@@shmoolicioustbh we are actually like this. We’re generally soft spoken and chill, but obviously there are other aspects of our personalites. It’s almost impossible to represent all of yourself when it’s just you and a camera, especially when ur newish to RUclips!
@chrislibrary@@benjiplant i don't think you should try to tbh keep something for yourselves/each other, it's saner in the long run. fandoms will take everything without thinking if you don't make and maintain good boundaries i mean duh. but sometimes it's good to hear things from outside. . i think if you haven't already made a clear plan about what to share online, and where you need boundaries (and how to enforce them!), it might be really good.
Don't rush into the marriage thing. Like you said, if you already are a committed couple, I don't think you need the piece of paper. My partner and I were together for almost 20 years before we decided to officially marry, as a celebration of the then newly won right to marry in all 50 states. However, saying that, go look at the impact of marriage on your taxes, specifically if your incomes are disparate. On a funny note, we traveled from Phoenix to San Diego and got married on Halloween at the municipal court. The man that gave us our marriage license was decked our as Kung Arthur in full body knight's Armour, and the official who heard our vows was dressed as a witch and had green skin and a pointed hat. We didn't plan it that way but it is one of our fondest memories. Sorry for the Long Post but I'm a Boomer and just can't help myself.
Question Timestamps: 0:30 What is your favorite color? 1:06 What did you want to be when you were younger? 1:44 What was your coming-out experience? 4:05 Besides your love for books, in the house with Benji, what else do you fancy? Video Game questions: - 4:39 What’s your favorite Pokémon? - 4:52 What Wizard 101 school do you play? - 5:09 Fave Star Rail character? Book questions: - 5:24 Are you a fast reader? - 5:52 What books made you fall in love with reading? - 6:30 What’s your favorite place to read? - 6:50 What’s the hardest book to read in your collection? - 7:35 Would you want to write a book, and if so, what would it be about? - 8:18 For someone who isn’t into reading, and want to venture into it, how do I start? - 8:53 What type of genre does not interest you at all? - 9:35 if Theo could read, what would his favorite book be and why? (aww) - 10:03 What is the worst book you’ve ever read? General questions: - 11:17 Do you play any instruments? - 11:37 Which K-Pop group have you stanned the longest? - 12:07 Do you have any siblings? - 12:15 When’s you birthday, and what time were you born? Questions with Benji: - 13:07 What were your degrees in college? - 14:34 Has Chris been to Vietnam? - 16:31 When are you and Benji getting married? Thank you for such a cute Q&A, loved the video!
Your 13 year old self was very brave. Coming out and even understanding yourself at that age is not easy. I’m sure he would be very proud to see the life he’s created as an adult :)
Chris there is such a sweet positive light that you exude. Such a kind soul and I enjoy watching your videos. There is calmness about you that most wish they could possess. Keep the amazing videos coming. One love.
DUDE I ALSO WANTED TO BE A ROLLER COASTER ENGINEER I literally had a roller coaster themed room and then realized it was all math and gave up on that dream
I hope you all don't mind, but you've inspired me to share a bit of my story. You see I was in the closet for most of my life mainly because at the time I lived in a really small conservative town and I didn't want to lose my job. I don't drive nor have I ever driven a car so I was kind of stuck where i was. So, because of this, I lived alone for well over 30 years. There were no overnight visitors because I lived in an apartment building with a lot of gossipy neighbors and I just couldnt take the chance of being found out. But I eventually retired and no longer feared losing my income since I was now on social security. But I was cursed with a huge amount of regret that I had basically allowed my life to be stolen from me because of my fears. I tried to make the best of it, and made up my mind that this was it as far as my love life was concerned, because at my age frankly who would want someone like myself with all my emotional baggage? So, I decided to make the best of it and enjoy what life I had left and learned to be comfortable and content in my own skin so to speak. But then as luck would have it, a lovely lesbian couple moved into the apartment next-door to me. I was thrilled because I figured this was a chance to make friends with someone that would understand me. We immediately became friends and we hung out together a lot. They attended a small gay friendly church the next town over and asked me if I wanted to come along with them and possibly make even more friends that would be a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I was leary at first because of some emotional abuse and psychological trauma I suffered from several churches because since I had never been married, they were frightened that I might be gay and they didn't want me to be exposed to their families or their children. That was a really dark time for me. So, I was naturally very reticent to attend this small church with my new gay friends, but I eventually did go after speaking with the pastor and asking a lot of questions. I had been going to church for several months and was talking with my friend about after meeting everyone I was impressed and grateful that the experience was a positive one. She mentioned that there was one more member that I hadn't met yet. I asked who that was and she informed me it was Chris. You see he hadn't been attending services too often because he was caring for his brother who was dying due to cancer. I was moved that Chris was caring enough to move his dying brother into his home with him and set up his brother's hospital bed in his living room so he could be close by in case his brother needed anything. I told my friend that Chris sounded like a good-hearted man and he would definitely be a great friend to know. Well one Sunday while I was sitting on the far side of the church, I heard our pastor start to talk to someone