How to Tell your Friends and Family that You're a Mermaid or Cosplayer
Being a mermaid or a cosplayer is an awesome thing! However, telling your friends and family that you are interested in mermaiding or cosplaying can be a bit scary. So how do you go about "coming out of the mer-closet" and telling the world about your mersona or life decision to become involved with cosplay? It can be a very intimidating thing to do, since the thrill of wearing around costumes and "becoming" another person/thing isn't something that quite everyone understands. BUT! You can do it!!!
All of those mermaids and costumed folks you see in magazines, on the news, and on YouTube had to deal with the same awkward situation that you are currently faced with. (Oh... and that includes me too! ;D) They had to sit down with their mom, dad, boyfriend, best friend, ect. ect. and have that dreaded "hey... I think I want to be a mermaid..." conversation. This is a strange topic to talk about by nature, but since mermaiding is a very important part of your life, it needs to be brought up.
How you go about telling your loved ones of your choice to live a life of creativity and costumes is up to you, and since every person is different, you should handle the situation however you feel would be best based on your knowledge of the person you're having the chat with. With that being said, here is my story of how I went about stepping out into the world of cosplay (my gateway to mer-life!). I'm sure your journey into the magical world of merfolk is going to look a lot different than mine (everyone's story is as unique as they are... which makes it fun!), but maybe it can help give you some ideas about how to initiate the conversation or help you to feel a bit less fearful of the whole ordeal.
Coming out of the Cosplay Closet
Openly expressing your desire to be one of the finned folk may very well be one of the most difficult things you'll do as a mermaid. However, I'm sure you'll have the support of your friends and family soon enough... one day you'll be thinking back to your day of "coming out" and be happy that you did. Flailing around in costumes is weird... no doubt about that! But if it brings you joy, then the weird situations that the weirdness of it all puts you in will be well worth it in the end. You can do this!!! ♥♥♥
If you are still feeling a bit nervous about letting the world know how awesome and magical you are, then please don't hesitate to approach me or any other mers/cosplayers in the comment area of the above video. While a lot of us are very busy (I actually just got a new job! :O), both the mermaid/merman and cosplay communities are generally very positive places full of kind and supportive individuals who would be more than happy to help you feel welcomed into our masquerading family. We've all gone through the struggles too, and it's not always easy... but it can be done and it will feel so great once you can shout out your new passion to the world. :)
Thanks so much for reading, and best of luck with everything! ♥
XOXO- Mermaid Phantom
Mermaid Phantom in her MerNation Silicone Mermaid Tail