What do your parents, girlfriends, boyfriends, ect think?

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I'm curious how everyone's parents feel about your spending $50-$3,500 on a mermaid hobby or profession? Also your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, husband, friends, ect.

Personally, my parents giggled at me when I made my fabric tails, and I think my mom was kind of embarrassed when I'd take them on vacation.
Now, I told her I plan on making a "real" one, and she's kind of oblivious on the cost. I know the paint, clay, even shell shock won't be too bad since she's used to crazy art prices, it's the near $200 dragon skin I'm worried about.

My boyfriend however, I just told today, and he is so excited. He's always called me his mermaid, and when I told him, later he said all he did was smile, he's so proud of me and he thinks it's beautiful to see someone have such passion for something, he doesn't think it's strange at all, and the best part, he asked if he could help!

So tell me your stories please?

[Mermaid Lorelei]

My fiance loves it so much that I'm making him his own silicone tail. <3

[Mermaid Varshana]

My husband just wants me to be happy. My mom thinks it's a waste of money. Honestly, straight up sayin' it, it's no one's damn business how much this stuff costs us :)

[AniaR]

My Dad used to look at me funny and say "you know mermaids aren't real right?" and now he brags to anyone who will listen, shows off my book, shows photos, tells stories, it's awesome. My BF supported it from the start. My family embraced it on a larger scale, and my baby sister is a mermaid with me now.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Lorelei- that's great! I wonder if I could ever get my man in a tail, or atleast a monofin..
MV- true true, but when my parents are paying for most of my college, they don't like to see me "throwing away my money"
Raina- I totally feel you, I can't count how many times my sister and dad scoffed at me, "mermaid aren't real", it gets so old.

[sunrise]

My sisters think it's ridiculous, and my dad just laughs. My mom was the most against it, and still doesn't like me swimming in my tail, but she helps me out and gives me advice for sewing, and making accessories and stuff. I know that some of my friends think it's interesting, and I know one friend who just laughs about it, like my dad.

[Mermaid Varshana]

MV- true true, but when my parents are paying for most of my college, they don't like to see me "throwing away my money"

Oh, sure sure. My mom is the same way. My parents are in so much trouble that they'd be better off filing for bankruptcy, so she doesn't want me going the same route. Personally, I sell my tail as escapism from living in Northern Ohio :) Sanity lube.

[Mary Marine]

When I first found out about swimmable tails I was so excited I told EVERYONE. My coworkers thought I was crazy, but they are used to me being strange and just find it amusing. My best friend was just as excited as me and wants one for herself, but she's saving money to move to California. My parents think it's a bit silly, but are supportive. My mom has been going swimming with me and my dad is helping me shop for new fins. They know I'm only getting a fabric tail for now, not a silicone one.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I feel you sunrise. Oddly enough, I'm taken more seriously now that I'm older. I guess they realize its not a phase.

[Mermaid Syrena]

I love this thread! It's pretty similar to the "Coming Out: Mer" thread-- but hey-- these stories never get old. ;)

My parents... were not supportive. They tsked when I got my fabric tail, and then were amused at me swimming in it for a little while. We dodged what could have been a VERY explosive family row, though, when I accidentally revealed that I would be getting a silicone tail. I may have dumbed down the price a little...or a lot... or more than a lot...
Even then, though, they thought I was paying WAY too much, and were extremely upset and angry at me. They worried about "over exposure", what my future employers would think, and that my tail would eventually become a white elephant. (no way, Jose!)

I'm just biding my time and keeping my big mouth shut, now. I'm saving up for this tail, so I'm hoping that they see that they don't have to lift a finger. Also, I hope that once they actually SEE my gorgeous Finfolk tail in action... they'll understand. Just a little bit more. And hopefully they'll see that it makes me feel supremely happy and part of my Real self.

My boyfriend, though, is fantastic. He's a couple years older than me, but that doesn't make him look down on my mermaiding dream. On the contrary- he's actually helping me out... a lot. He pays where I can't, and he doesn't mind carrying me in my tail from here to there, and he's learning to take pretty awesome footage and videos. :) I owe a lot to him.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Oh, I didn't know of such a thread! But it's all good :)
I've sadly only have two more weeks of a pay check, which with all the time I've had to take off, about $90 in the end. I have $80 cash in a "mermaid" jar :3
I can hopefully work on thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. And also ask for some help for a Christmas present. It's so hard waiting that long but it's my only choice. I move slow or not at all. Hopefully "santa" won't give me too much hassle for adding $200 worth of liquid silicone and paint to my Christmas list...

[Echidna]

Well, unless I win the lottery, I'll never own a silicone tail, so I make my own from fabric, and it's no one's darned business how much those cost me.
My mother is ok with it by now, since she knows I will make good use of the tails.
Before, she thought I was insane.
My father thinks anything I do is ridiculous, so it doesn't matter either way.

[MermaidHyli]

Sadly my dad could really careless (hooryay fathers that are never there...)
My mom doesn't understand it and gossips to her church group about it and god forbid I show some skin -.- But she does her best to smile and nod when I talk about my gigs.
My husband on the other hand...My god I love that man. He has been supportive to the point of buying me a merbellas tail as a wedding gift. He has carried me, saved me from being whomped by waves, and held the puppy while taking pictures and handing out my business card. I couldn't do any of what I do without him <3

[Blondie]

Eh, not so supportive.

My dad doesn't even know. And I don't think he'd really care to be honest. My mom I think believes I'm being like a little kid and I need to grow up. However, last summer we had a heart to heart. I told her how much it made me happy and I enjoyed it. And she let me know if it made me happy that's all that really mattered. My sisters I don't really know, back in the day both of my sisters thought it was very strange. But, as of now, one is actually pretty cool with it. She tried on my tail and I just loved it on her. She thought it was neat.
My friends aren't very supportive either. I have on friend who thinks it's awesome. And that's about it. The rest of my friends think it's ridiculous. I actually told them I sold my tail to get them off my back. And they replied with "Oh thank god!" It kinda hurt...

[LittleTreasure]

Most of my friends that know think it's kind of neat/awesome that I do this, so that's good. One friend thinks it's impractical but still cool and last time I was in public with her in my tail she said she was embarrassed of me. Of course when one person told me how awesome they thought it was she bragged for me. -_- Then asked (probably jokingly) if I'd make her one to take pretty pictures in. I don't really know where my boyfriend stands on it because he's kind of a private person. It might embarass him in public but enchant him in private. Dunno. And he hasn't seen it in person yet, but seemed to like the pictures I've taken in it. Seems like everyone is either weirded out or amused, and not in a good way. Rarely do they think it's awesome. However my little cousin wants a tail of her own now. :p

[spottedcatfish]

I actually have a lot support from my family and friends, as long as I don't spend a whole lot of money on it. My parents think it's fine and cool that I like mermaids and that mermaidng in general is a healthy activity as it requires swimming, which I agree with. I'm glad they are supportive of my interests. I just told another one of my friends today, about the mermaiding hobby. I was nervous that he might think it strange, but he turned out to be really supportive, and let me know that he would think it strange and unusual If I didn't have an odd hobby to gravitate towards... Another one of my friends thought that it was really cool too, and can't wait to see me swimming in my new tail!

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Well I can tell we all have good and bad experiences. I think that's part of what we have to go through, as anyone does, when doing something different and off the wall. There will be people who laugh and snark at us, or people who will laugh and support and encourage us.

I just told one of my guy friends last night that I'm making one, and I sent him a picture of Hannah Fraser and then another of a merbellas a tail, and he said holy sh*t! Haha he asked what they were made of and I have him my list of supplies, and then he asked how, and I just gave an overview.. And he just said "holy sh*t that's amazing, I can't believe you found all that out. That's going to take a long time too, you must be dedicated".
And then continued to tell me how hot Hannah is hahaha

[Mermaid~Summer]

My Husband is 100% on board with my mermaiding aspirations. He refuses to wear a tail but I laughed hysterically last week when he tried to fit his big feet into my monofin and swam around the pool lol. He actually admitted that it's harder than it looks to swim in a monofin. He wants to get some regular swim fins and then he said he'll swim with me when i'm in a tail. All of my family and friends are cool with me being a mermaid. My mother's response when I told her about wanting to be a professional mermaid and get a silicone tail was "That's amazing, you'll enjoy that. You have always been a mermaid so getting a tail is just the next logical step. You better start saving up." I get the occasional "ur crazy" looks from people but it doesn't phase me. I Know i'm crazy so why should someone else thinking it bother me lol. In the end, mermaiding is what makes me happy and if people don't like it they can go suck a blowfish. Or take a long walk off a short pier and pray that there is a mermaid around to save them :D

[johnwenjie]

Good for you, the right soul mate is the one who loves the whole package.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Your mom seems awesome Summer!! Haha I wish my mom was like that. She gets mad if I spend my money, even on little things like new brushes or something.

[Ariadne]

My husband kind of gives me the side-eye, but doesn't say anything ugly to me about it. I have already told him he will be acting as my mertender as soon as my tail gets here (just another week, I hope!) and he kind of goes "yeah, yeah"...lol

Family doesn't know anything about it.

[Mermaid Dottie]

My hubby now wants a tail. *squeal of joy* My mom and dad are super proud of me, no matter what I do, though I think my mom wants me to be a writer or a costume designer(which, I can still do both of those). Some of my friends probably think it's weird, but they love me because I'm weird like that. So, I'm very, very blessed.

[Marlin]

Miss Marlin is the only one who knows and she's been really supportive. (Even volunteered to be my mer-tender when the time came) Haven't told my folks yet, not sure how my dad would take having a merman in the family...

[Aziara]

Your mom seems awesome Summer!! Haha I wish my mom was like that. She gets mad if I spend my money, even on little things like new brushes or something.
Yeah, I know the feeling... My own mother seems a bit disapproving at times, although she is helping me with making my first fabric tail. I start talking about mermaids and her lips press together and she squints at me. If I keep talking, she says I'm bugging her with my 'latest obsession'. *sigh* My husband is only sort of ok with it. He has issues with me showing any part of my body in public that isn't shown in normal clothing (jealousy issues, I guess?) so I've been having a constant struggle with putting a top together only to have him demand "MORE COVERAGE". And he's very tightfisted with the money--says I am spending 'his money' because I don't have a real job. I love him to pieces, but sometimes I just want to wring his neck. :anger explode:

[Mermaid~Summer]

Your mom seems awesome Summer!! Haha I wish my mom was like that. She gets mad if I spend my money, even on little things like new brushes or something.

lol she has her moments. Why does ur mom even care what u spend ur money? It's ur money. Tell her to go "suck a blowfish" lol that is my new favorite insult

[Mermaid~Summer]

Yeah, I know the feeling... My own mother seems a bit disapproving at times, although she is helping me with making my first fabric tail. I start talking about mermaids and her lips press together and she squints at me. If I keep talking, she says I'm bugging her with my 'latest obsession'. *sigh* My husband is only sort of ok with it. He has issues with me showing any part of my body in public that isn't shown in normal clothing (jealousy issues, I guess?) so I've been having a constant struggle with putting a top together only to have him demand "MORE COVERAGE". And he's very tightfisted with the money--says I am spending 'his money' because I don't have a real job. I love him to pieces, but sometimes I just want to wring his neck. :anger explode:

Tell ur husband that since you are married that legally "his money" is "Your money". It was a bit of work getting my husband to be ok with the tops but I told him that considering I'll be wearing a tail I'm technically More covered than I would be in a regular bikini. I hope ur Husband comes around. "Mer hugs"

[Mermaid~Summer]

Miss Marlin is the only one who knows and she's been really supportive. (Even volunteered to be my mer-tender when the time came) Haven't told my folks yet, not sure how my dad would take having a merman in the family...