named Chris. I thought to myself, great now I get to meet this really nice guy. When I turned around to look at him, the breath left my body. Which surprised me because I seriously wasn't interested in anything but a good friendship. Seriously at my age, I made up my mind my time was passed for anything more serious. But my heart was saying something very different. Which really frustrated me. I kept thinking "what is wrong with me" and I couldn't possibly expect something other than friendship with Chris because he is so deep in something so tragic with his brother's health. So, I shoved all those feelings down deeply and allowed only friendship between Chris and myself. But very slowly something more was happening between us. We were friends for almost a year, but about 5 months after his brother passed away, I told Chris he needed to start to live again. Find some happiness for himself and his life. He was a good brother, a good father to his daughter and a great grandfather to his grandchildren too. Now it was his turn! He agreed. And after about 2-3 months he called me and wanted to know what I was doing Saturday night. I told him I was thinking about going to the movies down the street from where I lived. I asked him why he wanted to know. And he said he wanted to ask me if I wanted to go get something to eat Saturday night. This came across kind of strange to me, so I asked him if he was asking me out on a date! He said "yes if I was interested" I said of course I was. After that Saturday night, we continued seeing each other every weekend for several months. About that time, I was expecting to sign a new lease with my apartment building and started grumbling about it because of all the crazy paperwork involved. He told me I wouldn't need to do that if we moved in together. I asked him if he was seriously considering "playing house" with me. He laughed and said he was. I agreed and he found us a home to live in. But before I moved in, I was visiting for the weekend when he left the room to go into his bedroom and then when he came back, he was looking at the floor around my feet. I asked him if he had lost something. He said no and then knelt down on one knee and told me he loved me and he knew I loved him, and then he asked me to marry him. I asked him if he was sure about this and he said he was very sure about it. I actually got choked up and said yes. We were engaged for almost a year before we were married by our pastor in the presence of almost all of our families and all our friends. So just when I thought my life was over, I found love and joy thanks to a wonderful kind man named Chris. I'm now out of the closet, living my truth and very happily married to Chris for the last 8 years. I hope you don't mind me sharing part of my story with you. I just wanted folks to know that no matter what's happening in their life right now, please hang on and never give up on fulfilling your dreams no matter what they may be. Big hugs
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and life like this. I know that it can’t be easy to do so, but you did. I don’t know exactly what your age may be but I only estimate in my head because I feel it truly adds the depth and weight to your life’s journey like you described. You were so open with your story, and I will share some of mine to show how much your story means. I’m 26 and am facing a lot of health concerns that started 2 years as of next month. It has put my whole life on pause and I’ve battled a lot, and worse recently , with thoughts that my life is over and that I’ll never recover. Or even if I do, life will have moved on and I’ve got no hope. It’s gotten dark and I’ve struggled with thoughts of whether or not I should continue to fight and to live because I can’t imagine how I will conquer this or ever have a life worth living. In this time, it’s become very apparent to me that I have incredibly strong internalized homophobia, guilt, shame, and hatred for myself and who I am. I’m trying though, now after hitting the bottom so to say where I have felt that life isn’t worth living, to find a way to mend my trauma and wounds from myself and others that developed because of my upbringing in a heavily conservative and religious school that instilled me with the idea that I should hate myself for the sin I have and that I am destined for hell. Even though I have come out when I was 16 and my family were mostly supportive or tolerant, I’ve never been able to accept myself. I only have ever known one other gay person and I dated him but found out he was abusive and eventually left me after 2 years of being together with no explanation and just ghosted me. I’m so happy and inspired by your story that love and happiness can and could still happen. Life can get better even if it is impossible to see now. I’m so happy for you and Chris and I hope one day that I can love myself and that love will find me. Thank you again for your post here and I wish you many more years of love, freedom, and happiness! Edit: I forgot to say this at the end. But I will remember your words of “hang on and never give up.” In my darker moments, I will hope that they remind me to try to hold on for a brighter tomorrow and that there will be a brighter tomorrow. I will hang on!
Chris!!! I'd be really interested to hear you talk more about your day-to-day job as a librarian :) I'm the same age as you are, and I'm really interested in becoming a librarian too! (I also did psych in college!! Double majored in journalism too)
I think a good idea for people that want to get into reading is to think of what kind of shows or movies they like and then pick books that have similar themes or even read the book version of said shows/movies That can always help open up doors
Ahhhhh my marriage question made the cut!!!!! I totally get it! You guys are basically 'married' anyways and I'll keep watching both of ur content so you can earn up for that dream wedding lol. As a young gay adult who hasn't ventured much into relationships and all that, I can say, 100%, you guys are what I hope for my future relationship to be. I love plants and books, plus you guys live in California. You're the standard, like you guys just give healthy, green (plants uWu) flag, pure love, calm, sincere relationship vibes!
