Have you ever thought about why you like a certain pony so much? What about them makes you want to buy plushies of them, stare at pictures of them, and write fanfics about them? What connects us to particular characters? I've thought about this for a while, and I think I know why this is. I'm only going to focus on the Mane Six in this post, but I think this is applicable to any other ponies...and heck, other interests. But for today, I'm going to concentrate on the Mane 6 alone.

My theory about this is thus: That which you love and really enjoy is what you really desire. That which you desire is what you are deficient in. Take water for example - when we're thirsty, we really crave water. We desire it. Why? Because with it, you become more of yourself...more healthy and satisfied. Or take blood sugar levels....when it drops really low...we really crave food. Because we desperately need it. The only reason why we want it so bad is because it's a missing piece to our health, and in turn, our happiness. When you need Vitamin C from the Sun, you start wishing you could have some sunlight. When you're cold, you desire more warmth. The examples go on and on.

My argument is that interests, or that which we desire to do and be a part of...are no different! We like certain ponies or characters because we actually need them!

Now at this point, you probably think I'm crazy. You're probably thinking "but Varrack, those aren't physical needs. They aren't essential to survive. You can live perfectly fine without those interests." My answer to you is that not all needs are physical. Everyone has emotional needs as well. And interests are indicative of the deep, not-very-obvious, burning emotional desires that we have. When we really like a certain point and feel great just looking at a picture of them...that means there is something you want that you are unaware of. Your interests, I allege, are indicative of symptoms of what you want the very most. How the ideal you should be, and where you're falling short. It is reflective of your deepest desires, simply put. And you may not be aware of them.

So what I'm going to do now is list each of the Mane 6 and their qualities, and explain why I believe one would find them to be their favorite. Why someone would look up to them so much and see themselves in them the most. I'm not saying this to tell you you're wrong for your own possible theories you may have about why you like them, but to offer my own.

Twilight Sparkle - Logical, Level-headed

Twilight is known for being the pony on her quest for friendship. She's trying to figure out what she wants, and some of the episodes focus on her perspective and try to highlight what's going through her mind and the decisions she has to make. She is, I believe, the symbol of sanity. Of clear-cut thinking. She was always well-read and book smart. There was no shame in her about being a bit more nerdier than the rest of the gang, because she values her knowledge, and rarely goes off the rails (Lesson Zero being an obvious exception). The other five ponies see her as a leader, as somepony who knows what she is doing and can being counted on for wisdom. She has few trust issues with anyone because she makes sure never to come off as irrational, snobby, or offensive. She knows better than that. Why I think someone would be the most appreciative of her over the other ponies is because she puts her rationality and in-depth thinking at the forefront of her being. Why someone would like her is because they really desire to be the same, to be so level-headed and thoughtful. The likely reason they feel this desire is because they don't feel that they themselves are as rational and understanding as they could be, and really look up to those who have the quality that they don't have: a sense of being through a more improved rationale. People who admire Twilight wish to be like her in this way.

Pinkie Pie - Animated, Lively

Anyone who likes Pinkie must because they admire her sense of liveliness. She's energetic, off the walls, and most importantly, completely unashamed of being such. Someone who prefers her to the other ponies very likely values her lack of shame of being so bouncy and animated. I can see how someone who is lethargic and afraid to be the life of the party could totally look up to someone like Pinkie. In her own way, she manages to cheer up anypony who is feeling down, remain enthusiastic regardless of whether current circumstances are sour or not, and throw parties at a moment's notice. Basically...she wants to be alive. She has a zest for living and a deep-rooted respect for that quality of hers, which is what continually feeds her to be that way. For someone who wants to be the life of the party, who wants to be unashamed of being themselves (being more like Pinkie, as they feel they are inside), it makes perfect sense to me that she would be their favorite pony.

