About my pen fascination

I have a lot of pens. For a self-described minimalist and clutter-phobe, this may seem unusual. I don't consider my pens clutter and here's why:


I have a fetish for swag pens. By swag, I mean the free, promotional pens you get at conventions and events. Businesses and hotels often have them for you to take as well. I just love the variety, and it makes a mundane object like a pen into something fun. I never know what I will find when I reach for a pen in my pen cup. I don't collect them in the traditional sense. I obtain them (and others give them to me) and use them or give them away. I always have a few pens on me and when a stranger asks me for a pen, I hand it to them and say "here, keep it." The response it just beautiful - people are so grateful that a total stranger would give them a really cool pen. They often don't want to accept it and are sometimes suspicious of my motives, but I explain that I obtain and carry them just to give them away. I have a lot of fun with it, and it creates positive interactions in my life. One time, I was with a group of friends and gave a pen away and everybody wanted one (I do get some cool pens!) so I ended up giving away 6 in one sitting (what fun to watch them comparing and trading). So, no apologies for my large amount of pens. It's an ever-rotating stash with a specific purpose that brings joy to my life.