Same!!! 26 here and only ever been in one relationship over 6 years ago. I am a single Pringle and seeing these two’s relationship gives me hope that love can find us and we can all have relationships like they have. I hope that love will find a way for us all
Every time I hear these two talk, either together or alone, it’s like verbal Valium… I mean that in a good way!!! their voices are so calming and comforting for some reason. Chris, thank you for taking the time to let us get to know you better. ❤️
i started watching benji's vlogs around springtime last year and knew you were cool when i saw you playing an ARAM game of league in the background. your coming out story honestly made me tear up. it is beyond heartwarming and beautiful to hear you speak about how you knew at a young age and how accepting your mother was. also how many kids know exactly what subfield they'd want to work in; roller coaster engineer is so specific, younger you was awesome (present day chris is awesome too!)
His expression when the " which book made you fall in love with reading?" Question came up.... Its soooo cuteeee. All booklovers know that energy shift😭❤️❤️. And i am convinced to think 90% greenflag men are Gay🤌💕💕💚. I love both of u ❤❤❤❤
Me and my bf of over 20years aren’t married yet either :) He is Filipino and me German American You guys are like a young version of us in a way lol 😂 If you may allow me to offer a word of advice from one older gay couple to you guys is don’t worry about tomorrow- “ In life there are only two days in a year that nothing can be done . One is yesterday and the other is tomorrow.. So today is the right time to love, believe , do and mostly live “ Dali Lama Take care from Orlando Florida !
Listening to you discuss and describe yourself and your likes (and your followers questions) was really positive and interesting! Here's something I recommend to people asking how to learn what books they'd like; I talk about genres to help them narrow down what interests them most, then I recommend several titles and have them read the first page or two of each to learn which most lures them in. It doesn't always work but it's a less intimidating start than facing walls of books. What a fun video - thanks!
You seem to be adorable. And how brave you were as a young man. I'm old and did not figure out that I'm gay until I was 40. Sad, but I didn't even know what "gay" is until I was about 18 or so. There was no culture and no role models. I was totally repressed--not knowing--not not knowing--if that makes sense. It all was unconscious. The world today is MUCH, MUCH better (even though there is a way to go). It's wonderful to see someone like you.
Your experience fits mine to a "T". We both lived through a challenging time. But I'm happy to see that people like Benji and Chris can be who they are and live how this wish.
I'm a 60 yr. old mom , I love u both. Love your blogs and I always feel that happy, relaxed & postive vibes whenever I watch your videos. More power and more videos to go🥰
Im beyond excited you’re uploading so frequently! Im so here for the book content and honestly everything else you decide to do in this channel cause your videos are so soothing😭🫶🏼
loved this! my coming out experience was a lot more delayed and a bit painful but its so motivational to see you guys doing well! you and benji are the best
Love this video! Also about the getting married question, definitely take your time. Social expectations ruin the beautiful intimate things. I can't wait for your video✨
ugh your videos are just so calming. i love seeing you on benji's channel here and there but it's great to get to know a bit more about you and your interests!
If you guys keep posting, best believe I’ll keep clicking because I am a huge stan. Thank you to both you guys for sharing such calm and heartwarming videos. 😚❤
OH MY GOD, I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU MENTIONED THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE!! I was also reflecting on the book-related questions as you went along lol and in my mind that too, were the first books that made me fall in love with reading! I’m 24 now but I still keep looking for them. It would be a dream come true to have all those books in my room!! sml for your content and videos, Chris and Benji!
i've been watching benji's vlogs for a few years now and just stumbled upon this video and i think you're just both really adorable!! watching this vlog was just really therapeutic for me. you're such a soft and adorable person! i'm not even a bookworm but i'm gonna start watching your videos now because i really do aspire to be like you 💗
I appreciate learning more about you. I am the opposite of you in Books. I love all genres of books except Horror and cannot watch shows in that genre. My favourite genre is Mysteries especially ones that have humour in the storyline. I started reading books when I was seven or eight but really got into them when I was 10. My father was the one who introduced me to reading but the library in Zambia where we lived after leaving South Africa did not have a lot of children's books so I found Enid Blyton as my favourite author as a child. Now I read everything that I can and I used to be a really fast reader but like you, I am more of an intermediate reader.
