your video :)

[@debraschnitzer8802]

Thank you for this. I have been bogged down in reading challenges the last two years. Words and Whimsy was the worst. These people in the challenges were reading 40 books in a month. How can you enjoy 40 books. I love to stop reading after something significant or important to me and think about it for awhile.

[@Cevin.]

yes, exactly, absolutely.

[@glorioustomato]

This was wonderful!

[@just6162]

Lady Dakota, (or anyone) have you read A Little Life? It’s on my shelf and I’m hesitant to begin reading it. Mostly because of its size. P.S. I’m a psychiatrist, the mental illnesses aren’t new to me.

[@teacatsbooks1294]

I really liked it! I'm not used to very long books so it took a while to finish, but I think it was worth it. If you do give it a try, I hope you enjoy it!

[@just6162]

@@teacatsbooks1294 I’m glad to hear that! Will definitely read it. Thank you. ❤️

[@eve2857]

Just im reading it now, im about 300 Pages in and took a break from it, its a very bittersweet book. From the reviews ive seen its only going to get darker as it reaches the end but I’m here for it😭

[@carolinv9792]

You should definitely read it! It's brilliant :)

[@angel85qcca]

If you're a psychiatrist I would be careful reading this, it will enrage you. The character systematically refuses therapy throughout the book.

[@HusseinSheekh]

I quit on day 7 too 😭😭

[@emiliabugueiromeyer8166]

omg yes!! goodreads challenges feed a lot into this, why should we prove that we read x nmber of books?? great vid

[@johnmooney9403]

Hi Dakota just recently discovered your excellent channel. Really intriguing to watch, and you have awesome taste in literature. Most of your recommendations are on my tbe list.

[@laurabastic]

I watched this at a perfect time. I'm constantly aware of how many books are out there and how many I have read. Regardless of my reading goal, I constantly expand it and need to read more, I always think I'm not reading enough. I brought two months worth of books on a vacation that lasts less than a week; although most of these books are short, they're still books I should read more intentionally. Thank you for this video.

[@AtulKumar-we4ic]

Please make a video on speed reading.

[@anciencomptenemetira6550]

Alleluia ! i totaly agree oc

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I think it’s ok if it’s occasional lol sometimes you scarf and sometimes you savor

[@camillamacaulayworshipper8054]

i loved this video sm !! you present a lot of important considerations to make when consuming media on a mass scale within a short period of time

[@verzrc2772]

"consume consciously" is such an important idea to remember. I don't mean to sound like a tin foil hat wearing, middle aged, man but I feel like living in this digital age has completely skewed how we absorb entertainment. All of the popular reading challenges feel like a scuffed attempt at combining the short form nature of modern online entertainment with the practice of sitting down and appreciating a piece of media to its fullest potential. For many of us readers, it's definitely better to steer clear of that pressure to speed read as many books as possible!

[@Mariamox]

Even in school, it felt like a lot of pressure but other times it was nice to have a competitive community. Then again should reading be a competition? I do think it helped me later get into reading during my time at university.

[@寺前里音菜]

dakota you're so 💕💓💞💖💗💘💝

[@miajaimson5862]

Quality over Quantity.

[@christinaa9402]

Whats the background music? I lovee it

[@haninbzeih1087]

i love u

[@keepuwu-ing7653]

I enjoy watching these videos but i would never do it myself, how can you enjoy the book when ur in pain the whole time?

[@zhisu2665]

I don't vibe with most ppl who purposely make themselves read a number of books because I don't think they're actually READING and enjoying or understanding what they're reading, its just to push up a made-up number for bragging points and they don't actually get anything from it. read at your own pace even if it takes you a month to read a book.

[@amai3285]

i was never really tempted to join one of those challenges because i'm a slow reader and i want to stick information into my brain. i revisit books because i find annotating and note-taking quite inefficient, most of the time i only read non-fiction. to exhaust myself over speed-reading a book would just make me hate reading eventually.

[@GameViolence]

I can’t even read a chapter a day 😵‍💫

[@liliamuseum196]

I personnaly force myself tl read books really slowly cause i don't have enough money to buy a lot of books 😂 but its not that bad , i definietly understand more things in the book

[@ccasey08]

help i have a 49 book tbr

[@carinavazquez3531]

Indulging yourself in a book is sacred. Thank you for your poetic existence, and for explaining this as well ahh! This was reassuring.