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Original poster

I was called an NPC

41 replies

clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 14:34

A 17 year old son of a work colleague said to me 'don't take this the wrong way, but you're like an NPC in a game'. No idea what it meant at the time, probably just as well. But my daughter told me it's really bad. Like I'm a ghost with no opinions of my own. I'm now questioning my entire existence based on what a 17 year old boy said to me. Maybe I should grow a pair?! Hmm

OP posts:
Meseekslookatme · 09/09/2022 14:35

Non player character.
It's quite rude of them
Indicates that you're part of the background

Solosunrise · 09/09/2022 14:36

I'm wondering what the 'right way' to respond would have been!
Little shit!

MrsJamin · 09/09/2022 14:37

You know what it stands for, right? Non-Playable Character. As in video games, you can't play as that avatar, they act predictably and robtically. I wouldn't worry about it too much, perhaps he hasn't got to know you?

Original poster
clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 14:38

Yep. I know what it means now. Is there any other way to take it? Feeling ridiculous to be so hurt by a 17 year old who doesn't even know me. Feeling like a waste of space. Maybe he has a point. I used to have original thoughts. Not sure when that stopped.

OP posts:
Catslovepies · 09/09/2022 14:39

I would think a good response would be of course I'm an NPC in your game just like you're an NPC in mine! Just a typical self-obsessed teenager comment, I wouldn't pay it any mind.

Meseekslookatme · 09/09/2022 14:39

Catslovepies · 09/09/2022 14:39

I would think a good response would be of course I'm an NPC in your game just like you're an NPC in mine! Just a typical self-obsessed teenager comment, I wouldn't pay it any mind.

Oooh good response

Glitterspy · 09/09/2022 14:40

How well does this son know you, how much does he know of how you operate at work?

In my life with two small children, I feel blessed to be taken for granted by them and their friends, as if I’m a piece of furniture - so reliable, so sturdy they can rely on me to always be the same. Children need this kind of stability and while it’s not exciting to be a human sofa, it’s very fulfilling. I choose to think this way as the opposite is being a baggage with a grudge!

He did tell you not to take it the wrong way, and might be expressing (badly) some of this kind of comfort with your steady presence. He didn’t necessarily mean it as an insult?

BeastOfBODMAS · 09/09/2022 14:40

It’s rude, but is says a lot more about the self centred nature of teenagers in general (and this scrote in particular) than it does about you!

HungryTruck · 09/09/2022 14:41

I've heard people say this before, but in a context that doesn't mean you're a 'background character'. NPCs often give people missions in video games, so when I've heard it, it's meant someone is a bit mysterious. For example, if I saw someone in the street wearing a big cloak, I might say they look like an NPC who has a mission for me!

YelloCar · 09/09/2022 14:41

Catslovepies · 09/09/2022 14:39

I would think a good response would be of course I'm an NPC in your game just like you're an NPC in mine! Just a typical self-obsessed teenager comment, I wouldn't pay it any mind.

This. Don’t take it personally. He’s the main character of his own life. And a self centred teenager. He’ll cringe when he’s older and remembers he said this.

thistimelastweek · 09/09/2022 14:42

He's a rude little twat (RLT)

itsmeagainagain · 09/09/2022 14:43

clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 14:34

A 17 year old son of a work colleague said to me 'don't take this the wrong way, but you're like an NPC in a game'. No idea what it meant at the time, probably just as well. But my daughter told me it's really bad. Like I'm a ghost with no opinions of my own. I'm now questioning my entire existence based on what a 17 year old boy said to me. Maybe I should grow a pair?! Hmm

how does he know you? I think I'd be more annoyed at what his mum had been saying to him about you. What was the context?

BloodyCamping · 09/09/2022 14:44

He’s a teenager, of course he’s the main character in his own little limited world. He will grow up in good time.

Personally I’d talk to his parent and explain he was quite rude and needs some input on how to talk to people appropriately.

Libre2 · 09/09/2022 14:47

How unutterably rude. If he were my son, regardless of whether he were 13 or 17 I would be highly embarrassed and tell him so. Ignore him. Don’t be hurt by, be appalled and slightly flabbergasted by his lack of social etiquette and manners. I’m not quite sure why but that has made me really angry on your behalf. What a twat.

