The Twilight Cycle

Quite a few people were once Twilight fans and have since "grown out of" the books. Naturally, I've created an outline of what appears to be a common cycle:

The Twilight Cycle

1) Ignorance/Indifference - may have heard the name "Twilight" in passing, shows no real interest in reading the books. Friends may suggest the title; claims to be "too busy" or "not into that stuff." No real feelings towards the book, may not be aware of its content.

2) First Meeting/Initial Interest - is curious or is persuaded into reading the first book. May take a few days to make much headway into book. Initially thinks that the book is not all that it's cracked up to be. Interest develops upon further reading.

3) Deep Infatuation - finishes first book, is spellbound. Rereads immediately, attempts to find the next books. Reads quickly, rereads quickly. May highlight sections of the book; often inadvertantly harms the binding of the book due to constant reading. Makes the groundbreaking realization that everything in life is somehow connected to Twilight. Insists that friends read books. Professes love for Edward, Jacob, or both. Either professes profound hatred of Bella or loyally defends Bella. Joins a lot of Facebook groups with titles such as "Thanks, Twilight, for Making me Hate Human Boys." Develops a love affair with the band Muse. Purchases Twilight merchandise. Writes poetry, cries.

4) "Waking Up"/the Breakup - either suddenly arrives at the conclusion that Twilight is not likable or slowly but steadily falls out of love with the books. Feels disallusioned and possibly betrayed. Makes groundbreaking realization that not everything in life is somehow connected to Twilight. Feels slight guilt for previous infatuation. Claims that Edward and Jacob are both "gross." Vows to make others "see the light."

5) Revenge/Anger - believes that too much time has been lost liking Twilight. Goes onto internet fan sites and rags on fan posts, goes to internet hate sites and rags on fans. Writes essays about the ways in which Edward and/or Jacob is abusive. Takes every opportunity to put a Twilight fan "in their place." Insults Stephenie Meyer, Mormons, Stephenie Meyer, Mormons, and sparkles. Develops love for Buffy, often talks about "real vampires." Laughs far too much at Twilight parodies. Rolls eyes at any and all Twilight fans, refuses to make new friends with Twilight fans. Yells, rants, yells.

6) General Indifference - starts to more or less ignore Twilight. Enjoys poking fun at Twilight, laughs at Twilight parodies. Still dislikes or strongly dislikes series but doesn't feel the need to explain this to every person they meet. Tends to rant to fellow anti-Twilighters. Accepts the fact that some people like Twilight but still believes that series will never even touch Harry Potter/Lost/fill in the_______blank. Smiles and nods politely when friends talk about Edward's sparkles. Moves on with life.

I'd say that I went through a less extreme version of this cycle (never really actively took part of the Twilight fandom, never abused Twilight fans after the fact). Surprisingly, when I thought about it, I realized that I was only a Twilight fan for approximately five months (~March 2008 through August 2008). In comparison, I've been a Harry Potter fan for at least six years, albeit with varying degrees of interest over the years.

In any case, it's far more immature to actively harass Twilight fans than it is to simply like the books. I think it's quite fun to mock the Twilight franchise, but I think it's best to do that when you're in the company of other non-Twilight-lovers. Otherwise it's just mean.