Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
From the Moderators
Thank you for sharing your secrets.
The reaction to this blog in such a short time has been overwhelming and gratifying. Not only have the posts been eye-opening, but your comments have added so much to what this project is starting to become.
The reaction to this blog in such a short time has been overwhelming and gratifying. Not only have the posts been eye-opening, but your comments have added so much to what this project is starting to become.
We do request that when you submit a secret, however, that you try to be concise. We have been getting several posts that, while as touching and fascinating as any of the others, probably already have CliffsNotes for sale at your friendly neighborhood amazon.com. Ideally, your secret will be between one sentence and two (short) paragraphs long. While we so appreciate your choice to participate in this project, for the sake of those reading the secrets (and us who moderate them), brevity is preferable.
If your secret has not been posted and you suspect length was the reason, please feel free to shorten it and submit again.
(This post, for instance, might serve as an example of what not to do.)
The first time I stayed with you, we didn't have sex because both of us said we weren't the one night stand type. That was 2 months ago and I've stayed at least once a week since but I think you're too afraid to bring it up again. It's ok; this is obviously more than just hooking up. I'm attached and I think you are too.
I don't think you realize how much your friendship means to me, but you bring out the best in me. When I'm around you, I am myself at my happiest, my kindest, my cleverest, my funniest (those kind of stop looking like real words all strung together like that, huh?), my most comfortable and my most engaged in the world around me. I know I'm not the only person who feels like this around you, and I'd feel awkward telling you in person, but if you read this and you think that there's no way this could possibly ever ever be about you -- it is.
I trusted you; I was in love with you; we dated for 2 years. Then I had sex with you ... which wasn't a problem until a month later when I found out I got an STD from you... after we broke up.
I was the "good girl." The one who waited for love. The one who had only kissed before my relationship with you. And this is what I get for it. A lifetime of taking medicine and worrying, wondering if anyone will ever stay with me once they find out. Why should I ever expect them to? I don't think I would have.
I won't be like you and not tell them - I won't make them go through the misery, confusion, and pain. OWN UP to it. Don't ruin someone else's love life, too.
I was the "good girl." The one who waited for love. The one who had only kissed before my relationship with you. And this is what I get for it. A lifetime of taking medicine and worrying, wondering if anyone will ever stay with me once they find out. Why should I ever expect them to? I don't think I would have.
I won't be like you and not tell them - I won't make them go through the misery, confusion, and pain. OWN UP to it. Don't ruin someone else's love life, too.
I really can't stand you. I think that you are one of the most ignorant, vapid, self-absorbed individuals I have ever met in my entire life.
I think that you carry an incredible amount of insecurity in your heart, and your attempts to mask that with false-confidence fail miserably.
I think that everyone can see through you, and I think that you try so hard it's disgusting.
But what unnerves me the most is that YOU talk down to ME like I have no direction or sense of moral consciousness in my life- when in fact, I feel that YOU, more than anyone else that I know, needs guidance and direction and a more concrete sense of who you are and what you are looking for.
...but I'll be nice because you live next door and you're "one of my friends".
...and I know that saying this to you would accomplish nothing, as I sincerely believe that you don't have the capacity to understand or acknowledge your own shortcomings.
I think that you carry an incredible amount of insecurity in your heart, and your attempts to mask that with false-confidence fail miserably.
I think that everyone can see through you, and I think that you try so hard it's disgusting.
But what unnerves me the most is that YOU talk down to ME like I have no direction or sense of moral consciousness in my life- when in fact, I feel that YOU, more than anyone else that I know, needs guidance and direction and a more concrete sense of who you are and what you are looking for.
...but I'll be nice because you live next door and you're "one of my friends".
...and I know that saying this to you would accomplish nothing, as I sincerely believe that you don't have the capacity to understand or acknowledge your own shortcomings.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
I would never have had sex if I wasn't so sick of the stigma associated with being a virgin. I hated how that'd come up whenever people talked about sex, the way their views of me seemed to change having learned that I was a virgin, the way they'd talk about how much they "respected" that but treated me differently anyway, as if it was a religious or moral thing, when I'm one of the least "religious" people I know. I reget that I let others' decisions have such a big impact on what I decided to do with my body, and because of that, I consider myself somewhat of a born again virgin, though yet again, ithas nothing to do with religion. I haven't had sex in a year, because I haven't felt like it, haven't felt comfortable with it, and if I could do it over again, I wouldn't have had sex at all.
