Distractions, Distractions?

Every now and then I suppose it must be questioned if the otaku's obsessions are more like elaborate distractions to keep them from dealing with reality.  That's such a harsh way to come out and say things.  Do they collect female figurines and memorabilia because they feel that they cannot obtain a relationship with a real female?  Are they often sinking into certain types of games and experts in nonsense because they dream of going on an adventure more than anything?  Or maybe they like cars because cars can't retaliate in the way that people do. 

There's a lot of negative reasons people might come up with for why people like me have the obsessions we do.  And part of that comes down to perspective.  Now, I'm generalizing so let me be more specific and talk more about me.  I attached to a lot of things because they helped me through difficult times: 
     One of them happens to be yoshis.  I collect them.  Only the perfect representations mind you.  I also happen to think that yoshis are some of the cutest creatures to ever be dreamed up and therefore have a holy reserve in my heart as part of the collection of things that are so darned cute.  One of my friends likes to purposefully misinterpret this obsessions and compares me to a furry - ironically yoshis don't have fur.  Now, I don't have anything wrong with furries, but no, I don't want to be a yoshi or have sexual intercourse with one or anything like that.  I just like appreciating them and the simple joy they bring me.  Sort of like with stuffed animals, you know?
     Another is video games.  Right now I am playing Fire Emblem:  Radiant Dawn (among other games) because it's something familiar, I enjoy it (except for the mistakes I made).  I've always tousled in my imagination the adventure and the things I would encounter if I were part of the Greil Mercenaries or even in my own fan-inspired version.  Sometimes games help to keep me focused because I can then meditate on the things that are bothering me a little at a time.  Or sometimes I just like letting myself fall into the story and be wrapped up in it. 

Both are really strong emotional connections for me.  I won't live without them.  They might even seem childish (which is my mother's opinion but she can take this one and stuff it) because I don't care that they seem childish.  They make me happy.  Like crayons and coloring books. 

We all have the small things in life that make us happy.