Someday when I have kids if my son ever comes to me and says "I want to be a Merman" I will do a happy dance and be like "Yes! Let's go on a family Mer Vacation and we can all swim in our tails!" :D That would be awesome!

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I'm not sure why she cares where I spend my money, she's always acted like were tight, but I'm not stupid and tbh we have money, she just wants to act like we don't have enough, I guess to be modest in our small town.

We just had a pretty bad house fire that's made it worse. We had to repaint out whole house, rip up tile and carpet and furniture on the first two floors, but insurance covered almost everything, and she acts like it's coming out her pocket.

This is going to be a real challenge guys! Support appreciated and keep sharing your stories! It's soothing haha :)

[Mermaid~Summer]

Don't let her get you down. I love my family but I'll love them more once I move and put 1,700 miles between us.

[Mermaid Varshana]

^tr00 fax. Moving out fixed 95% of all my problems with my folks. No more snooping. No more bullying. No more Jesus guilting.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

LOL bullying and jesus guilting, I hear ya

[Mermaid Varshana]

Oh man. My Baptist Sunday school teacher dad found the homoerotica I was writing this one time when I was 21. That was aces dudes, just aces!

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I'm not even going to get into the fact that I'm a closet- athiest buddhist. And when I don't get married in a church (ahem or have a "wedding" at all) I CAN SEE IT NOW :O

[Mermaid~Summer]

Oh man. My Baptist Sunday school teacher dad found the homoerotica I was writing this one time when I was 21. That was aces dudes, just aces!

OMG that is priceless!! The older my mother gets the more crazy religious she gets. I was talking to her today about my mermaid plans and she said "at least u want to be a mermaid and not a stripper". I found that to be an odd comment lol

[WavyMermaidy]

It's been really interesting to see the mix of supportive relatives/friends and non-supportive ones in these responses.

I'm like Dottie in that I feel really blessed/lucky...my family and friends are very supportive. My hubby is my mer-tender, my niece is now into mermaiding, and my mom brags about me to everyone she meets (she's one of those people that talks to everyone) and she got me some leads on potential gigs last time she came to town, lol. I came into my current job just at the beginning of my mermaiding experience so my co-workers just got used to me that way and seem to love it (and I work at a place called Marine Discovery Center, so it kinda works). And "friends" that I have on Facebook that we'll run into say how much they've enjoyed seeing my photos, videos, and posts about my mermaid adventures.

Like a lot of folks on here who have alternative views and lifestyles (like religion!) mermaiding is just one more weirdness in a whole string of "weird", at least relatively speaking to the rest of my family...and I'm 32 so by this time nothing surprises anyone anymore. It's funny b/c when I finally told my parents that I was Pagan, they eventually decided they were just glad that I was socializing with group, lol!

I don't have a SUPER conservative family...just conservative-lite...but I'm still the quirky one in the family and I love it. I feel really lucky to have such a great support system.

[Mermaid Fenicia]

As I don't have any contact with my parents, they don't know I'm a mermaid :) My friend is ok with it and is also my mertender when I'm at the pool. The only thing he don't really like is that I'm a mer at events.

[Goldie]

Most of my friends that know think it's kind of neat/awesome that I do this, so that's good. One friend thinks it's impractical but still cool and last time I was in public with her in my tail she said she was embarrassed of me. Of course when one person told me how awesome they thought it was she bragged for me. -_- Then asked (probably jokingly) if I'd make her one to take pretty pictures in. I don't really know where my boyfriend stands on it because he's kind of a private person. It might embarass him in public but enchant him in private. Dunno. And he hasn't seen it in person yet, but seemed to like the pictures I've taken in it. Seems like everyone is either weirded out or amused, and not in a good way. Rarely do they think it's awesome. However my little cousin wants a tail of her own now. :p

Where the heck have you been swimming?! People LOVE me in my tail and rave about it. You should come swim with me and even if they get mean I'll make them get nice. :)

[Merman Dan]

I was talking to her today about my mermaid plans and she said "at least u want to be a mermaid and not a stripper".
I am SO putting a mermaid stripper into my undersea D&D game, now. :D

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Omg y'all. Last night I told my mom I had my supply list for everything I need for my tail. I had told her last week about my plans to "make a real life legit movie special effects mermaid tail" and she kinda giggled and half paid attention. It was okay for me to spend $20 on a fabric tail, when I was 12 you know. So I really scared to tell her about how her now 18 year old still has this hobby.
So I gave her an overview and a list and said "I could get almost everything from art stores, except what actually makes the tail, which is really expensive and I'd like it to be part of my Christmas gift."
She replied "I don't have to go looking at outer space and buying this stuff from NASA do I".
It made me laugh. I explained and she pretty much just smiled and said okay!
So thanks everyone for helping me get the guts. Maybe she doesn't really realize what she's getting into but I got the "ok". Which is good :)

[Mermaid Syrena]

I felt my heart warm just reading that! Good on ya, Keri, I'm really happy for you. :) I'm hoping for the same reception with my folks, when my tail comes.

[Mermaid~Summer]

I am SO putting a mermaid stripper into my undersea D&D game, now. :D

LOL I'm glad I could help you come up with a new character :)

[Kumori Kitsune]

My bf loves it and next summer he says if I teach him howto swim better he''ll let me make him a tail.

His dad never taught him to swim but I've taught him alot so fare

[Mermaid Adriel]

Recently, my parents gave me the permission to buy materials for the tail :)
About my "passion", they obviously were surprised, and my boyfriend said to me: "how could you do it if you can't swim?" LOL
But all in all, they all have accepted my decision to become a "mermaid". (IRONY: I seriously need to learn swimming X'D )

[Sea Pearl]

I can say that I am blessed to have huge support from my mum and step-dad, and all of his family here in america. They think it is awesome and that I should follow my dreams and what makes me happy. That helps me a lot since I don't have a lot of confidence. On the other hand, I have not told my dad anything about mermaiding. He is a very practical person and sometimes thinks things like that are a waste of time. Someday I will tell him.

[Mermaid Oshun]

My husband is a typical 50 yr old man. Fairly conservative. So not thrilled with anyone saying anything weird about his wife like she wears a fish tail. I feel the same way! So performing as a mermaid is not on my agenda. I do enjoy swimming in my pool privately though and I REALLY enjoy the artistry of creating projects.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Same for me, I wouldn't like performing as I never had. I like the art part and hobby :)

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Just wanted to share the sweet gifts from my boyfriend today
13325 it's one of those clear car decals for the window!
13326 and this is a whale fluke with a small quartz crystal hanging, I'm so in love with it

edit: I love the mermaid's accessories, she's got a huge shell with netting around it hanging at her hip, like a purse!!

[Mermaidmechanic]

Maybe its my personality; maybe I'm just lucky. My boyfriend likes it... he even offered to buy me a top from Raven's etsy. My mom and stepdad think its creative. My aunt is jealous because she wants one too but cant swim anymore (ear problems). Everyone at work wants to go out swimming with me so we can play practical jokes on people. Everyone I meet at the pool wants to hang out later and I usually get invited to BBQs or parties that they are headed to. I haven't come across any intolerance so far. In fact, I even managed to convince a guy I didnt know at the pool (who was surprisingly my shoe size and was similar in build) to try on my tail. Granted, he flopped around clumsily and his friends laughed at his poor "mermaid skillz", it was amusing non the less. :) I have yet to experience "mermaid haters". I'm sure it will happen eventually though... I swim in my tail at least three times a week.

[Merrow Erie]

So my mom was weirdly okay with me saving my money for a monofin and eventually a tail.

And scaring the shit out of drunks.

Today's a good day.

[Merley]

My mermaid obsession has been about 15 years or so in the making, inspired by my crazy aunt giving me The Little Mermaid on VHS for Christmas when I was 6. It's been such a long bout of fandom that I can safely call my interest in mermaids a lifestyle choice. Since I've been so crazy about all-things-mermaid, anyone who knows me quickly learns about my interest in mermaids. That being said, no one was really surprised when I decided I wanted to become one myself. Strangers who've never heard of such a thing as professional mermaiding kind of crack a smile of incredulity and nod like, okay crazy; whatever you say. But after I explain to them it's a real thing where I could make real money as a performer doing kids parties or events, they start seeing it as any other type of entertainment gig. As for the people close to me, like my family and friends, years of exposing my parents to others who share my dream, spamming their inboxes with videos of Hannah Fraser's videos and showing them sites like the Mertailor and the Week Wachee mermaid show made finally making the move to buy my tail that much easier. I pretty much conditioned them to get used to the idea by constantly surrounding them with it until it became as normal as anything else.

They weren't thrilled about me spending my graduation money on a tail when I should have saved it for stuff like, ya know, food, but they didn't chastise me for it either. They kind of accepted that I was an adult who was going to make my own decisions and that this was something I've wanted for a long time, and realized, like anything else in the past they've thought was silly, their opinion on the matter wasn't going to deter me, so they might as well be supportive. My sister wanted to see my parents disown me when she heard how much I was planning on spending on my tail, (as jealous siblings often get) but even she's come around to the idea. My friends had mixed feelings about it at first, but after seeing it laid out in front of them and me swimming in it, they think it's pretty cool and support my desire to pursue this dream...even if they won't swim with me, but that's because they're not sporty water people. My boyfriend reacted like the strangers at first; he thought I was fucking with him. But my tail actually came in the mail the last time he was here, so he got to see it for himself and now he loves the idea of me being a mermaid. He thinks it's cute and he's totally supportive of me swimming around and playing adult dress-up. He thinks I could easily make a career out of it where I'm currently situated.

That's him carrying me in the picture. Wish he was still here to be my mertender...He went back to Cali last week. :/ Anyway, most people love the tail; I get compliments about it all the time. When someone sees me in it, taking it out, or rinsing it off I get a lot of questions about what I do, what it's made of, where I got it, how hard it is to swim in, or how cool they think it is. Typically, people come up to me to ask questions or wish me luck and generally appreciate my ability to do something that garners strange looks. Being in a tourist driven place might also help though. In Hawai'i you get used to seeing a lot of strange things, seeing a mermaid doesn't tend to phase may people out here. They just think it's another attraction.

[Mermaid Octavia]

Sadly my dad could really careless (hooryay fathers that are never there...

Thiiiiiiiis. Hyli, you and I are in the same "absentee father" boat. I'll row alongside you.

My mother is semi-supportive. I can tell she doesn't quite know what to make of it and tells me she thinks it's neat but that's about as far as the support goes. I think it's embarrassment. She does, however, tell people about it and says she's happy to be a mer-mother so perhaps she is really supportive, it's just not obvious? Not sure yet!

My brother thinks it's badass, calls me his "mer-ho" (which is his way of being affectionate) and now he wants a tail of his own. Plus a trident. And a chariot. And a beard. XD

I've found the most support I get are from friends, their family, children I meet and parents. Plus you guys! Most people I meet when out and about in my tail are incredibly receptive. I made one little old lady cry with joy and that made me really happy. :)

[Marlin]

So- I FINALLY got Miss Marlin to admit she wants a tail too. :D :D :D

[maimerd]

My fiancé is supporting me with such enthusiasm. He let's me blabber on and on about mermaids and tails etc., and just smiles at me when I do. He says he enjoys to see me so excited and passionate about something. He's even helping me save money for my silicone tail by Finfolk! He said he's going to help me pay for it because he knows how important it is to me! My mom thinks I'm silly but isn't not supporting me. She knows how passionate I am about mermaids. I'm actually getting my friends into it and three of them are interested in going into making silicone tails ourselves. They actually want to get tails from merbella's and finfolk too so they can go mermaiding with me. :)

[Aziara]

Well, I had a sit down talk with my mom recently, about the 'look' she gives me every time I bring up mermaids. She admits that she doesn't 'get my obsession', but she's trying really hard not to be disapproving. So I think most of the 'look', is confusion, lol. It does make me happy that she's willing to help me, even though she doesn't understand why I like mermaiding so much.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Good for you Azaria!

