Coming out as a mer

[KayanatheMermaid]

Alright I know I have been a mer for a very short time but in order to get my tail I have to come out to my dad as a mer. And im so nervous and I dont think I can tell him! And Im so nervous that he will think its strange. But he is supportive of what I want to be. Does anyone have any advice? Thank you!

[MermaidAiera]

I always go for the direction of showing them videos of mermaids like Hannah Fraser, Linden Wolbert, and Melissa to show them how cool mermaiding is and that it can be more serious than a little hobby. If they seem intrigued and interested, that's your go-ahead to break the news/express your genuine interest. If they seem more half hearted about it, try talking about it more at dinner time/bring up more videos from time to time to continue emphasizing how cool and interesting this is. Eventually, even if they're not really fully on board, they'll get the hint that this is something you're genuinely interested in and would like to participate in/pursue.

Best of luck getting your fins!

[Slim]

Aiera is very much right.


I always go for the direction of showing them videos of mermaids like Hannah Fraser, Linden Wolbert, and Melissa to show them how cool mermaiding is and that it can be more serious than a little hobby. If they seem intrigued and interested, that's your go-ahead to break the news/express your genuine interest. If they seem more half hearted about it, try talking about it more at dinner time/bring up more videos from time to time to continue emphasizing how cool and interesting this is. Eventually, even if they're not really fully on board, they'll get the hint that this is something you're genuinely interested in and would like to participate in/pursue.

Best of luck getting your fins!

[KayanatheMermaid]

Okay I will try that and I hope it works thank you.

[KayanatheMermaid]

Mermaid Aiera also I love your tail! Its so pretty!!!

[MermanJamie]

I don't really know what advice I can give, because I've been going through something similar for almost a year. Being a guy makes it difficult for me as well, and I still fret every day about coming out. I will try to link my story in another reply, but just know that I'm here for you. Try to have courage.
My story:
https://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?14837-Need-help-talking-to-family&p=273765#post273765

[KayanatheMermaid]

Thank you Jamie and just know that im here for you too. I came out and told my parents today and my dad thinks its strange while my mom is on board with me and I live with my dad and he wont let me get a tail. And I went swimming at this indoor pool and i proved to him of how good of a swimmer i am but he still thinks that swimming with a tail is dangerous. And i told him how safe tails really are but he still thinks its too dangerous.

[The Magic Crafter]

Hey, Kayana! I created a video outlining my thoughts on "coming out as a mermaid" and telling how I went about it a while ago (which you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCzSKfNCSdU). But basically, it's just what Aiera said! Expose them to mermaiding, try to get them interested in it and then slowly drop hints that you're kinda liking the idea of being a mermaid. If it's something you're truly passionate about, I'm sure the ones that love you most will eventually come to accept you as you are... even if they don't seem to be all in on your dreams at first. Give it time, and keep positive!

Good luck!! :hug:

[MermanJamie]

Thanks Kayana that was so sweet! You're so brave. I'm a competitive swimmer, and I still have difficulty with coming out. My dad and siblings will probably laugh at me. I'm still searching for stuff/ideas to come out.

[KayanatheMermaid]

Thank you Phantom!!! I love your videos and your tail is beautiful!!!

[KayanatheMermaid]

When I told my dad he laughed at me a bit when I told him, hes never heard of mermaiding.

[Mermaid.Mikayla]

Alright I know I have been a mer for a very short time but in order to get my tail I have to come out to my dad as a mer. And im so nervous and I dont think I can tell him! And Im so nervous that he will think its strange. But he is supportive of what I want to be. Does anyone have any advice? Thank you!
I would suggest doing research, explaining that being a mermaid helps with your leadership skills, speaking and interacting with others, owning and running a business, things you need in the real world, also helps with physical (such as swimming). It may seem silly to people who don't understand what all entails in being a mermaid, but it is as much of a job as the "normal" ones.

[KayanatheMermaid]

I have been researching but i didnt know it helps with leaderships skills! I will try to tell him that. He thinks that mermaid tails are dangerous.

[Mermaid.Mikayla]

I have been researching but i didnt know it helps with leaderships skills! I will try to tell him that. He thinks that mermaid tails are dangerous.
good! And they can be. But maybe if it makes him feel better, tell him someone is always going to be there with you making sure you are safe swimming for your safety and the safety of others.

[fabianfrz]

I have been researching but i didnt know it helps with leaderships skills! I will try to tell him that. He thinks that mermaid tails are dangerous.

At the beginning you can take a friend with you for your security (or make your dad happy). In my case I always was mermaiding alone. For security I would recommend you to do it the following and tell that your dad:

Ability: At the beginning you should only go into water where you can stand in an emergency - if you are feeling safe, you can go into deeper water and later into open water.
Monofin Quality: Use a monofin with a good quality so it won't break because this may put you at risk.