Original poster
clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 14:47

Glitterspy · 09/09/2022 14:40

How well does this son know you, how much does he know of how you operate at work?

In my life with two small children, I feel blessed to be taken for granted by them and their friends, as if I’m a piece of furniture - so reliable, so sturdy they can rely on me to always be the same. Children need this kind of stability and while it’s not exciting to be a human sofa, it’s very fulfilling. I choose to think this way as the opposite is being a baggage with a grudge!

He did tell you not to take it the wrong way, and might be expressing (badly) some of this kind of comfort with your steady presence. He didn’t necessarily mean it as an insult?

He doesn't know me well. He's a lovely kid. Parents divorced four years ago, so I love the idea that maybe he meant I'm a sturdy piece of furniture. I'll take that.

OP posts:
Pixiedust1234 · 09/09/2022 14:48

hmmmm some npcs just give money/gifts when interacted with, others give missions/orders.

Do you stand there and bark out orders without moving or do you dish out coffee and cake constantly in a motherly fashion?

Either way he is a rude brat. Have fun with him next time and ask him what he means. He will squirm either way Grin

Caroffee · 09/09/2022 14:53

What a horrible boy to say something like that.

Original poster
clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 15:00

HungryTruck · 09/09/2022 14:41

I've heard people say this before, but in a context that doesn't mean you're a 'background character'. NPCs often give people missions in video games, so when I've heard it, it's meant someone is a bit mysterious. For example, if I saw someone in the street wearing a big cloak, I might say they look like an NPC who has a mission for me!

Thanks for this perspective. I like it a lot better. Sounds almost cool.

OP posts:
BadNomad · 09/09/2022 15:07

What is your job? It might be related to that.

Original poster
clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 15:09

BadNomad · 09/09/2022 15:07

What is your job? It might be related to that.

Could be. I'm a producer, which is all about facilitating process to get best possible result.

OP posts:
SarahShorty · 09/09/2022 15:18

Did you make a political statement recently? Being referred to as an NPC means you tend to believe in whatever the current narrative/media spin is with no critical thought.

HelloTreacle9 · 09/09/2022 15:23

Just laugh and say 'alright, Mr Main Character Syndrome'. He's got TikTok, he'll know what that means. Or tell him, as per this article, that you're flattered he noticed you have "side character energy" now main character syndrome is SO last week ... www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/56692/1/are-npc-video-game-the-new-main-character-syndrome-tiktok

Original poster
clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 15:25

SarahShorty · 09/09/2022 15:18

Did you make a political statement recently? Being referred to as an NPC means you tend to believe in whatever the current narrative/media spin is with no critical thought.

No political statement, per se. I definitely analyse far better through writing than verbally. I don't know. Feel like a bit of a naval gazer now. I guess my hurt rests with me, rather than what he said. I enjoy aspects of what I do but have lost touch with my own voice. I tend to help and support, rather than question. Also, how can a teenage only-child ever comprehend what it is to be a mother of three. You give up a little piece of your identity with every child, I think. I guess you can get them back, but it takes effort.

OP posts:
Original poster
clapalongthree · 09/09/2022 15:29

HelloTreacle9 · 09/09/2022 15:23

Just laugh and say 'alright, Mr Main Character Syndrome'. He's got TikTok, he'll know what that means. Or tell him, as per this article, that you're flattered he noticed you have "side character energy" now main character syndrome is SO last week ... www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/56692/1/are-npc-video-game-the-new-main-character-syndrome-tiktok

Yesss! Love this...MCS

OP posts:
latetothefisting · 09/09/2022 15:46

Tell him he has "main character energy and not in a good way"

It's another stupid tiktok/gen z thing but basically the opposite of an NPC - someone who lives their life like they are the main character in a film and everyone else is just supporting cast and extras.

Basically "you're an arrogant little twat who will hopefully grow up and realise the world doesn't actually revolve around you"

Or just say that to him 😁