I was the one who asked what you wanted to be when you were younger, and the moment you said rollercoasters I genuinely recoiled in surprise on my chair bc that used to be my niche career interest too! funny how you felt like you couldn’t be a rollercoaster engineer because of the maths involved, and I felt like I couldn’t be a rollercoaster architect because of my bad drawing skills 😭😭
I was watching Benji's channel first, since I'm interested in plants and that's how I found out about your's. You kinda made me want to get back to reading more! I really enjoy it.🤓 Have you read the Moomins series? It was my favourite when I was a child and it still is, especially when I discovered it has another layer of meaning you understand only as an adult. The universe created in those books is unique and just amazing.🙃 Also, what about writing a picture book about Theo?🐶 Something like "Chi's Sweet Home" which tells funny, cute and often quirky adventures of a kitten.🐱 Theo seems to have a main character vibes! 😆 Happy Pride Month!😊🌈🌟
Ahhhh I got so excited when I saw you posted🫶🏻 I love your warm, soft and calm energy Watching your videos and listening to you is just so comforting and cozy 🍵🫂
Loved this Q&A! You are so enjoyable to listen to. Your voice is so relaxing and smooth. You and Benji have the same softness to your voices, one never tires of listening! I have challenged myself to read a different genre of book. Usually I am a hopeless romantic type reader! So I am reading 'Haiku' by Andrew Vachss! About a band of homeless outcasts on a journey to recover what each has lost! Totally out of my comfort zone! BTW, ....Benji, I purchased my first Swallowtail plant 'Christia Obcordata' and am so excited to try it( in Florida heat) and keep it thriving! Sorry rambling on! LOL
Theo reading DBZ Manga is having me cackling 😂 love the video, Chris! I have a couple of your book recommendations in my Amazon cart to buy at payday. Excited to read them! You and Benji are adorable. I hope yalls week goes super well 💜
Jaw dropped when you said July 7 because that’s my birthday too. I always say 007 (double 07) but anyway. Love the q&a nd getting to know you and benji more!
it's so fascinating how you and benji talk the same way. like you two are literally soulmates 😭😭😭
hahahahha sometimes people get our voices mixed up on the phone😭
Lmao
It’s just amazing
They are soulmates❤
Both soft spoken, which is a lovely trait.
chris talking about his life feels like a hug
You're the embodiment of "soft, kind and adorable", I can't
It could be a RUclips persona for the "cozy" genre.
@@shmoolicious must definitely
@@shmoolicioustbh we are actually like this. We’re generally soft spoken and chill, but obviously there are other aspects of our personalites. It’s almost impossible to represent all of yourself when it’s just you and a camera, especially when ur newish to RUclips!
@chrislibrary@@benjiplant i don't think you should try to tbh
keep something for yourselves/each other, it's saner in the long run.
fandoms will take everything without thinking if you don't make and maintain good boundaries
i mean duh. but sometimes it's good to hear things from outside. .
i think if you haven't already made a clear plan about what to share online, and where you need boundaries (and how to enforce them!), it might be really good.
Don't rush into the marriage thing. Like you said, if you already are a committed couple, I don't think you need the piece of paper. My partner and I were together for almost 20 years before we decided to officially marry, as a celebration of the then newly won right to marry in all 50 states. However, saying that, go look at the impact of marriage on your taxes, specifically if your incomes are disparate. On a funny note, we traveled from Phoenix to San Diego and got married on Halloween at the municipal court. The man that gave us our marriage license was decked our as Kung Arthur in full body knight's Armour, and the official who heard our vows was dressed as a witch and had green skin and a pointed hat. We didn't plan it that way but it is one of our fondest memories. Sorry for the Long Post but I'm a Boomer and just can't help myself.
What an amazing memory 😊 thank you for sharing it xx
Lovely story. :)
this video felt like a massive hug
🫂
Yes it did!
Question Timestamps:
0:30 What is your favorite color?
1:06 What did you want to be when you were younger?
1:44 What was your coming-out experience?
4:05 Besides your love for books, in the house with Benji, what else do you fancy?
Video Game questions:
- 4:39 What’s your favorite Pokémon?
- 4:52 What Wizard 101 school do you play?
- 5:09 Fave Star Rail character?
Book questions:
- 5:24 Are you a fast reader?
- 5:52 What books made you fall in love with reading?
- 6:30 What’s your favorite place to read?
- 6:50 What’s the hardest book to read in your collection?
- 7:35 Would you want to write a book, and if so, what would it be about?
- 8:18 For someone who isn’t into reading, and want to venture into it, how do I start?
- 8:53 What type of genre does not interest you at all?
- 9:35 if Theo could read, what would his favorite book be and why? (aww)
- 10:03 What is the worst book you’ve ever read?
General questions:
- 11:17 Do you play any instruments?
- 11:37 Which K-Pop group have you stanned the longest?
- 12:07 Do you have any siblings?
- 12:15 When’s you birthday, and what time were you born?
Questions with Benji:
- 13:07 What were your degrees in college?
- 14:34 Has Chris been to Vietnam?
- 16:31 When are you and Benji getting married?
Thank you for such a cute Q&A, loved the video!
Your 13 year old self was very brave. Coming out and even understanding yourself at that age is not easy. I’m sure he would be very proud to see the life he’s created as an adult :)
the tone of both their voices is so soothing, calm, and relaxing. how do they do it when they fight?