Rainbow Dash - Self-Love

RD is, as well all know, the show-off. She loves to talk about herself, to present herself in her glory moments to others, and to show others that she's worth attention. Her self-confidence is very healthy, and it certainly shows. She has a strong desire to be a part of the Wonderbolts, so that she can further know herself as who she believes she is. A star, a heroine, a pony certainly worth looking up to. She wants to be present in an arena, showing off to thousands of other ponies, doing what she loves. And for the many of us who regard her as the best...we want the same for ourselves too. Not to be noticed in an arena, but to be loved...by yourself. That's what Dash is really after. To have your confidence there and as strong as it can be. To see yourself in a mirror and break out in a grin and what you see back...someone you truly respect. People who are fond of RD want to know for themselves they aren't invisible, that they exist. They secretly believe they are inferior to everyone they meet and they hate it, knowing that's not who they are. Thus, when they see Dash on screen, they think "that's me. That's the confident self I know I really am in inside." If they are anxious, shy, or self-conscious, they immediately recognize that they desire to be something else when they see her having confidence.

Fluttershy - Caring

If you find yourself wishing you were a more compassionate person, that you genuinely held others in a higher regard than you currently do...chances are, you may be fond of Fluttershy. She is, without I doubt, the epitome of kindness. She never says anything bad about any other pony. She spends a lot of her life watching over vulnerable critters and those with trouble taking care of themselves. Her gift is something I think a lot of people would crave, as there are a lot of people out there who could be more compassionate (this is not to criticize anyone who may be lacking in that area. I know many good people who struggle with this, more or less. That is not a bad thing). Sure, some people aren't as fond of her because she is shy and sensitive, but no one admires her because of that. It's all about her big strength - the ability to show kindness to others regardless of how they may have behaved in the past. It is very understandable to me that anyone would crave this quality, as it is something I think is widely coveted. Being her natural self is what some really admire, and thus, may happen to prefer her over the rest.

Applejack - Respected

AJ is, as we all know, a hard-worker. She has a secure and well-established existence in Sweet Apple Acres, laboring on her farm with her family. And she takes quite a bit pride in it. It's what makes her...her. Different from the rest. AJ stands out because her existence in Equestria is well-known and she likes it to be that way. She isn't floating around trying to find her purpose and herself in life. No, she's got it down. She knows what to do, who she is, and what her purpose is. There's no question about it. End of story. In this way, she may also be stubborn at times...because she's so set in her ways that flexibility can be difficult hard for her. When you're used to routine and like it, where's room for change? Where's any need of it, if you're happy where you are? Her nature comes from one thing - the desire of respect. You want others to notice you, to know very well who you are, to know that you're doing something with your life, and you have a place in this world. You want respect from others...or put even more simply, respect for yourself, so that you can be content. You want people to see you and 
say "hey...that person's doing something respectable with their life. They're organized and are on exactly the path they want to be. Well done for them." So, If that's what you crave the most...it's likely that AJ is a favorite of yours.

Rarity - Distinctive, Unique

Ever wished you could be someone...easily identified? Where people could instantly attach your name to something you love, and define you with that interest? Well, I bet you like Rarity. She has a passion for being a fashion designer. She's huge into her career, and really wants to be known for her passion. If you met her, she'd want to make absolute certain that you know what she puts her life's work into. Anything else is unimportant. If you met her and walked away remembering nothing about her but her name, then she failed terribly. She sells herself as her sales pitch, hoping that you remember her along with what she's into. That's where she gets her sense of self. Some may think "well...she's more than just a fashion designer, right?" No, not to her. It's what she bases her self-worth off of, and she loves it that way. To be well-known and recognized as a prominent pony in that career field is how she achieves her happiness. And if you are similar in such a regard, you want to be known for something, so that you can be at peace with yourself, then I'm sure Rarity is your favorite. Or at least, she's way up there.

Our interests are inherent to who we are, because they show us what we really want inside. If you want to know why you like a certain character so much, ask yourself this..."what about their character are they not ashamed of? What do they full-heartedly accept about themselves? What about themselves are they proud of?" And then you will see what happens when shame is put away to the side and true knowledge of the self comes about.

I hope this helps someone find out where their faults lie and what desires say about you. For now, peace out.