[mermaidfrantic]

As long as you don't actually believe you can become a real Mermaid, it's just a game and it's ok.

[Sourisdoll]

My father thinks anything I do is ridiculous, so it doesn't matter either way.

That's pretty much my dad! He is mildly supportive of anything I do though. I've been trying to get him to help me make my monofin.

[maimerd]

Just wanted to share the sweet gifts from my boyfriend today
13325 it's one of those clear car decals for the window!
13326 and this is a whale fluke with a small quartz crystal hanging, I'm so in love with it

edit: I love the mermaid's accessories, she's got a huge shell with netting around it hanging at her hip, like a purse!!

Oh my gosh! Those are gorgeous! Where'd he get the decal?! I love it!

[maimerd]

One of my close friends, who I thought was supporting me, has been saying things in a way that is obvious it's said to make me feel like I'm stupid and don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to me traveling to perform. My other friend on the other hand, the girl who is my maid of honor for my wedding, is very supportive as of late, even coming up with product ideas that I can sell at fairs and on my etsy shop. I'm just hurt that at first my other friend was supportive and then she acted like I was stupid. So I've stopped talking to her about it. I'm just determined to prove her wrong in thinking that I don't know what I'm doing or what I'm talking about.

[Mermaid Tasia]

My grandmother initially just gave me the "whatever" but after she saw my tail she is amused. Once she saw me swim she became a little more interested. My sisters think it is cool, and my boyfriend is happy that I am happy and told me not to expect him to wear one, but he is more than happy to carry me to and from the water and take pictures. (I am in the process of loading one he took as my profile pic). My niece and nephew think it is cool, but I don't wear it much around them because my niece tries to get every kid in range to have a "mermaid" ride without asking me first, so until she learns it is MY place to offer, I have limited her on being around it.

[Delphine]

I'm curious how everyone's parents feel about your spending $50-$3,500 on a mermaid hobby or profession? Also your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, husband, friends, ect.

Personally, my parents giggled at me when I made my fabric tails, and I think my mom was kind of embarrassed when I'd take them on vacation.
Now, I told her I plan on making a "real" one, and she's kind of oblivious on the cost. I know the paint, clay, even shell shock won't be too bad since she's used to crazy art prices, it's the near $200 dragon skin I'm worried about.

My boyfriend however, I just told today, and he is so excited. He's always called me his mermaid, and when I told him, later he said all he did was smile, he's so proud of me and he thinks it's beautiful to see someone have such passion for something, he doesn't think it's strange at all, and the best part, he asked if he could help!

So tell me your stories please?

Hey, MermaidKeri!

Whoohoo, Dragonskin! My first & only tail is made from Dragonskin 10 Medium, and I made it myself (with the help of some fabulous friends & my boyfriend). If you have technical questions, please, feel free to ask me! :)

Hm, now that I think of it, random fellow art students who knew of my Project Delphine were supportive, even though they didn't really know me. That was a pleasant surprise! Many were also curious, as well as strangers (kids and adults!) I've met while mermaiding at the beach. My friends are a mix about my tail. Some don't understand it, though most think it's cool & can, at least, admire the work & love I put into the Delphine Tail. Tails, be it silicone or fabric are time-consuming, require endless hours of blood, sweat, tears (and lots of love) to go into them to turn them into our visions of the "perfect tail" we design in our heads and on paper. I feel like my parents think it's interesting. One of them was considerably more involved in the making of it (behind the scenes type stuff), so understands and appreciates my tail-making in a deeper way. Oh, though neither was surprised because I've been into mermaids, faeries, dragons etc. since I popped outta the womb. XD My artist-boyfriend has been happy to see my passion about my tail-making, & got hands-on with me for the Delphine Tail Project. I couldn't have done it without him, so it makes me thrilled to hear your boyfriend supports you, as that's huge!!! And if you want a mertender, perhaps you may consider asking him. As a mer who made & wears a Dragon Skin tail, I can tell ya you'll need someone to help you put it on & get out of it (sooo ungraceful a process, haha), maybe to carry you around in the tail, as you won't be able to walk once it's on.

Also, stick with your vision of your tail. Others may offer suggestions etc., but you know what your tail needs to be like, so while you can consider suggestions from loved ones and friends, don't compromise. I don't mean this in a bad or harsh way, just that another mer (someone who has been mermaiding for a few years and has become a friend) told me when others were giving me advice etc., that I had to stick to my vision to make sure I was happy with what I was creating, to keep envisioning how I wanted my tail to be, how wonderful it would be complete & that would help me get through the rough days. She was right, and I share her advice because of it. Best of luck & hope to see some updates on here! :3

[Mermaid Adriel]

I finally was able to talk about it with my uncles, and to my surprise they thought that my aspiration is something fantastic! And honestly, I felt better when I told them about it.
Fun fact: My aunt has seen Mertailor's interview on an Italian TV channel yesterday :rotfl:

[shimmygoddess]

My hubby probably thinks I am crazy, but I try and explain it more towards the 'child entertainment' POV. I am already a professional bellydancer and do fire, so I told him it is another thing to incorporate into my style. However when I told him I was getting a professional tail he was shocked by the pricing. He told me not to do it. I waited a couple months and asked for his help in measuring and he just looked at me bewildered and told me not to blow my money on half a fish. LOL. Little did he know I had already placed my order. He never did help me measure, I had my kids help and am just hoping for the best. We have not talked any more about. LOL I think he is supportive to a degree just not the investment part. sigh

oh want to add, that I dont really care what my family thinks. My parents, ect..see all my posts and just laugh, but they have never been negative. My younger kids are very supportive, my older one, who knows :)

[Echidna]

My younger kids are very supportive, my older one, who knows :)

It must be wonderful for younger children.
"My mommy is a real mermaid!! I can be a mermaid too when I'm older!!!"
Their mates will all be jealous like no tomorrow.

However, once they're in their teens, it will be the other way around.
"omg my mom plays mermaid...so /&%ing embarrassing!"
But then, in that age kids are embarrased by their parents no matter what they do anyways :jester:

[Mermaid Adriel]

It must be wonderful for younger children.
"My mommy is a real mermaid!! I can be a mermaid too when I'm older!!!"

I've always been curious of children reactions about this :) it sounds something magical!

[MermaidSabrina]

When I told my mom what I wanted to do, she just smiled, no wierd looks. And I learned something from the experience .at one point when I was young she was an author untill her publishing company went out of business,She became friends with a author named Ashley knight ( she wrote the fins trilogy , highly reccomend it) and it turns out she's a mermaid! She lives up in the same direction as my dad side of the family, so my mom has seen her and her tail. So my mom thinks it is cool that I want to do something like that. Thank god it wasn't too awkward! The rest of my family was another story, but they got used to the idea,So that's good. And when I go see my dads family I get to swim with another mer , talk about supportive.My friends still give me odd looks than laugh it off though, but I'm kinda wacky to begin with :P

[Vixy]

parents have no idea yet, but friends are really supportive although I have had a few rolling their eyes jokingly about another costume hobby. I do have a lot, but a lot want to see it happen for me and are behind me.

[JaceAquarius]

I have hinted at my Parents and friends that I might enjoy having a tail, but they don't know really how serious I am. I swim with a monofin on a regular basis and I get a little flack from that sometimes. I am starting to train in Freediving, but more from my mer desires rather than pure freediving. I have the fabric to make myself 2 mer-tails and am ready to start. Still no one knows that I'm that serious. It's nice to pop on here and see other people though like me!

[shimmygoddess]

Yea, my daughter is more into it obviously. She wanted her own tail and we swam together when we were at the beach, and I did her mermaid pics. Everytime we are out and she sees anything with a mermaid on it, she expects me to want it. LOL. My son will be 12 this year, so not sure how things will go at that point. LOL


It must be wonderful for younger children.
"My mommy is a real mermaid!! I can be a mermaid too when I'm older!!!"
Their mates will all be jealous like no tomorrow.

However, once they're in their teens, it will be the other way around.
"omg my mom plays mermaid...so /&%ing embarrassing!"
But then, in that age kids are embarrased by their parents no matter what they do anyways :jester:

[Ponytales]

My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy for wanting to swim in a tail (amongst other things). But then I think he's crazy too so it balances itself out.

[Elle]

My husband is supportive...he was a bit stand offish at first, but this afternoon he helped me make my scale box :)
Mum and Dad don't get it, but are fine for me to do it. Most of my friends think it's cool, others think I'm a bit weird.

[Miyu]

My circle's current (harhar) thoughts on my decision to be a mermaid:

Mom & Dad: seem to think it's cute.
Grandma: Thought it was a little odd, but now thinks it's awesome and cute since I actually got to swim in a monofin and liked it.
Boyfriend: is growing on it, can offer advice here and there, has opinions on tails I show him/describe to him. Is looking forward to me designing a tail for him, but is not crazy about it like I am :P
Other family members: no clue
Adopted family: One sister pretty much said "do your thing", and has posted a couple of mermaid-type things to my FB wall.
Friends: I hear a lot of positive support, and quite a few of them have started to associate me with mermaids - One even painted a painting for the first time in years, of a mermaid, and was thinking of me when she did, so that warms my heart that I could help get her creativity going :) She even (completely unknowingly, since I haven't shared my current tail plans with anyone on FB yet) made the painting in pretty much the exact colour scheme of the silicone tail I'm designing... and the fluke shape is somewhat similar to my planned fluke shape! :D

[SeaGlass Siren]

Update: my friends have all started calling me mermaid as a pet name and post a lot of mermaid and ocean related stuff on my fb wall too, and my hubby calls me his "angel of the sea " or his "mermaid princess" . Eeeek!

And when I told my mom I'm having an ocean themed wedding she wanted to see the fashion and the designs and thought it was super pretty!

[XMermaidMarinaX]

My mother said that though she thinks its a bit silly sometimes, she'll support me. While my dad was alive he'd just say he wanted me to pursue what made me happy, never judged anything about it. My grandma thinks its interesting and enjoys seeing me swim around in tails whenever I come over, not that I have my tail often at her house. Not too sure how my gf thinks of it, but she did show a friend a video of me when they didn't even know who I was. My friends are pretty cool about it, calling me their mermaid or fishy or something aquatic. Either way, I'm just glad none of the people close to me mock it, and I can enjoy it.

[tealmermaid]

n/a

[mermaidtigris]

i got the nickname mermaid girl from my friend's grandpa. everyone i know thinks it's cool and my mom helped me a lot with sewing my first tail. i even helped my little brother make a tail and he's outgrown it now so it's been passed on to my littlest brother. (i have three little brothers) i think that being a mermaid has helped me to actually make more friends. :)

[-Annwyn-]

My parents are okay with it. I do not think that they have a vested interest in it because it's never discussed. But my mum came along to my taping of 'Serenity' and got a real kick out of seeing me swim live. I'd love to talk about Mermaiding 24/7 but I'm resigned to the fact that an engaging discussion on swimming/costuming/freediving etc is just not going to happen with my folks. They just seem to smile and go along with it, not because they're hiding bitter feelings about it, but because they are indifferent.

My parents have always been the liberal, do-what-makes-you-happy types though.

