Why Cozy Escapism Isn’t Weak, It’s Survival

There has been a lot of conversation lately about “escapism” and whether people are using books, fantasy worlds, romance, cozy games, and comfort media to avoid reality. Usually the word is used almost like an accusation, especially when it comes to fiction and romantasy.

But honestly? I think people are exhausted.

Between work stress, financial anxiety, constant notifications, and the feeling that we are all expected to be available and productive at every second of the day, it makes sense that people are searching for places that feel softer. Gentler. Hopeful.

And for many people, that place is books.

For me, reading stopped being “just a hobby” when I realized I craved it. Not in an unhealthy way, but in the same way someone craves quiet after a loud day. Reading became the thing that helped me slow my brain down at night and reconnect with myself.

What surprised me most, though, was realizing that fiction was affecting my real life.

Especially romantasy.

Somewhere between dragons, magical worlds, morally gray characters, and impossible quests, I started noticing changes in myself. I became bolder about asking for things I wanted in life. I started reflecting on certain characters I was deeply drawn to and asking myself why. What qualities was I connecting to? What did I admire? What did I secretly want for myself?

I learned more about myself through fiction than I had in a very long time.

And I think people underestimate that, especially when it comes to fiction.

Because the stories are not “real,” some people struggle to understand how emotionally impactful they can be. But readers know that fictional stories often hold very real truths. Sometimes a character helps you process something you could not put words to before. Sometimes a fantasy world gives you hope when real life feels heavy. Sometimes a happy ending reminds you that you still want one for yourself, too.

That matters.

Lately, I find myself reaching for romantasy and lighter reads more than anything else. I still appreciate books that leave you questioning things or sitting in complicated emotions, but these days I also want hope. I want stories where things eventually come together. I want the emotional equivalent of having everything tied up in a nice bow by the final chapter.

In fact, when people shop at Velvet Bookmark, one of the questions I often ask is: “Do you need a happy ending?”

And I mean that sincerely.

Because sometimes people do.

I think many of us are carrying around stress from work, uncertainty about the economy, burnout, and this growing feeling that work-life balance has become harder and harder to reach. People are tired in a way that sleep alone does not fix.

So no, I do not think cozy escapism is weakness.

I think it is healing.

I think nostalgia, softness, romance, wonder, and hope are all things people are desperately trying to reconnect with right now. Not because they are childish, but because they are human.

Books like Fourth Wing helped reignite my love of reading during a difficult period of my life. Then series like Zodiac Academy pulled me even deeper into that feeling of escapism and wonder again.

Not because I wanted to disappear from reality forever, but because those stories gave me something I think adults are often told they should outgrow:

Imagination.

Excitement.

Wonder.

Hope.

That is also a huge part of the dream behind Velvet Bookmark.

Yes, it is a bookstore. But more than that, I want it to feel like stumbling across a hidden library you were meant to find. A place that helps people slow down for a moment. A place where adults can rediscover wonder and children never lose it in the first place.

Because reading is not just about consuming stories.

Sometimes it is about surviving the chapter of life you are currently in.