Here at this school, where so many people succeed and are just brilliant and amazing and talented; I feel so lucky to be here, surrounded by such awesomeness.
I ask myself:
How did I get here? I am not worthy of this school.
Why am I here?
And why haven't I quit yet when the thought crosses my mind every morning before I head for breakfast, and every evening when I finish classes feeling like I failed, once again, to show this school I have some, if not a minuscule amount of talent.
I'm a virgin, but you would never know it--I guess I don't fit into the stereotype portrayed by today's society.
Most of my friends don't even know. It's not that I'm ashamed, it's just that I think people assume I'm not, and it's not their business--after all, I don't go around asking every single friend how many people they've slept with.
Most of my friends don't even know. It's not that I'm ashamed, it's just that I think people assume I'm not, and it's not their business--after all, I don't go around asking every single friend how many people they've slept with.
because you hooked up with my suitemate, i don't think we could ever be together. or at least i've been trying to tell myself that. but i know in the end i would give you up in a heartbeat if she said she wanted you.
i wish i was someone who would fight for what i want. but not even you can make me be like that.
i wish i was someone who would fight for what i want. but not even you can make me be like that.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Every time I'm around you I look, sound, and feel like an idiot. You suck the confidence right out of me, you make me feel like dirt, you make me think I'm a worthless, inferior, stupid girl instead of the true woman that I am. I used to love you, but now I hate the way I feel- the person I am- when I'm around you.
And the fact that I can say this here, where you can't hear me, but could never say it to your face, makes me feel even worse.
And the fact that I can say this here, where you can't hear me, but could never say it to your face, makes me feel even worse.
It's been 3 years and I've finally admitted to myself why I haven't been in another relationship. I hope this means I can start to really move on, because I'm tired of being lonely. And I don't deserve this just because you were an insensitive jackass. (As it turns out, it really was you and not me.)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
I talk to myself all the time. I could call people on the phone or hang out with the few friends and talk to them, but I have nothing to say to them. But when I am talking to myself with the characters I have devised for my works, I am at home and at peace. I don't think I will ever hold a conversation with a tangible human being that is as enlivening as the ones I have with myself.
I wake up every day and go to classes, eat lunch and attend my plethora of extracurricular meetings, all the while laughing and making jokes, and yet, inside, nothing really makes me happy anymore. It's nice hanging out with my friends and all, and I still take pride in my hobbies when I have time for them, but my entire life is scheduled, and people depend on me to get everything done for my groups. I can't just take a break, and even when I have free time I just stress about the next thing I have coming up to do. Hell, I'm not even in that many classes this semester and I'm floundering. There have been a couple times this semester where I thought about just leaving school, or worse. I realize how stupid it is, but I feel like I need a way out.
I just want things to go back to the way they used to be when I was happy in a relationship and without all this bullcrap work to do. It'd be nice to have someone again.
I just want things to go back to the way they used to be when I was happy in a relationship and without all this bullcrap work to do. It'd be nice to have someone again.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I hate seeing "edited their profile" in your minifeed, to look and see you've added another movie, band, or author of mine, ones that don't fit with the rest of your interests. And when you try to converse about them, your vague often misguided observations just make me seethe...
It's possible I'd like you for who you are, if I knew who that was. I want an independent man confident enough to be himself, one who compliments me, not a clone with an added penis.
I've met my share of your kind, and am flattered by the effort, but that kind of crap is how to be a fan, not a prospective boyfriend.
It's possible I'd like you for who you are, if I knew who that was. I want an independent man confident enough to be himself, one who compliments me, not a clone with an added penis.
I've met my share of your kind, and am flattered by the effort, but that kind of crap is how to be a fan, not a prospective boyfriend.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I let you think I'm so into you but really I'm not. Don't get me wrong - I was.... Still am a little bit... But babe, you're so young and naive. Full of horomones. You want one thing and you think I'm going to give it to you. You don't even want to date me though. Why on earth would I want to do that if you don't respect me enough to be with me? I know that you really are a great guy and you're trying to live a good life but the way you act around me and the things you want to do don't really live up to that. I know that I don't help the situations, but you should learn to control yourself.