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

My parents are supportive, but they always have been about whatever I am passionate about. My boyfriend thinks it's really awesome and immediately offered to be my mertender. I'm very lucky!

[teeth4u]

Unfortunately, I have some difficulty in this area. My mother thinks it is extremely weird and has called me a "freak" for wanted to "play dress up" as a mermaid. It makes me feel bad but I know this is something that is so much more than just being weird (because I think we can all admit it's a little out of the ordinary).

[MysticMerman]

Well... I've come out to my parents as a gay man, I let them know I was in a triad relationship with 2 men (all three of us were equal parts of one relationship), I let my parents know about what I do as a side show and burlesque performer, and a few other oddities that a strong Christian based family doesn't like to hear... So when I told my parents about being a merman, they were fine (I think they were more than used to me throwing curve balls at them and got to the point where nothing's a shock anymore) my moms first words about it were literaly "I like this a lot better than what you're doing as a stripper." Lol. (Thanks mom... -_-)

[AngelFish]

My mother thinks its funny, cause she used to call me her merman when I was little, because I would never want out of the water. My dad, doesn't know what to think, my brother is afraid someone will want to catch me while fishing! HAHA and my partner, he is the most supportive and loves that I get to have a dream come true.

[Mermaid Cecelia]

A lot of my friends thinks it's kinda weird, although most are cool with it and others want to join me :P my nickname among friends is "princess" because of a b'day party i had when i was 5 (idk why they call me this, it was so long ago), and now they call me "mermaid princess". my parents were fine at first, then they realized it wasn't a joke and they didnt approve anymore. Now they are okay with it again and are letting me go to Merfest 2015! My mom does tell all her friends and they laugh at me, but whatevs... Haven't been in a relationship while mer, so idk how that'd go, of course :P

[MermaidStormy]

Sorry to hear those that don't get much support but I think we all know this place we will support each other all the way :D

Well I only got into mermaiding last year. When I told my parents for the first time they are speechless didn't say much but my parents have been amazing they make the odd joke but they love that I am doing something that makes me happy. My sister .. well of course want's nothing to do with me think it's embarrassing haha lol I have my two best friends who support my hobby all the way and they are amazing. surprisingly my Uk family love the idea and are always following my stuff on the internet I post because I live in australia. Theyre pretty much stalkers now haha lol

[Talia]

Sorry to hear those that don't get much support but I think we all know this place we will support each other all the way :D
Hear hear!

I got my first tail on the summer of 2012. I did not want to tell anybody until the tail had arrived because I was afraid they would try to change my mind about ordering. I am a grown woman, but sometimes I can be influenced :(

When I showed it to my mother, she was like "You are crazy!", but I think she was half joking, because last summer recorded for me my first swimming video and now she has just gifted me a silicone top for Christmas. Recently she had lunch with a friend and she showed her all the summer pictures we took with the tail.

My husband, on the other hand, is conflicted. I mean, he does not tell me outright it's something ridiculous, and he took pictures of me in my tail with his good camera, but says he won't come with me to the pool if I wear the tail. I think it's because it is inevitable to gather some attention, and he hates to be the center of attention.

[darcyexene]

The first one to know was my grandma. I secretly asked her for this 2tails tail for xmas. She thought it was funny, cute, and a little strange, and she told me you probably shouldn't swim in public pools. So I thought to myself then where (I live in a desert)?The second one to know was my dad. He was all for it! Yay!!! He understands what it's like (except for him it was wizards).The third one to know was my bff. At first she was confused but I started explaining it to her and showed her this website and screamed "Ohhhh! That looks like so much fun!!!!". So she is going to join me in our first mer-swim this summer. Yay!I am not going to tell my mom. One day I told her that I believed in mermaids and she just looked at me like "Seriously!" My dad is more follow your dreams, and my mom is think practical. I am a lot closer to my dad. But so far my grandma and bff are the only ones that know I have a tail.

[Talia]

Guys! Something awesome just happened today. Last Wednesday was my birthday, but we celebrated it today with family. My mother and my husband surprised me with this:

17762

I don't have yet the pictures that were taken of me with it, but will post them as soon as I get them. I'm so happy today :)

[Mermaid Mhara]

I have an odd relationship with everyone in my life about being a Merman.

My ex boyfriend was extremely supportive, so much so that he bought me my first tail. We're still friends and he still supports me all the way, my parents think it odd and rarely let me talk about mermaids. My friends mostly think it's cool and want to join me. But the worst is guys I like: They seem to want to run off once they find out I'm a Mer...haha :')

[MermanZen]

My friends fully support me and they too are interested in having a tail after I make mine they asked me to create ones for them. my family on the other hand they think I must be crazy to want to swim in a tail in public but they know this is my passion and respect my hobby.

[OceanRose]

Happy birthday for last Wednesday Talia! That cake is the CUTEST! I want one!!!! Best birthday cake evar :-)

It's interesting to read everybody's story.
My friends are not excited at all about my mermaid tails, except for my best friend who thinks it's awesome.
My family are much the same as my friends, I tell them and they try to understand me. They get a quizzical look on their face.

[SeaGlass Siren]

I'm so glad theres so many more mermans coming out :)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I haven't told anyone. And I don't think I will until I become really good and super fit at it, but even then, judging by the way my other hobbies have been received, I'll never tell... NEVER! MUAHAHAHA!

[Mer-Crazy]

My mum accepts it, she doesn't try to understand it, but she can't help to get excited about my tail. She tried it on when I got it, or tried to, took my un-boxing video and did a photoshoot for me, but also sad she can't understand me spending so much on a tail. My dad doesn't really comment on it, so he's neither for nor against it. My younger brother thinks I'm weird. My boyfriend likes it, can't say loves it, but he supports me, even offered to by me my next tail <3. My friends love it, they get all excited about it, some think I spent too much, until they see it and then they love it. Though I haven't been able to convince any of them to join me in my mermaiding just yet :(

[Aino Revontuletar]

My mum thinks that if there was any job in the world that would be perfect for me, it would be being a professional mermaid, haha. She is going to help me get gigs and stuff once I have made my tail, since I am not very good at that sort of administrative, organizational work and I will need help. Everyone else who knows me and I have mentioned it to hasn't shown any kind of surprise/ reaction, since this sort of thing is pretty normal and usual for me so it's not an issue. Just a sort of "oh that's cool, I bet you would make a great mermaid"

[Mermaid Adriel]

I'm finally telling about it with some friends who didn't know what mermaiding was xD they all think it' s a cool job :)

[Naufra]

I never really thought of it as something I'd have to "come out" about until I got to this forum and read about other people's experiences. I don't have any swimmable tails yet, but nobody who knows about my dry-wear costume is bothered by it. Since a lot of my friends are into cosplay or costuming, I think they see it as a natural extension of that interest for me, as well as my love of fantasy stuff. My parents are glad I'm having fun with it and I doubt they'll be unsupportive of my wanting to be a better swimmer when I do try to learn to swim with a monofin. They know me, the mermaid thing is no surprise to them. My sister is wonderful, she's infinitely supportive and helpful! She helps me get in and out of my full costume when I wear it and takes pictures for me. She even wants a mermaid costume of her own now, since she sees me enjoying mine so much. Aside from my parents, sister, and a few friends, nobody else really knows about my new "hobby."

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Come to think of it, I won't ever tell any of my family. They've never once supported me in any of my other endeavors, so I highly doubt they'll do that now.
The only person that did is my Aunty, and she lives overseas.

[Mirabelle le Mergirl]

I think I'll just go through my connections then :)

My Mum- she inspired my love of natural beauty, and also art. My mum is such a huge part of this journey. She's hugely supportive!
My Daddy- he works 6 hours away, and can't come home every night like all of my friend's dads. But when he has a few days off, we can't shut up about mermaids- wigs, scales, and tails. He is my numero uno supporter.
My brother and sister- Think I'm partially nuts.
Best Friends- Uber supportive, but still think I'm a bit nuts.

I haven't got a boyfriend- but when I do, he'd better like me for my scales, not my looks! XD

Just keep swimming,
Mirabelle xx

[Mermaid Pickles]

Well, I got into it through a friend who had a tail before I did, and it kinda took off from there. I always liked fish, lakes, oceans, and aquatic animals, even if I was terrified of swimming for years. I continued to be afraid of water deeper than three feet until I started mermaiding. Now if I'm troubled or upset during the summer, I tend to go to the pool, put on my tail, and sit at the bottom of the deep end to think. I'm completely comfortable in the water now, and it kind of weirds out my family. My grandparents disapprove, my parents don't really like it, and my sisters could care less. I only have a few friends who share my enthusiasm, and one of those is my boyfriend. He ordered me a new tail, and even offered to get a tail and swim with me. Since I'm currently in Houston until March, when I will be going to a small town north of Austin, I don't really have many mers near where I am. it's really kind of lonely,since I don't have much support.

[Anahita]

**sigh** My family tries to turn everything into a business venture.... Mermaiding is no exception

To be fair, I totally do mermaid as a party-character. So it IS a little business.... But I mean, everyone of my family members wants to make it into some HUGE business thing, and then, their enthusiasm just burns me out. :/ Like, this has got to be the sixth or seventh thing they've burnt me out on trying to invest in me turning it into a successful business - There was shoes, there was party planning, there was restoration work, there was my degree (both of them), there was costuming.... The list goes on from there. Eesh. I love my family, but sometimes they're too Persian. Even the family that I've married into has taken to trying to figure out how to turn their "wonderfully talented daughter in law" into a little cash cow. :P

So, yeah, they're used to me being weird - they consider it an "artistic" trait. So me being a mermaid is no surprise whatsoever, they've been calling me a mermaid for as long as I can remember because of how I looked and how I swam. And they even go so far as to support it, but they support it for the wrong reasons, and in the wrong way. And this worries me, because I'm eventually going to half-heartedly start making serious money off of it, or I'm going to have to listen to them give me the "You're so talented, why can't you do something successful with it? We know you're capable of it!" lecture, again because my profit is not stable enough (which happens every few years as it is, but still....)

[Aziara]

**sigh** My family tries to turn everything into a business venture.... Mermaiding is no exception

To be fair, I totally do mermaid as a party-character. So it IS a little business.... But I mean, everyone of my family members wants to make it into some HUGE business thing, and then, their enthusiasm just burns me out. :/ Like, this has got to be the sixth or seventh thing they've burnt me out on trying to invest in me turning it into a successful business - There was shoes, there was party planning, there was restoration work, there was my degree (both of them), there was costuming.... The list goes on from there. Eesh. I love my family, but sometimes they're too Persian. Even the family that I've married into has taken to trying to figure out how to turn their "wonderfully talented daughter in law" into a little cash cow. :P

So, yeah, they're used to me being weird - they consider it an "artistic" trait. So me being a mermaid is no surprise whatsoever, they've been calling me a mermaid for as long as I can remember because of how I looked and how I swam. And they even go so far as to support it, but they support it for the wrong reasons, and in the wrong way. And this worries me, because I'm eventually going to half-heartedly start making serious money off of it, or I'm going to have to listen to them give me the "You're so talented, why can't you do something successful with it? We know you're capable of it!" lecture, again because my profit is not stable enough (which happens every few years as it is, but still....)

I totally get this! It isn't just a Persian thing, my mom does this to me too. I went through a phase where I painted complex designs on my nails every week. OMG, she absolutely never shut up about how I needed a nail-painting business, because I was 'wasting my talents'. I eventually stopped painting my nails so I wouldn't have to hear about it. So I knew the only way I could present being a mermaid was to approach the subject from the money-making angle... If I said I just wanted to do it for fun, she'd thing I was an idiot. (my mom thinks, spending money on something without being able to earn it back using said thing = idiot). Not that I don't want to do parties and whatnot, just.... :gah:

[MermaidBrandie]

Being 26, my parents don't really care so long as I don't drown. lol.