Damnn.... I had a good laugh at this... But yah i thought about it too🤣🤣🤣🤣 . Both of them are just so sweet
@@priyanshipaul589 every gay is sweet
They fight in lowercase😂❤️
ᶜʰʳᶦˢ ʷʰʸ ʰᵃᵛᵉⁿ'ᵗ ʸᵒᵘ ᶠᵉᵈ ᵗʰᵉᵒ ʸᵉᵗ, ʸᵒᵘ ᶠᵒᵒˡ"
ᴵ'ᵐ ᵖˡᵃʸᶦⁿᵍ ᵛᶦᵈᵉᵒ ᵍᵃᵐᵉˢ, ᶠᵘᶜᵏ ᵒᶠᶠ ᴮᵉⁿʲᶦ"
"ᶜˡᵉᵃⁿ ʸᵒᵘʳ ʳᵒᵒᵐ ʸᵒᵘ ᵈᶦʳᵗʸ ˢˡᵒᵗʰ ᵃⁿᵈ ʷᵃᵗᵉʳ ᵗʰᵉ ᵖˡᵃⁿᵗˢ"
@@lana_lorde like nymphia and mhi'ya😂
@@lana_lorde😂
Chris there is such a sweet positive light that you exude. Such a kind soul and I enjoy watching your videos. There is calmness about you that most wish they could possess. Keep the amazing videos coming. One love.
:’))) this is beyond sweet thank you! omg
@@chrislibrary you are so welcome and Happy Pride!
I just love that fact that you and benji talks the same way... 🥺🥺 even the giggles are same.... 🫂🥺🥺
DUDE I ALSO WANTED TO BE A ROLLER COASTER ENGINEER I literally had a roller coaster themed room and then realized it was all math and gave up on that dream
fellow roller coaster enthusiast 🤝
I hope you all don't mind, but you've inspired me to share a bit of my story. You see I was in the closet for most of my life mainly because at the time I lived in a really small conservative town and I didn't want to lose my job. I don't drive nor have I ever driven a car so I was kind of stuck where i was. So, because of this, I lived alone for well over 30 years. There were no overnight visitors because I lived in an apartment building with a lot of gossipy neighbors and I just couldnt take the chance of being found out. But I eventually retired and no longer feared losing my income since I was now on social security. But I was cursed with a huge amount of regret that I had basically allowed my life to be stolen from me because of my fears. I tried to make the best of it, and made up my mind that this was it as far as my love life was concerned, because at my age frankly who would want someone like myself with all my emotional baggage? So, I decided to make the best of it and enjoy what life I had left and learned to be comfortable and content in my own skin so to speak. But then as luck would have it, a lovely lesbian couple moved into the apartment next-door to me. I was thrilled because I figured this was a chance to make friends with someone that would understand me. We immediately became friends and we hung out together a lot. They attended a small gay friendly church the next town over and asked me if I wanted to come along with them and possibly make even more friends that would be a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I was leary at first because of some emotional abuse and psychological trauma I suffered from several churches because since I had never been married, they were frightened that I might be gay and they didn't want me to be exposed to their families or their children. That was a really dark time for me. So, I was naturally very reticent to attend this small church with my new gay friends, but I eventually did go after speaking with the pastor and asking a lot of questions. I had been going to church for several months and was talking with my friend about after meeting everyone I was impressed and grateful that the experience was a positive one. She mentioned that there was one more member that I hadn't met yet. I asked who that was and she informed me it was Chris. You see he hadn't been attending services too often because he was caring for his brother who was dying due to cancer. I was moved that Chris was caring enough to move his dying brother into his home with him and set up his brother's hospital bed in his living room so he could be close by in case his brother needed anything. I told my friend that Chris sounded like a good-hearted man and he would definitely be a great friend to know. Well one Sunday while I was sitting on the far side of the church, I heard our pastor start to talk to someone named Chris. I thought to myself, great now I get to meet this really nice guy. When I turned around to look at him, the breath left my body. Which surprised me because I seriously wasn't interested in anything but a good friendship. Seriously at my age, I made up my mind my time was passed for anything more serious. But my heart was saying something very different. Which really frustrated me. I kept thinking "what is wrong with me" and I couldn't possibly expect something other than friendship with Chris because he is so deep in something so tragic with his brother's health. So, I shoved all those feelings down deeply and allowed only friendship between Chris and myself. But very slowly something more was happening between us. We were friends for almost a year, but about 5 months after his brother passed away, I told Chris he needed to start to live again. Find some happiness for himself and his life. He was a good brother, a good father to his daughter and a great grandfather to his grandchildren too. Now it was his turn! He agreed. And after about 2-3 months he called me and wanted to know what I was doing Saturday night. I told him I was thinking about going to the movies down the street from where I lived. I asked him why he wanted to know. And he said he wanted to ask me if I wanted to go get something to eat Saturday night. This came across kind of strange to me, so I asked him if he was asking me out on a date! He said "yes if I was interested" I said of course I was. After that Saturday night, we continued seeing each other every weekend for several months. About that time, I was expecting to sign a new lease with my apartment building and started grumbling about it because of all the crazy paperwork involved. He told me I wouldn't need to do that if we moved in together. I asked him if he was seriously considering "playing house" with me. He laughed and said he was. I agreed and he found us a home to live in. But before I moved in, I was visiting for the weekend when he left the room to go into his bedroom and then when he came