Valentine’s just wrapped and with it all the photoshoots and special events our favorite artists attended. It’s always around major holidays we suffer the greatest heart palpitations, swooning over the soft glances and flowery showcases of love. Surely, much of what we see as fans –what we’re allowed to see– is the “perfect moment”. A photo of a breathtaking smile captured mid-laugh. A gaze framed just right, filled with tender adoration.
Practiced perfection maybe.
At least, that’s what some say whenever the reality of those captured moments is questioned. “It’s fanservice.” “It’s not real.” Phrases tossed around by people who only watch –no, judge– from afar.
To them I say: so, what if it is?
The photoshoots, the Instragram posts, the numerous events standing under bright light and singing into matching microphones in harmony…So what if it’s curated? So what if it’s constructed?
It doesn’t need to be real to hold meaning. Not every pair or show needs to become reality. Not every fantasy teased in the next project needs to exist beyond the screen.
This isn’t me being a non-believer. I have my moments of delulu, trust me. But at the end of the day, I know I am a mere bystander witnessing just a fraction of their lives. Whatever is true or not, that belongs to them.
All I know is what is shared with us. And even if it’s overly glamorous, too polished, truly doesn’t matter or lessen the value to me. What matters is that they’ve chosen to share at all. To face the scrutiny from some, exaggerated enthusiasm from others. To step in front of the world in ways that can feel deeply personal and vulnerable.
That takes courage.
Whether authentic, dramatized, or somewhere in-between — it takes courage.
Because at the end of the day, they’re human like anyone else. And while many of us can log off, reset, and return to our normal routines the next morning, some of them may not be able to. Yes, being in the spotlight is a choice. But that choice should never strip someone of privacy, dignity, or softness.
Post your passions. Buy the matching jewelry set. Share love in your way. Be as loud as you want. Show the world as much — or as little– as you choose.
Love loudly.
Love quietly.
Love in the way that feels safest in your own hands.
Real, fake, maybe something in-between. None of it matters as much as being true to yourself and to those personally involved.
Maybe what we’re really celebrating was never perfection in the first place, but the willingness to stand beside someone — whether for a role, a moment, or a memory — and let the world look in. We don’t need ownership of the truth to appreciate what we’re given. Sometimes it’s enough to simply witness with kindness, enjoy what’s shared, and leave the rest where it belongs.
Between them.