My boyfriend thinks it's cute. We're furries too so he likes how artistic I am anyways. I made him a fursuit and me one too so practicality is about the same lines. I'm gonna be making a neoprene tail and he's all for it. When I asked him if he'd go to a mercon with me he was like: "...you mean I could go to a con that's filled with girls wearing seashells and tails or little else? WHEN IS IT??" lol

[SeaGlass Siren]

^ lol my hubby does the same thing xD

[Mermaid Ophelia]

When I informed my husband that there were swimmable tails he said "you'll finally be the mermaid you always were inside!" and has been supportive ever since. He enables my mermaid/sea life collection too by buying me all kinds of home decor...he even let me paint the living room sea foam green (which he ended up LOVING.) My husband is also a photographer, so he's pretty excited to take pics of me in my tail when I finally get it. All-in-all he's super supportive, but it's not HIS thing. Which is cool with me, we all have our things, like, I'm not into photography but I think it's super rad that he is.

My friends are all supportive, too. And enabling, lol. Nobody was really surprised when they heard I was interested in it, and nobody really judged me in any way. ^_^

I did burlesque locally before this so probably nothing I do phases anyone anymore, lol.

[Greg]

After perusing the threads here there seems to be a common denominator here. It seem those who don't understand someones passion tend to be critical or judgmental of that passion. My parents who has seen my mermaid photos made such comments as "sexually explicit" and in their own words "fish porn" and that I need to grow up. Needless to say my response was, "If I wanted to be a joyless adult like you then I will grow up". Also, don't even get them started on the cost, GAWD FORBID!!!!

[SeaGlass Siren]

wtf? how is a mermaid sexually explicit? just cuz most of us are toples :\ and dont even get me started on the whole topless vs wearing a top

[malinghi]

Greg, that's really surprising. I didn't realize the stigma associated with something like cosplay could extend to someone who just photographs it.

[Vela]

My mom is super supportive of my mermaid obsession. I told about her me wanting to make a tail and then I told her about my dream to own a Merbella's silicon tail. At first she looked at me like I was crazy but then she was like "that makes sense, you have wanted to be a mermaid since you were 3. Go for it."

My bestfriend is just as crazy about mermaids as me and is making her own tail with me.

I have not told my boyfriend yet, but he knows that I love mermaids. Maybe I will tell him soon. My little sister thinks I am nuts. As does most of my family. But I really do not care. If I want to be mermaid I am going to be a mermaid and that's just how it is going to be. I know I am crazy and I am not mad about it!:D

[Lorelei]

~My parents think it's a big waste of money, but they still try to support it because they know it means a lot to me. My sister finds it too weird and also a waste of money, but still tries to help. Honestly, my nanny was the only family member before she passed who really loved it. I was her little Lorelei and she really wanted to see me in a silicone tail (it's the only bitter part to me about getting one. I wont be able to show her).
~My boyfriend is my mertender by his own free will because he finds it really cool and unique and will often comment on how beautiful of a mer he thinks I make (but that might just be in every boyfriend's job description ;) )
~My friends love it and find it unique and awesome as well. I only really have one who isn't crazy about it, but still really supportive and finds it fun to observe.
~As for strangers, it's always up in the air when I finally build up courage to tell someone. Sometimes they're really quiet and will comment on how abnormal or childish it is, while others get really excited and will ask question after question.
It's really back and forth depending on the person. :)

[sashiyoop]

The only reason my parents let me buy my first tail back when I was 13 was that I was paying for it with my own money. I'm not really sure they're that supportive of it, but they don't really complain. That may just be because whenever I'm in tail, it's in private, but I'm not sure. I don't know what they'll say when I come back from months in Australia with a new (and better) tail (I'm using an art class as an excuse to make myself a new fabric tail with plastic scales [if anyone has any experience with this please give me advice] under the guise of a sewing project. It is technically a sewing project), but I'm sure that they'd never let me spend the money it takes to buy a silicone tail, even if I saved up for it myself. Because of this, I probably won't be able to get a silicone tail until I'mat least in college, and at that point, I'll be away from home enough to not really care what they think of my tail.

As far as boyfriends go, my last one thought it was kind of weird but didn't comment on it. My friends either think it's cool or try to ignore it. Most of them are used to my quirkiness, though, and some even go along with it.

[Mermaid_Dominique]

I haven't told anyone of my family. My boyfriend is a prop designer and maker so he has been excited and supportive about it from the start. His parents know about it and they think I've lost my mind which makes me nervous about telling it to my own mother, father, brother and sister. I know they won't understand and will think it's an absolute waste of money. :(

[Ocean-Borne]

My brother and sister think it's awesome, especially my little sister to be expected. My brother likes to dress up in costume like me, so he really wants to go with me when I get it all really started. And I don't think my mom or dad realize I'm serious yet. :p

[selkie13]

My mum thinks I'm mad but doesn't care as long its my own money. My oldest younger brother thinks I'm mad too but as soon as he seen me in my monofin he got jealous and my youngest brother thinks its the best think since milk(he likes milk, a lot). My older brothers just say cool and don't really care. My dad thinks its great (off in another country so doesn't have to deal with it lol). And my friend think its cool but give me weird looks sometimes.

I think that's everyone....

Sent from my Hudl HT7S3 using Tapatalk

[deepblue]

My boyfriend didn't know mermaiding existed before he met me. It's cool- he's very enthusiastic about helping me make a tail however he can, while still realizing it's my project. He asks questions, and is encouraging and supportive. I think he'd be that way over anything that makes me happy. I'm designing a neoprene tail right now, and as I was drawing and showing him aspects and discussing the whole thing, he asked me, "Wait- I have a question. Is it legal to look that good?"

I know, maybe only someone imagining their love saying that can see why that was awesome. But it was freakin' adorable and sweet and I love when he compliments me, but adding one in for mermaiding just won him major points. lol

Also it's helpful because as we look for a place to live together in the near future, we both want access to a pool.

[Scottish Mer]

I informed my boyfriend of 6 years now (soon to be 7. :swoon:) about mermaiding and swimming in a tail when I first found out about it 3-4 years ago, since then he's been super supportive and encouraging me to go for it, even to the point of getting me a monofin to train in and himself a tail to swim by my side.

My older (3rd) sister (Zoe) after her accident became depressed and started self harming and so I introduced her to mermaiding, she loved it and took off to it, she could swim better than me in the tail than I ever could without days of training myself. She's been very supportive since and even to the point of being my mertender when I'm at events, before though, she did think me a little crazy wanting to be something of fantasy. She brought me a latex tail as a gift of thanks and doesn't mind being my test subject for my hair clips and accessories.

My mother at first thought it was a teenage phase and dismissed it whenever I talked to her about it but after a while of taking her with me to the pool to swim, she finally asked to give it a try, she couldn't get full grips on the idea of swimming in it, so she just runs around now with my hair clip pieces on and telling everyone that her 'daughters are mermaids'.

My other (3rd) sister (Tara) thinks it's strange but at the same time cool, she's happy to take photos when we go swimming but she hasn't tried on a tail. (She keeps saying she would but keeps forgetting her swimsuit.)

Ailie (2nd oldest sister) wants to try mermaiding but she's in Australia right now and seems very supportive of having a 'baby sister' who's a mer.

Lorna (1st oldest sister) Doesn't approve of it and finds it more embarrassing when I take a tail out in public to swim and even gets annoyed whenever I'm playing with the children.

My brother James finds mermaiding strange but doesn't stop him getting into the water with us and even to the point of acting as tender for me and Zoe, he's gotten more prideful now since getting informed he doesn't have to wear his 'selkie' skin every time he's in the water. He gets very shy but refuses to be a merman like my partner and my close friend.

My close friend thought I was finally on the blink of madness when I first told him I had started mermaiding but after trying on a tail he's now happily calling himself a merman in secret and supports me when it comes to events that Zoe or my brother can't be my tender on.

My dad on the other hand thinks art and design and mermaiding is a waste of money, time and effort and doesn't support me on it and gets overly embarrassed and angry if I'm out with a tail, he's often complained about us wearing shells and seaweed in our hair but it's kinda stopped now. :sweat drop:

[Mermaid Adriel]

My dad on the other hand thinks art and design and mermaiding is a waste of money, time and effort and doesn't support me on it and gets overly embarrassed and angry if I'm out with a tail, he's often complained about us wearing shells and seaweed in our hair but it's kinda stopped now. :sweat drop:

Fathers generally think in this way. Mine, for example, is supportive but he always gives me strange looks when I talk about mermaiding :O_o:

[deepblue]

My older (3rd) sister (Zoe) after her accident became depressed and started self harming and so I introduced her to mermaiding, she loved it and took off to it, she could swim better than me in the tail than I ever could without days of training myself.

Ah, I love it when something like mermaiding can help someone who probably never thought something like it could.

[Mermaid Sirenia]

I will never forget when I first told my parents, they plain out laughed in my face, they are somewhat supportive now but they still laugh and make jokes. My grandma has been my most supportive, when my parents told her I held in the laughter, because they were rolling their eyes at me telling her about it like it was a joke, my wide eyed grandma just smiled and said "I can't wait to be able to say my granddaughter is a professional mermaid!" Then my mom in shock tried to reverse the story and say she was super supportive. My sister has also been super supportive, considering she's known about it longer than anyone!


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[topsider]

My parents had me swimming before I could walk, all I wanted on vacations was to be in a pool, lake, or ocean. So it wasn't too big of a leap for them. Even then, their son wanting to swim with, what looked to them to be a mermaid tail, was still a big shock, including a lot of initial awkward questioning and continued concerned looks when they see me with it. And seriously all it was then, 10 years ago in college, and all it had been since then was just a black Rapid monofin, a water toy (no tail).

Fast forward many years and I take my girlfriend out on a boat for the first time, open a cabinet and pull out the Rapid for a swim. Again, I suffered strange looks, a furrowed brow, and snide comments about mermaids. Then a surprise when she said I would make a good looking merman and that she could probably make a tail for me. At the time I thought she was joking, I didn't know anyone actually made and wore full swim-able tails as part of a hobby. And even knowing now that they do, if she offers again, I don't know that I'm ready to explain a full tail to the family.

[Vixy]

So, parents think it's odd but completely used to it, and if I like it and makes me happy then they're okay with it.

My brother who already comments that larp and reenactment is for weirdos will most likely call me even more names and then try and get a picture for his buddies to make fun of.

[Mermaid Sirenia]

If ANY of you are being laughed at or people seem to see it as a joke, never let it affect you. Just remember that you have all of us supporting you, as well as plenty of children!:) people just don't understand the joy we and other people get from it!


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[MargottheMermaid]

Everyone I've told thinks it's dumb. D: But I love mermaiding and costuming!

[Nicky-Katz]

Well... I feel myself really lucky to have a very supportive boyfriend. He is a lifeguard and swims, like, for more than twenty years. So I have great backup and the best person ever to watch over me! :blush: He has always been very supportive and on the first day my monofin arrived, we went for a swim. And he wanted to try the thing on... Oh my! THAT was the most beautiful swim I've ever seen! :swoon: So I also have a swimming instructor by my side. But the coolest part is that even he does not share as much of my inspiration, he still thinks that it's cool and fun to do.

So another monofin has to be bought soon :D And I'm going to make a tail for him too!

