Monomania

[Danielle La Belle]

Hi Girls:

definition:

Main Entry:monomania
Function:noun
Etymology:New Latin
Date:1823

1 : mental illness especially when limited in expression to one idea or area of thought
2 : excessive concentration on a single object or idea
–mono£ma£ni£ac \-n*-*ak\ noun or adjective
–mono£ma£ni£a£cal \-m*-*n*-*-k*l\ adjective
–mono£ma£ni£a£cal£ly \-k(*-)l*\ adverb
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I came across this as a "word of the day" on my home page this morning. At first, I just blew it off. The "wod" made no mention of "mental illness." The definition here comes from "Merriam Webster's 11th Collegiate Dictionary."

I found it rather interesting. I have been a bit "monomanic" lately over Danielle Marie, her dressing and personality. Is that possible, I asked my self? Is it possible to be considered "monomanic" when you identify with a sex/gender directly opposite to that of your birth assigned sex/gender?

Well, for my two cents I think not but then, depending on just how narrow minded I have become on this subject, just perhaps... .

After all, I spend a great deal of time lately here on the forum. More than I did in the past perhaps. Or maybe, just maybe, I am avoiding being more responsible about work and making a living and well, you know. Things!

Maybe I have become more self-aware. More confident in what and whom I am. Perhaps too, I have become more aware of my past behavior and what it has and has not done for me in a positive manner. Self examination. Hand me the medical glove please, this is going to tickle the mental prostate just a little! Yikes! (I like that word!).

No, I do not fight with "Daniel" over this issue. We each have our time out and about. For that matter, we like to switch around a little no matter how we are dressed. No harm. No, I am not a "Switch hitter."

I am curious yellow or peach or pink or green. Just depends on my mood!


Hugs

Danielle Marie
(Food for thought)! Who knew?

[Virginia]

Danielle,
Honey as long as you have "acceptable balance" in your life -- ROCK ON!

I always look forward to your participation with us!

Love ya,

Virginia

[CJ]

Hi all,

Danielle,

Sad but true: most people I know that use the word in their writing or conversation do so in terms of pathology. Too bad. I think it's a fun word. I sometimes apply it to some of the collectors I know.

You seem to be using it in regards to narcissism or self-obssession. Although the words share in the concept of obssession, there's a huge difference between narcissism and monomania. Monomania usually has to do with an object of thought other than oneself. The stain on the bathroom ceiling, say, or, as in the recent film with Jim Carrey (which I've admittedly yet to see), the number 23.

Monomania becomes a mental illness when the focus in question crowds out other, rather less obssessive thought, leading one to experience difficulties in daily living. With some exceptions, it hardly applies to crossdressing... as I'm not sure that the need to express one's gender can be considered an obssession. It only appears to become so when that need is denied or repressed (whether by self or by society).

Again, Danielle, you provide food for thought. Thanks. By the way, I'm glad you do not fight with "Daniel" over the issue, as you and "Daniel" are one person, after all.

Love,
CJ

[Lydia]

Hi all,

You said it well, CJ (as usual). Monomania is truly a mental pathology. I recommend the Wikipedia definition:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomania

Obsessions and compulsions are lesser forms of monomania (s.l.), and can be minor habits to pathological needs. Our CD needs span a spectrum or continuum with an infinite number of individual variations. In my case, Lydia and my alter ego are inseparable and essentially the same personality. Danielle is far far from being a monomaniac.

Interesting thread - I just had to add my bit.

Hugs,

Lydia

[Danielle La Belle]

Hi Girls:

My attention was more directed to item 1.

"1 : mental illness especially when limited in expression to one idea or area of thought."

The "area of thought" just stood out to me. Since it is not defined, it could be misunderstood or misapplied by someone that wishes to emphasize a negative association to any number of activities, not limited to TG related preferences.

"Area of thought," seems rather wide open to me.

Example: Someone really into golf, tennis, or any activity that seems to take up most of their time and social interest. Then, other things seem to fall to the wayside such as paying the bills or grocery shopping. Not completely out of the picture mind you, just not a priority that suffers from the excessive attention given the predominant activity.


Hugs

Danielle Marie