back, he was looking at the floor around my feet. I asked him if he had lost something. He said no and then knelt down on one knee and told me he loved me and he knew I loved him, and then he asked me to marry him. I asked him if he was sure about this and he said he was very sure about it. I actually got choked up and said yes. We were engaged for almost a year before we were married by our pastor in the presence of almost all of our families and all our friends. So just when I thought my life was over, I found love and joy thanks to a wonderful kind man named Chris. I'm now out of the closet, living my truth and very happily married to Chris for the last 8 years. I hope you don't mind me sharing part of my story with you. I just wanted folks to know that no matter what's happening in their life right now, please hang on and never give up on fulfilling your dreams no matter what they may be. Big hugs
That was a heart warming story. I hope you live your life without any worries. Lots of love
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and life like this. I know that it can’t be easy to do so, but you did. I don’t know exactly what your age may be but I only estimate in my head because I feel it truly adds the depth and weight to your life’s journey like you described. You were so open with your story, and I will share some of mine to show how much your story means. I’m 26 and am facing a lot of health concerns that started 2 years as of next month. It has put my whole life on pause and I’ve battled a lot, and worse recently , with thoughts that my life is over and that I’ll never recover. Or even if I do, life will have moved on and I’ve got no hope. It’s gotten dark and I’ve struggled with thoughts of whether or not I should continue to fight and to live because I can’t imagine how I will conquer this or ever have a life worth living. In this time, it’s become very apparent to me that I have incredibly strong internalized homophobia, guilt, shame, and hatred for myself and who I am. I’m trying though, now after hitting the bottom so to say where I have felt that life isn’t worth living, to find a way to mend my trauma and wounds from myself and others that developed because of my upbringing in a heavily conservative and religious school that instilled me with the idea that I should hate myself for the sin I have and that I am destined for hell. Even though I have come out when I was 16 and my family were mostly supportive or tolerant, I’ve never been able to accept myself. I only have ever known one other gay person and I dated him but found out he was abusive and eventually left me after 2 years of being together with no explanation and just ghosted me. I’m so happy and inspired by your story that love and happiness can and could still happen. Life can get better even if it is impossible to see now. I’m so happy for you and Chris and I hope one day that I can love myself and that love will find me. Thank you again for your post here and I wish you many more years of love, freedom, and happiness!
Edit: I forgot to say this at the end. But I will remember your words of “hang on and never give up.” In my darker moments, I will hope that they remind me to try to hold on for a brighter tomorrow and that there will be a brighter tomorrow. I will hang on!
@@ur1bro Your story could be a book! 💕 Much happiness to you and Chris xx
the intro is so cute😭😭
Chris!!! I'd be really interested to hear you talk more about your day-to-day job as a librarian :) I'm the same age as you are, and I'm really interested in becoming a librarian too! (I also did psych in college!! Double majored in journalism too)
“No other group else has come out with TT”
REAL
TT SUPREMACY!!!
Bro that was LITERALLY the name my brother used on his character in Ark 😂
Wake up guys...Chris posted!!!
I fell asleep watching this, so thank you. So relaxing. That was a wonderful nap. 😴
I think a good idea for people that want to get into reading is to think of what kind of shows or movies they like and then pick books that have similar themes or even read the book version of said shows/movies
That can always help open up doors
this is great advice!!!
Wonderful advice thank you ❤ xx
Ahhhhh my marriage question made the cut!!!!!
I totally get it! You guys are basically 'married' anyways and I'll keep watching both of ur content so you can earn up for that dream wedding lol.
As a young gay adult who hasn't ventured much into relationships and all that, I can say, 100%, you guys are what I hope for my future relationship to be. I love plants and books, plus you guys live in California. You're the standard, like you guys just give healthy, green (plants uWu) flag, pure love, calm, sincere relationship vibes!
at 25 and DEEPLY single, I feel thisssss 😂
Same!!! 26 here and only ever been in one relationship over 6 years ago. I am a single Pringle and seeing these two’s relationship gives me hope that love can find us and we can all have relationships like they have. I hope that love will find a way for us all
lol as a library worker can we please be called library patrons that is hilarious. also would love to hear about a paper towns re-read
Every time I hear these two talk, either together or alone, it’s like verbal Valium… I mean that in a good way!!! their voices are so calming and comforting for some reason. Chris, thank you for taking the time to let us get to know you better. ❤️
i started watching benji's vlogs around springtime last year and knew you were cool when i saw you playing an ARAM game of league in the background.
your coming out story honestly made me tear up. it is beyond heartwarming and beautiful to hear you speak about how you knew at a young age and how accepting your mother was.
also how many kids know exactly what subfield they'd want to work in; roller coaster engineer is so specific, younger you was awesome (present day chris is awesome too!)