[teeth4u]

I'm always really nervous to tell a guy. My last boyfriend was so supportive but he was kind of a hippie. The guy I'm dating now is probably the most normal guy I've dated in a while. He works out a lot and isn't really into any sort of fantasy stuff. I don't think I'm comfortable enough to tell him yet but I'm nervous he'll think it's too weird.

[malinghi]

I'm always really nervous to tell a guy. My last boyfriend was so supportive but he was kind of a hippie. The guy I'm dating now is probably the most normal guy I've dated in a while. He works out a lot and isn't really into any sort of fantasy stuff. I don't think I'm comfortable enough to tell him yet but I'm nervous he'll think it's too weird.

The idea of someone being critical of their girlfriend dressing up like a mermaid makes zero sense to me. I'm pretty self conscious about the whole merman thing, so I can imagine a girlfriend being weirded out by this, but that's because of gender issues associated with merfolk. Without the stigma from gender issues, the idea of a guy being uncomfortable with this just confuses me.

[Nicky-Katz]

I agree with malinghi. It's pretty weird if close people don't appreciate of swimming and dressing up like a mermaid. It basically is just that: sports and dressing up. They may not share the interest or may not be as supportive as they could, but thinking of such a hobby as weird is just... weird. And stupid gender issues make less guys who would like to swim back out of it just because they fear the stigma it might put on them...
The world is a pretty weird place I must say.

[teeth4u]

I wish the world was less judgmental. Gender stereotypes bother me so much. Everyone should be able to chose their interests freely from what society deems acceptable. I guess I need to learn to be more comfortable with sharing the Mermaid side of my life.

[Echidna]

Everyone should be able to chose their interests freely from what society deems acceptable.

mpf. I wouldn't be able to swim underwater if I'd care about what this society here thinks is acceptable.
Much less in a monofin, not to mention a tail! lol.

(Everytime I'm in a public pool- without tail, mind, and only short bi-fins, a tiny monofin, or even without fins- there are shocked faces, grumpy frowns, lots of head-shaking, curses, complaints, etc, even though there's enough room, I never touch anyone swimming by, and I only use up half a lane of space while the frog-kickers effectively use 2 to 3 lanes with their flailing extremities)

Good thing I don't give a hoot about what people deem acceptable! :p

[Alcyone]

unfortunately I don't have support from my family.
My mom and dad look at me like "aren't you a grown up woman?" or keep asking me "what do you need it for?" I guess they just don't see the point of having something that is not strictly necessary to live, even if it makes you the happiest person on earth..
My little sister is a little bit skeptical about my ability to think and keeps saying that I'm nuts..
My fiancé is a mix of skepticism and support.. He really would like me to pursue my dream but, on the other hand, he's really scared that I'll waist all my money in mermaiding..and he's against my idea of making my own tail(I guess he's scared that I'll start working and forget about the rest of the world)..
Sadly the only person that understood my passion was my grandma, she loved the sea to death and she called me her little fish^^ and I said sadly because she's not here anymore, so not a big support :(

[Nicky-Katz]

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/88/2a/38/882a38c85a69a1b88572a6ac38ac5b02.jpg

[Kishiko]

19651

Just thought I'd share this pic that Gem Stone sent to me (: Made me laugh so much

[Nicky-Katz]

Kischiko, I just love that!

[Mermaid Wesley]

(Hi everyone im back after MONTHS! Turns out my mer-self goes into hibernation during winter!) My family made dubious faces at first, but now they all give me mermaid-related gifts at holidays, call me a mermaid, and brag about my creativity. XD I love my family. I was really worried at first, but now im super glad I got in to it. Its super worth it even if i never upgrade from fabric :)

[mermaid|spark]

I've mentioned it to a couple of close friends and they've never really questioned it but I think they are just used to me being a bit weird. My mum, well I wouldn't say she is unsuportive but she isn't supportive either. Yes she helped me make my first tail although I'm not to sure she was thrilled about it. But me and my mum kind of have a 'you do your thing I'll do my thing lets not bother each other' relationship. However I'm super shy when it comes to strangers. I would happily swim in a wild public place (see lake river) just because I think fits more. However I can't imagine ever swimming in a public pool just because I would be terrified of seeing someone I knew but not really well (however you're not allowed mono-fins let alone a tail at most public pools In England so can't see myself having this problem)

[Merdude Ricky]

I got interested in mermaiding a few months back and eventually told a really close friend about it and asked if she would be interested in joining me in doing this. Unfortunately, she said no to buying a tail, even when I offered to help her pay for it. She did, however, agree to be there with me when ever I tried it our at her dad's condo's public pool. So I'm glad she'll be there to support me. Even if I do get a few weird looks. I'm still thinking about telling another friend of mine, but I'm not sure how he'll take it. I've been thinking about just presenting the idea of mermaiding to him first before I actually tell him that this is something that I'm getting into. Depending on his reaction, I'll either tell him or not. We'll see. :sweat drop:

[Starfrit]

Admittedly I haven't... really told anyone about my interest in mermaiding, or the fact that I'm getting a tail soon. So I'm pretty nervous!

The only person I've really talked to about it has been my boyfriend, and thankfully he's been SO supportive of it! He knows that I've been in a really rough patch with my depression and anxiety since January, and the other night he mentioned how I seem to light up whenever I'm talking about mermaids and the forums, and when I see new photos of someone's tail. He also knows I'm nervous as hell about my first tail-swim once I get mine, but has been encouraging me to go through with it anyway and not let what others might think about it get in the way of something that makes me happy.

My biggest concern, I think, is going to be my stepmom's reaction-- When I was living with her and my dad, she was always telling me that I needed to grow up, so I'm worried about what her response might be when I finally bring up "Oh yeah by the way I pretend to be a mermaid in my free time, wanna see pics?" to her. We never had the best relationship, and though it's improved a bit since I moved out she can still be kinda... Harsh about a lot of my hobbies.

[deepblue]

I find it so odd when I hear about things like that... your stepmom obviously has issues- sorry if that seems rude, but who the hell thinks it's their business to give a damn what anyone else does with their personal time? Happiness is what should matter. Her being harsh about your hobbies says much about her and nothing about you, that's for sure.

[Starfrit]

Oh, don't worry about sounding rude! Her attitude towards a lot of my interests used to really sting as a kid, but now although it still sucks to hear on occasion, I can for the most part let it roll of my back, seeing as I'm an adult making my own decisions and living how I want to. Not my fault she hates fun. :P

That and I learned to write off a lot of her opinions when I found out about her weird hatred for David Bowie.

[deepblue]

Omg. Yep. She's clearly under alien mind control. :p

Seriously. Bowie is a god.

[MermaidAllie]

Eh, my mom doesn't mind my crazy fantasy passions, but I'm starting to think she doesn't like that I spend most of my time drawing or researching. Today, I started yabbering about what I will need to make a tail and where I can find the supplies at and she kinda gave me the cold shoulder with a snippy "How are you going to pay for it?" comment. I don't have a job, mostly not my fault since I can't drive just yet, but I have found (and spoken to) some local animal hospitals and they are willing to let me turn in a resume since they don't have actual applications, one such hospital said they will be getting busy soon and need to hire soon! I was suppose to go out today and turn in said resume, but nope, mom didn't want to be bothered to drive me and also refused to let me walk the mile or so down the road to the places. Sorry for the bit of ranting, but it's kind of irritating when you want to do something productive and those you rely on don't want to help.

My boyfriend on the other hand is sooooooo supportive! When I told him about my passion for swimming and how I wanted to make a tail, he became really excited and wanted to help me make my tail! I just might be able to talk him into trying out a monofin and maybe even a tail later on once he gets use to the fin. I'm wanting to shed a few pounds so I look better in a tail, but he won't let me! He says he loves the way I look and it makes my heart glow. I wish I would have found him years ago!

[Mermaid Momo]

Everyone in my immediate family knows and is supportive of it. But sometimes when we have relatives who we don't talk to that much (like my dad's cousins or something like that) and they hear about it and they're like "what? And you let her make a fool out of her self like that?" And my mom and dad usually jump right into rambling on how the love the tails, what most of then are made out of, what their favorite tail makers are, the mermaid shows and movies they've watched because of me an so on. I sometimes feel bad for the poor souls for setting themselves up for that because my parents and rest of the family look for any chance to talk about my mermaiding haha.

My boyfriend is really supportive too. He already knew I was a mermaid before he asked me out so he knew what weirdness he was getting himself into haha. Which was unexpected because he's one of those typical high school boys. Super macho, welding, sports, the works. But he loves pointing out that I mermaid to people too :P. I remember the first time he saw my tail ( he came over before school once and it was on the floor where I was adding sequins) and he couldn't keep his hands off of it! Every time I came back from doing something he was either staring at it or playing with the fringe/fins and poking it.


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[wooedwithpearls]

I've gotten a lot of mix opinions. the funniest being when I told my mom and step-dad. My mom replied "Oh finally, you've been wanting to make a tail for so long!" then her husband jerked his head to look at her and said "are you crazy! she could drown!" my mom was quick to reply " oh my god billy she will be fine shes a great swimmer." and they when back and forth for a while, my mom loves the idea and her husband genuinely worried about me not being able to swim. My real dad doesnt know and I have no interest in telling him. he would just say its the stupidest waste of time and money and proceed to tell me how embarrassing and what a waste of life i am, then have a heart attack when i tell him the price tag. my bf thinks its the coolest thing ever and wanted me to make him one until i reminded him he hates swimming. my sister just gave me that "why do you have to be so weird" look. my friends: a few think its cool, a few think it weird, most of them want to know what im gonna do with it when its done. one of my friends said " Renee your too shy for that!" after i asked her how thats possible she said "people are gonna be looking at you and talking to you and little kids are gonna be swarming you at the beach, what are you gonna do?" (hate to say it but shes got a point) another (quite annoyed) said " you too! i know like 4 people doing that already. why is eveyone making tails all of a sudden" a i said was i like to meet these friends of yours.

[Fun123joker]

so my parents dislike and judge alot of things. AND I MEAN ALOT OF THINGS they really dont like cosplay so i thought they would hate me in a tail. but it was totally diffrent! my dad told me on how he LOVED seeing me in my tail especially at the beach because seeing a mermaid is not somthing you see everyday and it makes a boring life different for once. you can come to the dinner table saying that something diffrent and amusing happened on your walk home. my mom likes it for picture purposes. the only rule is that im not allowed to use my tail in certain pools because sometimes we go to high classy places with high classy people and they dont want them to judge. once i get all the money i need im hoping on starting a latex tail

[Rivertee]

I'm seriously sad to see some of the unsupportive relations in here but happy that the mers are still holding fast to their dream. I haven't told my family except my Mom who lives across state. She laughed and took about three explanations to understand I wasn't managing a group or event, that I was actually participating in it. She went quiet and then laughed saying "You always said you were going to be a mermaid when you grow up."

[Little_Orca]

I'm curious how everyone's parents feel about your spending $50-$3,500 on a mermaid hobby or profession? Also your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, husband, friends, ect.

[snip!]

So tell me your stories please?

When I first wanted to get a tail, I was still over 325 pounds. I had found someone on youtube that had a tail that was close to my size, though I don't think she ever became part of the mer community; it appeared to be a one-time-event for her (unless I am wrong... BassetOfStarCommand (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxNcniclOJg)? Are you here?!) (*EDIT! I just saw she had some 2011 mermaid tail (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYcdlT3PwdU&list=UU0RynExl1wUooIcPXQ--MDQ) videos, so thankfully she kept going. She still looks beautiful!)



