I first attempted to play Final Fantasy VIII at the age of what...8? 9? Being extremely lonely and somewhat lacking a life anywhere outside of the classroom and my bedroom, I became obsessed with the character of Rinoa. I used to actually have dreams about her, I wanted her to be real so bad. When I started a new school year I used to hope that one of the new kids in my class would actually be a version of her my age, as if somehow my wishes had been answered. I don't even think it's embarrassing because I was just a kid.
So nowdays, I've become really sentimental over the game and her character, it's one of my favourites because it's a part of my childhood.
And I STILL kind of wish Rinoa was real. (My girlfriend really wouldn't like to hear that. :rolleyes2 )

There. I thought I would contribute to the sharing of this thread. I feel like we are all very brave, baring our hearts and souls like this.