His expression when the " which book made you fall in love with reading?" Question came up.... Its soooo cuteeee. All booklovers know that energy shift😭❤️❤️. And i am convinced to think 90% greenflag men are Gay🤌💕💕💚. I love both of u ❤❤❤❤
good to know you and Benji more. You guys are doing great and so chill. I should aspire to be this level of chill one day.
aaaa chris has such a gorgeous personality. so humble, sweet considerate and honest. love u :)
I always know the day is gonna go good whenever Chris drops a video 😭
You two are beyond gorgeous together. Love your vlogs.
Whenever i see this boys i get a very peaceful vibe from them ❤❤❤
the look in your eyes when you look at each other.....its undeniable 💘
I love the way you tell stories, personal and bookish. You can be a good narrator.
Your videos are like therapy to me
Me and my bf of over 20years aren’t married yet either :) He is Filipino and me German American
You guys are like a young version of us in a way lol 😂
If you may allow me to offer a word of advice from one older gay couple to you guys is don’t worry about tomorrow- “ In life there are only two days in a year that nothing can be done . One is yesterday and the other is tomorrow.. So today is the right time to love, believe , do and mostly live “ Dali Lama
Take care from Orlando Florida !
Inspiring words and message. Thank you for sharing them!
Words to live by!
Idk how your videos manage to calm my anxiety and make me giggle and smile like a kid but keep it going please
Listening to you discuss and describe yourself and your likes (and your followers questions) was really positive and interesting! Here's something I recommend to people asking how to learn what books they'd like; I talk about genres to help them narrow down what interests them most, then I recommend several titles and have them read the first page or two of each to learn which most lures them in. It doesn't always work but it's a less intimidating start than facing walls of books. What a fun video - thanks!
wow, that was a total "feel good" video! I'm sitting here by myself with a smile on my face - thank you for putting it there!
You seem to be adorable. And how brave you were as a young man. I'm old and did not figure out that I'm gay until I was 40. Sad, but I didn't even know what "gay" is until I was about 18 or so. There was no culture and no role models. I was totally repressed--not knowing--not not knowing--if that makes sense. It all was unconscious. The world today is MUCH, MUCH better (even though there is a way to go). It's wonderful to see someone like you.
Your experience fits mine to a "T". We both lived through a challenging time. But I'm happy to see that people like Benji and Chris can be who they are and live how this wish.
@@wlarsen70 I agree 100%. I have no complaints about life, but I cannot imagine how it may have been different in today's world.
The cutest Q & A ever
Naw, your Mum is so precious. Im happy you expressed appreciation for her😊 I loved this Q&A.
You and Benji are the cutest couple on the internet 🥺
you say it 100 % big Hug
youre so real for your coming out story cause I knew I liked girls at 11 but didn't realized I didn't like boys until 19
Such a grateful and gracious soul.
Shout out to your mom, she sounds wonderful!!
You’re such a good person Chris!
This is the cosiest most cute video that I've ever seen 🤍
ahhhhh thank you so much!!!
I'm a 60 yr. old mom , I love u both. Love your blogs and I always feel that happy, relaxed & postive vibes whenever I watch your videos. More power and more videos to go🥰
Im beyond excited you’re uploading so frequently! Im so here for the book content and honestly everything else you decide to do in this channel cause your videos are so soothing😭🫶🏼
What a lovely thoughtful kind man you are
Dont change for the worse guys. Your dynamics are so harmonic and influencing in the most positive way
loved this! my coming out experience was a lot more delayed and a bit painful but its so motivational to see you guys doing well! you and benji are the best
also wizard 101 for life!
MAGIC TREE HOUSE!!!!!!!!! same
soooo many memories :’)
Love this video! Also about the getting married question, definitely take your time. Social expectations ruin the beautiful intimate things. I can't wait for your video✨
Love your channel! A rec for mystery books would be the good girls guide to murder series. It is YA but it’s a really fun read
You both are awesome and cameo with Theo was the best. Totally agree with feelings with marriage bc you will know when your ready
It's so peaceful to watch your videos😭😭😭💛💛💛. Also love you and Benji so much!!!!!!💛💛💛💛💛
ugh your videos are just so calming. i love seeing you on benji's channel here and there but it's great to get to know a bit more about you and your interests!
Totally okay with being referred to as a bookworm ❤
What a beautiful video. I'm 83, and the two of you (plus Theo) just capture my heart!!!
If you guys keep posting, best believe I’ll keep clicking because I am a huge stan. Thank you to both you guys for sharing such calm and heartwarming videos. 😚❤
Best duo. Individually two great people.
OH MY GOD, I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU MENTIONED THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE!! I was also reflecting on the book-related questions as you went along lol and in my mind that too, were the first books that made me fall in love with reading! I’m 24 now but I still keep looking for them. It would be a dream come true to have all those books in my room!! sml for your content and videos, Chris and Benji!
please post more chris :) i just discovered you today actually
You guys are so cute together. I'm loving your vlogs, Chris, and I have subscribed. Hugs to both of you!
cackling over theo's book taste portrayel and also ur coming out story is so actually crazy, made me giggle lots too (happy pride ig!)