My mother gave me an inquisitive look. She at first discouraged me from doing it, until I had lost weight. I understand why she had done that: She didn't want her obese and self-confidence-lacking daughter getting more harassment than she was already getting in her daily life from strangers and students at college. My mother has always supported me in anything I do, but she does suggest I think things through and weigh both the good and the bad to minimize having too many regrets later. When I ordered my monofin, she was still concerned for me but she allowed me to continue on my path and was there to support me. In the beginning (say around 2008-2010), I am certain she watched me flounder with concern. She assisted me in sewing my tails then, since I was new to sewing and she did not want me to sew the needle through my finger as she had done when I was a little kid (sorry mom... I got push-the-pedal happy.) I designed and painted, she stiched. Later, I was using the machine myself and have sewn the last three tails I have made on my own. Further, when she talks about my mermaid tails now she describes them (mostly to distant cousins at reunions or people at work) as beautiful works that look amazing in the water. She also finds it amusing how often children freak out (in a good way) at the sight of me.
My stepfather is all on board with any costume I create: Mermaid, unicorn, cosplay character. He himself is a charity clown. He has several clown personas that he uses depending on different events he is asked to go do. He used to do birthday parties when he was younger, but now it's all charity. He has safari clown, elf for the holidays, a baseball player for the summer months, his main hobo clown (in a fancy suit with many colorful patches), and he at once had a scientist clown for a parade (a short-lived skit where he had giant gorilla arms thanks to an experiment gone wrong.) At one point he and my little sister were clowns together, but there is surprisingly a lot of drama among clown performers and she couldn't hand it. I am sure, though, once he sees my nice tail from merbella in the future, he may want to make a fishing / sailor clown.
My sister just rolls her eyes. Well, at first she did. She and I have always had a love-hate relationship (something about her being a Gemini I'm sure.) In recent years, she has actually taken a liking to it; not in the sense that she wants a tail but in the sense that it makes her feel awesome to have a mermaid for a sister. She told me that at her old college (U of O in Eugene, Oregon), she caught a classmate watching one of my videos on their laptop in class. They were commenting how neat my tail was and she stated that she was my sister and talked to them about the work I put into my tails. She also told me they were amazed and thought it was the neatest thing they had seen.
My fiance thought I was amazing. He even tried on my black mermaid tail the first time he saw me in it. It was big on him, but he loved the tail so much he asked me to take a blue one for him (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KdX_KFybK4&list=PL0EE5628C4685D997) later, which I did. He did not stay in the tail long term though. He said he enjoyed swimming in it, but didn't like the attention he got. He preferred to be my mertender / pirate man. He stated he would like to get a silicone tail sometime later (though not for our wedding), when we have our own pool or something that he can swim in and not feel judged harshly by critics around us.
My aunt is always torn with what I do. There is a lot about me she disapproves of (my hair length being one thing), but I think she does her best to be supportive. She very much has an "Well, I don't understand it, and I think it's <insert negative thoughts here>, but whatever you want" kind of attitude about some things. She is generally polite and keeps her thoughts to herself... generally.
The rest of my family either has no idea or was told once and has since forgotten. They have never really said much to me about it, though the rest of the family I hardly see since we are scattered over the west coast and the midwest.
My friends / some of my coworkers generally have the same attitude as my family. Some think it's awesome, others just shrug and are like "whatever you want to do." My coworkers at first joked about admitting me to the facility (locked crisis facility for persons with mental illness), but they were just joking and I knew that from the start. Those who know at work are supportive and keep such information from others that they know would attempt to use it against me ( *sigh* ) or use it as a means to degrade my clinical judgment in front of our clients.
My cat thinks I am weird either way, so she is cool with it.

[AniaR]

Not sure if you're trolling or serious based on your other posts

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[PearlieMae]

I was thinking the same thing.

[Naufra]

Looks like the possible troll deleted their post. :\

[Mermaid Jessica Pearl]

It makes me sad that so many people have had problems with this. But it makes me happy that we have this medium to support each other with. I've always been a quirky artist type going off and doing unusual projects and the like. So my decision to bring Mermaiding into my life didn't raise a single eyebrow amongst my loved ones.

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

[mermaidmanuela]

I've just read almost all of your posts, I really love this community. Regarding my merstory, the first person who I told about my mergoal was my boyfriend, because we were living together when I ordered my monofin. He's always been very supporting, and helped me shooting pics, recording videos and giving me advices about which tail to order. My parents were neutral first: the are used to my "crazy" ideas :) Now, after I completed my website and my first time as an enterteiner mermaid at a children party, they are somehow fascinated, above all my mummy who loves to watch my videos and always asks me "How (the hell LOL) can you smile, send kisses and stay so long time underwater??" My friends tell me it's a really cool idea, so I'm a really happy mermaid! :D

[Naufra]

That's great, Manuela! It's always good to have support from your loved ones. ^_^

[mermaidmanuela]

Yeah :-) thanks!

[Aquarianne]

I told my dad and mom a while ago, "Guys, I'm branching out and I'm going to do mermaid parties now with my company, in addition to princessing. I will make a tail and swim on a monofin and deal with my back pain and go from there."

I guess because my parents have had a lifetime of me declaring I would do weird things...even though they voiced objections to everything, they still supported me (because they knew I would do it anyway) and eventually those things actually paid off. So now when i tell them I'm going to do something, their response is usually, 'Well I don't know much about that, but I guess good luck with it. Just try not to go broke."

But still, I was kinda wary about the mermaid thing, because it's maybe the most far out thing...even though it's related to working at my princess company anyway!

So imagine my surprise when I asked around for friends who had pools (so I can take pics of my new tail in a few weeks and test-drive it, so to speak) and when I asked my folks, my dad volunteered my aunt's really lovely landscaped pool up north and offered to drive up with me and help take pics! :D My parents really are the best of all possible parents ever. :) They're always proud of me, as long as my projects don't end up bankrupting me.

My friends...well, they're never surprised by anything I do, at all. It's hard for me to shock them anymore XD

My cats remain indifferent, as long as their food bowl is full.

[Mermaid Nessie]

My boyfriend is 1000000 percent supportive, and has even been my Merwrangler for some gigs. He's always so interested and listens to me talk about all my mermaid stuff for hours with no complaints. His grandmother was stunned when he told her what I do and began to go on about absolutely adorable I am for being a mermaid. My parents don't 100% take it seriously, however they never put me down about it.

[Mermaid Seraphina]

My mom is pretty cool about and helps me with everything, but my dad is more stand-offish... And thinks I'm crazy (which isn't new). My friends think it's pretty awesome. My Dad's side is pretty fine with it. My youngest cousin and I have splash wars, him with his floaties and me with my tail. My girl cousin wants to be a mermaid and my Grandma is totally fine and supportive, but maybe that's just because I use her pool all the time... Anyway my Mom's side doesn't really know... except my other Grandma, but she doesn't really care too much. I don't have a boyfriend, but I hope he would be supportive :)

[Mermaid Sirenia]

My parents are now my biggest fans, since they realize what I'm actually doing. My dad has even talked about getting himself a tail and looking like Poseidon (he's a huge buff guy, used to be a personal trainer/body builder) and I cannot tell if he is joking or not xD


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[Maethor]

My parents are now my biggest fans, since they realize what I'm actually doing. My dad has even talked about getting himself a tail and looking like Poseidon (he's a huge buff guy, used to be a personal trainer/body builder) and I cannot tell if he is joking or not xD


~Mermaid Sirenia~
That would be hilarious!! That for sure needs to happen!

[Aquarianne]

My parents are now my biggest fans, since they realize what I'm actually doing. My dad has even talked about getting himself a tail and looking like Poseidon (he's a huge buff guy, used to be a personal trainer/body builder) and I cannot tell if he is joking or not xD


~Mermaid Sirenia~


That's so fab! LOL I'm imagining my dad with a tail and it's ridiculous. He's a retired army guy, I don't think anything in the world could compel him to wear a mertail XD But he's happy to be photographer!

[PearlieMae]

Retired army? Just question his courage, he'll be in a tail in minutes! Talk about hook, line, and sinker!

[Aquarianne]

Nah, he's retired and in his sixties, he's too confident to fall for that nonsense. There's no tricking him into doing things he just doesn't want to do. XD it's just not his bag.

Which is cool for me, because I take after my dad and peer pressure doesn't work on me either. XD We're both rock-solid stubborn...there's just no making us do stuff we don't want to do! XD (Unless it's chores or work, cuz those things HAVE to be done.)

[Mermaid Wesley]

After thinking about it, I think everyone in my life likes the idea because I am always so excited and enthusiastic about it. Whenever someone made a snide comment I would say "wow jealous?" Or "you can't tell me that you wouldn't be a mermaid if you had the option" and I was silly about it and didn't get offended, eventually they all warmed up to it and a few of them want to try out my tail even!

[GreenAsSin]

The people in my family that I've mentioned it to seem to be largely treating it like a joke or like a fad that I'm not really serious about. All my mom really says is "it's your money" in a sort of 'it's yours to waste if you want to' sort of tone, though she denies that she's saying it in such a way. She doesn't really seem opposed to mermaiding, but she doesn't seem like she thinks it's really going to go anywhere, either. My sister thinks it's completely ridiculous and isn't shy about laughing about the idea or telling me I'm crazy.

I haven't outright told anyone else, but I'm not bothered about mentioning mermaiding in conversation around some other family members with little reaction other than some side-eyeing and confused looks. I don't doubt people have seen Raina's book lying around the house with my tail pricing list in it, but no one's said anything about it.

Once I actually get a tail I expect some more intense reactions, either good or bad. It doesn't particularly bother me either way.

[Ashley]

My husband supports me but he just thinks I am crazy slightly. My mom laughs at me every time I talk to her about it, and she says that I am cute and remind her of when I was a baby. My dad doesn't know, and I don't think he will anytime soon.

[AniaR]

My dad just got a shirt that says my daughters a mermaid and he put my logo on his car

[SeaGlass Siren]

my friends keep linking me the mermaid school in the philippines. x'D

[Raayvhen]

That's awesome Raina!

My dad is all for it. I'm still dropping hints for him to maybe help me fund my neoprene or latex for my tail.

i haven't really told my mom yet.

[Ashley]

See I think if I told my dad he would make fun of me, especially his wife (not my favorite person in the world) she thinks she is one of those hard ass, tom boy types; that's all cool and my dad kinda follows her around like a lost puppy. So, I'm not sure what he would say. At least my mom is all for it and my hubby.

[Mermaid Adriel]

My dad just got a shirt that says my daughters a mermaid and he put my logo on his car

LOL, I really hope one day my father will be convinced, too xD

[EnidDarkWater]

Everyone in my house has been very supportive. I worked as a fairy for over a decade and when I decided to get a fluke instead of a new set of wings they were all excited. My parents are always encouraging new endeavors. The current one being in negotiations for a custom built tank. My ex boyfriend could have cared less but the current boyfriend is all about it but he's not willing to put on a tail. Mertender is his title and he's OK with that. I laugh because his goal is to have a great paying job so I can be a" stay at home mermaid"Lol which means I do gigs, photo shoots and all my crafty happiness when ever I want. :)

[SeaSister]

My dad straight-up laughed when I first told him about the idea, and he still makes fun of it now and then in a teasing manner. My mom also teases me about it a bit, although not as much; she thinks it's a cool idea, if bizarre. Actually, I think both of my parents are fine with it, they just like to tease and joke about it now and then. One of the common "criticisms" is (since I'm in university studying psychology at the moment): "Who's going to go to a psychologist who wears a mermaid tail in her spare time?" XD

It is true, I think there's a stigma around people who "play dress-up" as adults. Mermaiding has certainly become a bit of a fad (did anyone else see that video about the Filipino mermaid school that's been rotating on social media?), but overall I think most people are a bit stunned, or raise their eyebrows when they actually meet "one of those people". It's not just in mermaiding, it's with any sort of cosplay-like hobby. So, overall, my parents didn't react as badly to the mermaiding thing as I feared, and I'm fine with their teasing me about it, but I still really wonder what they'll think when I ACTUALLY go through with purchasing a tail. XD

[Arella]

People usually give me the your crazy attitude until they realize I make decent money doing it

[Rebekah.fish]

I haven't quite started mermaiding because I'm still workin on my tail, but my parents are both oddly supportive. My dad even helps me mod my mono and helps me practice swimming in it haha. He loves watching me. He says he knew his little Mermaid would be a real fish one day lol. My boyfriend, and any other of my guy friends think it's hot! Which I find very odd. Who knew! Lol there's no doubt a sirens song works lol. But ya my bf is very supportive and even chips in to help all he can :) definitely helps me to pursue this!