I will never understand what happened or why you let it happen so fast. I'm sorry if you think I've been playing mind games, it's just been a struggle to regain clarity and stability in how I think about you...and the more time that passes the less I have either.
I also think that "things happen for a reason" is total bullshit and you believe it because you're afraid of the alternative.
I also think that "things happen for a reason" is total bullshit and you believe it because you're afraid of the alternative.
Here's my secret:
I was abused. I was raped. I was hit.
He tried to take my life.
I cried every day for two years.
I live every day in fear of seeing this man again.
I can't even sleep because there he is, haunting my dreams.
I only let people think that my anti-depressant drugs are working.
That sweet little blonde girl you see laughing all over campus?
That's me.
I was abused. I was raped. I was hit.
He tried to take my life.
I cried every day for two years.
I live every day in fear of seeing this man again.
I can't even sleep because there he is, haunting my dreams.
I only let people think that my anti-depressant drugs are working.
That sweet little blonde girl you see laughing all over campus?
That's me.
Contribute to the Daily Pictures
If you have a photo you would like to submit for use as the daily picture, email it to uncchsecrets@gmail.com.
The only pictures that will definitely be considered are photographs taken on campus or around Chapel Hill which
We look forward to hearing from you.
The only pictures that will definitely be considered are photographs taken on campus or around Chapel Hill which
- show no recognizable faces
- are of a reasonable size
- are inoffensive (Obviously, this is subjective. A good rule of thumb: submit what would deeply offend your dear old grandma but only make your parents mildly uncomfortable.)
We look forward to hearing from you.
Monday, March 24, 2008
I'm terrified of my best friend getting into grad school here because if he does, I'll have to go through another year of being in love with him. I'm terrified that if he doesn't get in, I'll be completely alone here.
He's the third person I've wished academic failure on as a quick and easy way to get them out of my life without having to blame myself.
He's the third person I've wished academic failure on as a quick and easy way to get them out of my life without having to blame myself.
I told you I only wanted to be your friend, but you grew on me...My responsive smiles turned into grins of admiration. My laughs evolved into nervous flirtations.... But my pride is too big to ever let you know and I believe I missed my window with you.
Now I just have to find a way to keep my feelings secret, because everyone sees it but you.
Now I just have to find a way to keep my feelings secret, because everyone sees it but you.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
You never had any idea that I loved you or how hard it was to do so, but I did anyway. I used to wonder how things would have turned out differently between us if I had told you, but now I realized that you prepared me for what was to come and the happiness I now enjoy. Because of that, you will always be a part of me.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
How It Works
Every day, we will publish a single picture as a post. If you wish to share a secret, post it in a comment to that Daily Picture post as Anonymous. We'll review them and post them within the week.
If you have any questions, email us at uncchsecrets@gmail.com. If you wish for a secret to be removed, comment on that secret's post, and you can still remain anonymous.
We look forward to hearing from you.
If you have any questions, email us at uncchsecrets@gmail.com. If you wish for a secret to be removed, comment on that secret's post, and you can still remain anonymous.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Warning Label
If you choose to post a secret, understand that, in order for this project to work, anonymity is crucial. In case you didn't get that, let us say it again:
ANONYMITY IS CRUCIAL.
DO NOT identify yourself. We don't want to know who you are, and we will only post secrets that use aliases for anyone mentioned.
For instance, if you submit this:
Frank, I've loved you for eighteen years. Every time I hear the thunk of your wooden leg in the hall outside my office on the third floor of Dey, my heart skips a beat. I know you're devoted to your partner Tom, but I just had to tell someone. -- Ellen
we won't post it. If, however, you submit this:
Handsome pirate of my heart, I've loved you for eighteen years. Every time I hear the thunk of your wooden leg in the hall outside my office on the third floor of Dey, my heart skips a beat. I know you're devoted to your partner, but I just had to tell someone. -- Romance Language Prof Hurtin' for Romance
we probably will. However, it is UP TO YOU to make sure that identifying details are left out. In this case, it would probably be wisest to put:
Handsome pirate of my heart, I've loved you for eighteen years. Every time I hear your distinctive footsteps in the hall outside my office, my heart skips a beat. I know you're devoted to your partner, but I just had to tell someone. -- your brown-eyed girl
We won't post any secrets that aren't about the submitter.