You have a great voice Chris. Have you considered narrating audio books. It’s a blessing to have your supporting Mom and family.
I'm a book worm now 🐛🐛🐛🐛🐛🐛
Chris, you are a comfort character here.
He has so comfy personality♥️
What a refreshing take on marriage!❤ ❤
love you both and thank you for making this video Chris and Benji!
i think we need to all sit down and discuss our fandom name
congratulations on 10k!! you deserve sm more! i am so happy youre uploading more!
thank you!!!!♥️
i've been watching benji's vlogs for a few years now and just stumbled upon this video and i think you're just both really adorable!! watching this vlog was just really therapeutic for me. you're such a soft and adorable person! i'm not even a bookworm but i'm gonna start watching your videos now because i really do aspire to be like you 💗
I appreciate learning more about you. I am the opposite of you in Books. I love all genres of books except Horror and cannot watch shows in that genre. My favourite genre is Mysteries especially ones that have humour in the storyline. I started reading books when I was seven or eight but really got into them when I was 10. My father was the one who introduced me to reading but the library in Zambia where we lived after leaving South Africa did not have a lot of children's books so I found Enid Blyton as my favourite author as a child. Now I read everything that I can and I used to be a really fast reader but like you, I am more of an intermediate reader.
Paper towns is horrible! I’m with you on that!
the intro is adorable.
A Chris upload!!! Make some noise y’all! 🎉
🗣️🗣️🗣️
I was the one who asked what you wanted to be when you were younger, and the moment you said rollercoasters I genuinely recoiled in surprise on my chair bc that used to be my niche career interest too! funny how you felt like you couldn’t be a rollercoaster engineer because of the maths involved, and I felt like I couldn’t be a rollercoaster architect because of my bad drawing skills 😭😭
I was watching Benji's channel first, since I'm interested in plants and that's how I found out about your's. You kinda made me want to get back to reading more! I really enjoy it.🤓
Have you read the Moomins series? It was my favourite when I was a child and it still is, especially when I discovered it has another layer of meaning you understand only as an adult. The universe created in those books is unique and just amazing.🙃
Also, what about writing a picture book about Theo?🐶 Something like "Chi's Sweet Home" which tells funny, cute and often quirky adventures of a kitten.🐱 Theo seems to have a main character vibes! 😆
Happy Pride Month!😊🌈🌟
yayyy a new vid!! been looking foward to your conent ♥
Thank you for this beautiful video.
This made my mind and me calm in 10 sec❤❤❤
Thanks guys 😊
Chris I knew I could trust your taste, Twice and TT supremacy!!!
Chris is what I envision my perfect life as, I aspire to be you ❤
Congrats on 10k!!
thank you🥹
smashing the like button and leaving a comment cause benji said u guys need to save up to get married 😂💞
Ahhhh I got so excited when I saw you posted🫶🏻
I love your warm, soft and calm energy
Watching your videos and listening to you is just so comforting and cozy 🍵🫂
Chris' voice is very smoothing, if there is any audio book out there. I will listen to it all the time.
Congrats on 10k+ subs!
Loved this Q&A! You are so enjoyable to listen to. Your voice is so relaxing and smooth. You and Benji have the same softness to your voices, one never tires of listening! I have challenged myself to read a different genre of book. Usually I am a hopeless romantic type reader! So I am reading 'Haiku' by Andrew Vachss! About a band of homeless outcasts on a journey to recover what each has lost! Totally out of my comfort zone! BTW, ....Benji, I purchased my first Swallowtail plant 'Christia Obcordata' and am so excited to try it( in Florida heat) and keep it thriving! Sorry rambling on! LOL
Theo reading DBZ Manga is having me cackling 😂 love the video, Chris! I have a couple of your book recommendations in my Amazon cart to buy at payday. Excited to read them!
You and Benji are adorable. I hope yalls week goes super well 💜
you’re so adorable❤
House of Leaves is crazy
Jaw dropped when you said July 7 because that’s my birthday too. I always say 007 (double 07) but anyway. Love the q&a nd getting to know you and benji more!
The 007 for July 7 birthdays!! That’s amazing and I would not have put that together 😂 I am jealous but also that’s just awesome for you guys
Chris, this video filled in a lot of questions we all had! Thank you!
Yasssss Onces we wonnn ❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
🎊♥️♥️
Happy Birthdayyyyy ✨✨
This was such a fun Q&a video, I love learning about people's lives ❤️
What a lovely couple younare ❤
18:39... LMFAO!!!! This part took me out. 🤣Benji suggesting fandom names.
"Bye Bookworms or Library Patrons... What do THEY want to be called?"
im rocking with book worms lol
You guys are beautiful ❤
OMG i was waiting for this! but i think i should've asked better questions 😭😂
YEAA HOUSE OF LEAVES MENTIONED!!!! anyways love this video