If you have learnt it and practised a lot it is perfectly safe but at the beginning you need to learn how to swim/dive with the monofin. It would be a good idea if you have someone with you who will watch you are alone at your pool you may ask the lifeguard.

[MermanJamie]

OMG, I was thinking the exact same thing! I haven't come out yet, but I was thinking that if I met people in my area it would be easier. I'm still looking around, but I think it's a great idea.

[Mermaid.Mikayla]

OMG, I was thinking the exact same thing! I haven't come out yet, but I was thinking that if I met people in my area it would be easier. I'm still looking around, but I think it's a great idea.
I think it would be easier if there were other mers in your area, but I am the only one in mine. Which is a little sad. But then again, its making sure that when there are new mers in my area people will have a better understanding of the mermaiding community because they have met a mer before. I'm the geniea pig. Lol

[KayanatheMermaid]

Im the only mer in my area too!

[Mermaid.Mikayla]

Im the only mer in my area too!
Cool! If you were in Missouri we could do a meet-up/swim. That would be fun. :) Maybe you could find some Virginia mers and ask if they would like to help talk to your dad.

[MermanJamie]

Yeah. From what I can tell, I don't think mers are super common in my area. A big city doesn't really seem like a place where you would find that. But I'm still working on it.

[Astridia]

Halloween is actually a decent way to SHOEHORN in the idea. "Hey look i'm a mermaid this year" see what their reaction is there... since costumes are a more mundane thing it can be used as a platform to leap from.

[KayanatheMermaid]

Halloween is actually a decent way to SHOEHORN in the idea. "Hey look i'm a mermaid this year" see what their reaction is there... since costumes are a more mundane thing it can be used as a platform to leap from.

Thats a good idea. I will try that.

[freyamaat]

I get this look every time I bring it up to my friends who aren't in special effects and I think it's because they actually have no idea what it is. Video evidence is best evidence. Also bombarding them with some designs from your favorite tail makers has always worked for me. Once they get their heads around it everyone I've talked to has been on board and super excited about the process. I hope it goes just as well for you!!!

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[KayanatheMermaid]

I get this look every time I bring it up to my friends who aren't in special effects and I think it's because they actually have no idea what it is. Video evidence is best evidence. Also bombarding them with some designs from your favorite tail makers has always worked for me. Once they get their heads around it everyone I've talked to has been on board and super excited about the process. I hope it goes just as well for you!!!

Sent from my P00I using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)
I have only told my parents so far. And I agree video evidence is the best evidence.

[LeeAnne]

Video and picture evidence is seriously the way to go. My parents were skeptical at first, and even a little irritated when I spent money on a fabric tail. However they've really warmed up to it since I've shown them all the neat opportunities being a mermaid can offer. While they still dont quite understand and they think its a little silly, they are at the very least being gloriously neutral about it. Even asking some questions here and there! You just have to remember than not everyone is going to "get it" and thats okay! Just be happy being you <3

[UnicornMermaid]

For me, my parents were only okay with the idea because they see mermaiding as a good form of exercise. I guess as a female it's easier for me compared to a male. However, not everyone is so understanding. My brother keeps telling me to 'grow up' whenever I talk about mermaid-related things, and it makes me so annoyed and sad.

Mermaiding makes me really happy though! And ever since I started mermaiding I've been swimming a lot more than I used to, and that makes me really happy too.

[Astridia]

For me, my parents were only okay with the idea because they see mermaiding as a good form of exercise. I guess as a female it's easier for me compared to a male. However, not everyone is so understanding. My brother keeps telling me to 'grow up' whenever I talk about mermaid-related things, and it makes me so annoyed and sad.

Mermaiding makes me really happy though! And ever since I started mermaiding I've been swimming a lot more than I used to, and that makes me really happy too.


my brother is like that too but i'm a collector type and he's a minimalist brand whore XD he does come to me for costume help and stuff for halloween and the like XD

[KayanatheMermaid]

For me, my parents were only okay with the idea because they see mermaiding as a good form of exercise. I guess as a female it's easier for me compared to a male. However, not everyone is so understanding. My brother keeps telling me to 'grow up' whenever I talk about mermaid-related things, and it makes me so annoyed and sad.

Mermaiding makes me really happy though! And ever since I started mermaiding I've been swimming a lot more than I used to, and that makes me really happy too.

My sister is the same way. I know how you feel.

[MermaidAuquita1998]

Any mers want to meet up someplace at the lake of ozarks this June


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[MermaidAuquita1998]

Forgot to mission I live in Missouri very close to Table Rock Lake



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