This one time I knew this girl who told me that she was an obsessive fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer who was this major celebrity in the online fanfic circles, but couldn't let anyone know because she was a prep.
is not acceptable. However,
When you told me about your secret online life as the high priestess of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom, I laughed at you and told everyone we knew. I was worse than a jerk, I was a hypocrite. -- the future Mrs. Rupert Giles
would be (Rupert Giles being a fictional character from Buffy and not, as far as we know, a person related to this university). If it's not your secret to tell, don't.
ANONYMITY IS CRUCIAL.
DO NOT identify yourself. We don't want to know who you are, and we will only post secrets that use aliases for anyone mentioned.
For instance, if you submit this:
Frank, I've loved you for eighteen years. Every time I hear the thunk of your wooden leg in the hall outside my office on the third floor of Dey, my heart skips a beat. I know you're devoted to your partner Tom, but I just had to tell someone. -- Ellen
we won't post it. If, however, you submit this:
Handsome pirate of my heart, I've loved you for eighteen years. Every time I hear the thunk of your wooden leg in the hall outside my office on the third floor of Dey, my heart skips a beat. I know you're devoted to your partner, but I just had to tell someone. -- Romance Language Prof Hurtin' for Romance
we probably will. However, it is UP TO YOU to make sure that identifying details are left out. In this case, it would probably be wisest to put:
Handsome pirate of my heart, I've loved you for eighteen years. Every time I hear your distinctive footsteps in the hall outside my office, my heart skips a beat. I know you're devoted to your partner, but I just had to tell someone. -- your brown-eyed girl
We won't post any secrets that aren't about the submitter.
This one time I knew this girl who told me that she was an obsessive fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer who was this major celebrity in the online fanfic circles, but couldn't let anyone know because she was a prep.
is not acceptable. However,
When you told me about your secret online life as the high priestess of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom, I laughed at you and told everyone we knew. I was worse than a jerk, I was a hypocrite. -- the future Mrs. Rupert Giles
would be (Rupert Giles being a fictional character from Buffy and not, as far as we know, a person related to this university). If it's not your secret to tell, don't.
Please keep your secrets brief -- a (short) paragraph maximum will be lightly enforced.
The UNC-CH Secrets Project 2008 is not ...
Finally, there is an adult content warning for the site for a reason. People's secrets aren't always rated PG-13, and while it is up to our discretion to post what you have submitted, our aim is to censor as little as possible. Please take a look at the original Post Secret to get an idea of the variety of secrets people want to share. We are also keeping comments on secret posts open for the time being, in the hope that other people will want to engage in discussion and share their stories. If these comments become a forum for finger-pointing, outing the person with the secret, or hatred, they'll be disabled faster than you can say "Roy Williams".
The UNC-CH Secrets Project 2008 is not ...
- a forum for public discussion.
- a means through which you can communicate with your friends, enemies, lovers or any combination of the above.
- an invitation to "out" people's secrets.
Finally, there is an adult content warning for the site for a reason. People's secrets aren't always rated PG-13, and while it is up to our discretion to post what you have submitted, our aim is to censor as little as possible. Please take a look at the original Post Secret to get an idea of the variety of secrets people want to share. We are also keeping comments on secret posts open for the time being, in the hope that other people will want to engage in discussion and share their stories. If these comments become a forum for finger-pointing, outing the person with the secret, or hatred, they'll be disabled faster than you can say "Roy Williams".
The Idea
Most people are familiar with PostSecret. This blog has been set up for a similar purpose: the collection of secrets. The differences? Well, this is for people -- students, faculty, alums, administrators -- with links to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We feel that this community is large enough to offer the anonymity necessary for a project like this one, but the uniting factor in our lives might encourage us to look at the people in the Pit, at basketball games, on the P2P and on Franklin Street in new, more empathetic ways.
We also hope to use these secrets to create an art piece in the coming year. The nature of the piece is still pretty nebulous, but everyone who reads the blog will, of course, be updated on its progress and invited to the event.
We also hope to use these secrets to create an art piece in the coming year. The nature of the piece is still pretty nebulous, but everyone who reads the blog will, of course, be updated on its progress and invited to the event.
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