[Carolina Mermaid]

I need to meet these guy friends of yours! :p My mother was some what supportive at the beginning, she really supports me now, and my dad was all for it.

[Rebekah.fish]

That's cool!and ya maybe one day when ur on the way back to school u can make a stop in newberry and we can have coffee or something!

[Carolina Mermaid]

Im actually headed back to today. I wont be back down for two weeks...

[Slee]

My mom thinks I'm nuts, my dad might buy me some dragon skin for my birthday.... my spouse pretty much ordered me to buy a monofin when I presented it as a good abdominal workout that will aid in my general health and wellness routine, and my kids think it's awesome.

[Rebekah.fish]

I bet kids think it's awesome!

[Carolina Mermaid]

Rebekah, delete some of your messages. It won't let me PM you

[Rebekah.fish]

I deleted all of mine u gotta delete yours I think

[Carolina Mermaid]

All good

[Mermaid Melusinah]

My family doesnt get it. But they support me because they know it is some thing that makes me happy.

My fiance doesnt get it either. But he supports me, since its a good work out and keeps me healthy. but at the same time he wishes it wasnt such an expensive hobby. he fully supports my crafting and creations of mermaid accessories and some times even helps via opinion or idea on things. I think he is still very on the fence about it all. He has expressed that he wishes it a hobby i just keep to myself. Since us being very busy, with a daughter and just the fact that he knows there are a lot of perverted people out there. I can totally respect his wishes on all those things though. and truth be told, im just not a highly active mermaid doing parties and trying to go pro like most of you. I am content to my crafts that bring you all smiles and joy, and then keeping to myself with swimming.
My 3 1/2 year of course thinks that is just the greatest thing ever <3
Most of my friends dont get it, but think its pretty cool and support me
then there are the friends that think it is the coolest thing ever, support me, ask how they can do it too.
and there are the friends that are also mermaids, but i have yet to really actually meet or swim with any one in the community. Like I said, im BUSY i dont get tons of time for meetups, nor do I even have a budget for those sort of things. ALL my funds are tied up in bills. SO mermaiding is a slow thing for me. one day I might have a silicone tail, but my needs right now are fully met with my neoprene one ^_^

[Mermaid Viktoria]

My mom thinks it's cute because I've always been into mermaids since I was very young. My dad however...hahah, he's a very suit-and-tie kinda guy. I love him, but he loves to push my buttons. When I mentioned purchasing my silicone tail, he goes 'Oh that'll go perfect with your Ferrari and unicorn in your five car garage in your mansion in Japan'.
Little does he know I'm already getting the tail haha. He sees it as a waste of money, and while it was difficult to shell (haha punny) the money out on it, I know it was completely worth it.

My husband made fun of me the first time I told him when we started dating, I think he thought I was joking. It didn't take him long to realize I was serious. At first he even tried to discourage it, but he knows better by now haha. He just kind of shakes his head and smiles now. He spends money on his car parts, and I spend money on my mermaid things. I think he's just given up on thinking I'll 'get over' all the mermaid business!

[Mermaid Melusinah]

My mom thinks it's cute because I've always been into mermaids since I was very young. My dad however...hahah, he's a very suit-and-tie kinda guy. I love him, but he loves to push my buttons. When I mentioned purchasing my silicone tail, he goes 'Oh that'll go perfect with your Ferrari and unicorn in your five car garage in your mansion in Japan'.
Little does he know I'm already getting the tail haha. He sees it as a waste of money, and while it was difficult to shell (haha punny) the money out on it, I know it was completely worth it.

My husband made fun of me the first time I told him when we started dating, I think he thought I was joking. It didn't take him long to realize I was serious. At first he even tried to discourage it, but he knows better by now haha. He just kind of shakes his head and smiles now. He spends money on his car parts, and I spend money on my mermaid things. I think he's just given up on thinking I'll 'get over' all the mermaid business!

I am so right there with you as fair as our other halves go. mine is the same way really. he still thinks its a phase i think. i know he wishes i didnt have to spend so much time making my creations. but its what i love and i love seeing you other mermaids wearing them and smiling. it brings me great joy making others happy!

[Mermaid Viktoria]

Exactly! I'd even go as far as to think he's finally accepted it haha. I've made it clear to him that it's something apart of me, and it's not going anywhere. Every now and then I'll test it out and show him the color scheme I made for my tail and see what he thinks. If it was years ago, he wouldn't respond. This time though, he looked it over and actually said he thought it was a nice color hahaha.
Progress! ;)

It's great reading everyone else's stories about success and issues, and I love watching the unboxing videos because when I see everyone breathing hard from excitement and speechless, it makes me feel amazing -- because that's exactly how I'll act when mine comes in, and it's a great feeling that I'm not the only one who feels so strongly for this!

[Odette]

My family wasn't very aware at first( I used to always run around sewing or building something), but once I got into it, they were skeptical, but after they saw how my business was booming, they warmed up. My dad was fairly sick at the time. Once time,He was trying to help me make a float and pull me in the parade and we got part of it done, but he ended up not being able too. He supported it and was willing to help always. My mom is proud and I recently found out while driving with her to the airport that she is very proud of me and how I came around from depression and stuff. That meant a lot to me. =)
My boyfriend was ok with it at first, but really supports it even more now. He wants to be the best mermaid handler ever. lol
My sister was awesome she helped me make my first tail (she was an intern for a SPFX place) and they helped me with all sorts of advice. She even took photos of me. my other sister supports me too =)

[Mermaid Viktoria]

How wonderful for you to have such caring and accepting people around you Odette :) Cherish it! :swoon:

[Odette]

How wonderful for you to have such caring and accepting people around you Odette :) Cherish it! :swoon:
aww! Thank you. :hug:

[Fun123joker]

so only trusted friends know about my tail ( i have close friends who dont know. only trusted) and i remeber in 8th grade i was telling my friend about it and she got really excited and started telling me what she does and that was they day i came out as a mermaid and she came out as a furry

[Aquos Savar]

I have loved mermaid as long as i can remember, but for me, it's been really hard to approach my parents and say: "I like mermaiding. I would like a tail". Im scared of what their reaction could be and how they would take that. I only tell close friends, and they are ok with it. Can somebody help me? I would be really thankful

[Mermaid Viktoria]

I have loved mermaid as long as i can remember, but for me, it's been really hard to approach my parents and say: "I like mermaiding. I would like a tail". Im scared of what their reaction could be and how they would take that. I only tell close friends, and they are ok with it. Can somebody help me? I would be really thankful

Hi John! How old are you -- I only ask because sometimes the reaction from parents can depend on the age, whether or not they think it's a 'phase' or what not.

Age aside, if you've loved mermaids for ages, perhaps your parents already know about your love for them? It might help the process.
You can ease it in by saying how you want to promote ocean conservation awareness and the like, and how you think your love of mermaids can contribute to that. If you feel comfortable with letting them know more information, you can just say that you'd like to get a tail and give mermaiding a try to help promote healthy oceans by exposing other people to the concept.

Unfortunately, you're always going to get weird reactions from people who don't understand in general, or those who choose not to understand.
But keep your head up! :) Being scared will only hold you back from the things you love and want to do.

[Aquos Savar]

Hey. Im only 15, and i have actually told my mom when i was like 7 that i would like a tail, but she thought it was just a phase. Now that you know the age, what can you tell me about?

[SeaGlass Siren]

it's strange. at first they oppose it but as soon as you become super successful and youre in the public eye they're all behind your back. "this is my baby! this is my mermaid!"

jesus. so twofaced.

[Mermaid Viktoria]

Hey. Im only 15, and i have actually told my mom when i was like 7 that i would like a tail, but she thought it was just a phase. Now that you know the age, what can you tell me about?

They may still consider it just a passing thought from you at 15, but then again, I don't know your parents or how they would act haha, I'm just kinda of piecing from what my parents have mentioned to me before.

I'd still throw out to them every now and then that you STILL are entranced with mermaids and mermaiding, and if you mentioned it enough, periodically, they'll most likely see that you actually are serious about this and it isn't just a phase.

And if you start saving up money for a tail (or if you already are) that'll show them that this is something you really want.
I'm sure they'll be warm to the idea. :) Good luck!

[Mermaid Corabelle]

So I am new to mermaiding, but I am so sure that this is what I was meant to do. I told my mother about my plans to make mermaiding a business in an email the other day. She has yet to respond. I'm afraid she won't support me. I have a feeling that no one in my family will understand. My fiance's mother disapproves. She has never liked me from the start, so I'm not really sure if I care too much about her opinion. I guess I don't expect everyone to understand my passion. I only hope I don't face that kind of rejection from my city. I have planned events coming up where I will be appearing.. and I won't lie I'm nervous about what people will think. Even if people laugh, point their fingers or scoff I am not going to give up on my goals for mermaiding as a profession. I used to be a birthday party performer (I dressed up as Disney's Cinderella) when I worked for a local children's dance company and people seemed to love it and my family thought it was great. I don't see why dressing up as a mermaid is any different... or why it would garner judgment from others.

[Vixy]

New boyfriend.... I do hope this is the last one and the one but anyway!

He was weird about it, but then he's seen me as a pirate and twi'lek. Mermaid is just another costume for me, now he's behind my back and I talk to him about tails and show him pictures of Finfolk and other companies discussing about getting a tail one day. Or making it.

[MermaidIndie]

My parents think it's great and everyone all of my siblings and friends think it's really cool, but today my grandma took my by my shoulders and said

"You are not a mermaid, they didn't tell you you can't be a mermaid." Then she looked at me like she was pitying me and hugged me like what?


The crash of waves and salty air are the signs of freedom

[MermaidBrittany]

My parent have always been supportive. My freinds just kinda smile and roll their eyes. By my boyfriend...omg.
Just to be clear, my boyfriend is a redneck, gun loving, borderline conservative whom I didnt think would understand, but with a great love for me!
He was staring at me one day, and played with my hair and said "You are one beautiful mermaid, my beautiful mermaid."

One of the best moments ever!!:blush:
^.^

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Well, I got my master's degree in Irish mythology, and my master's project focused heavily on mermaids. Before I switched to studying writing and theater, I'd been studying marine science since birth. I went to all the ocean camps, got SCUBA certified, tried to grow gills as a child. I've always called myself a mermaid, and have always been called one by others, so if I told my mom and sister I was getting a tail, they wouldn't be surprised. That being said, although they are used to my weirdness, I know it makes at least my mom uncomfortable and embarrassed. So, I wouldn't share it with her unless it was in the context of, "here I am in mermaid costume acting in this video." Because I'm an actress, it would be sort of ok, but if I were to go to a beach with my mother and bring a tail, she would be embarrassed. My sister might roll her eyes, but she doesn't care. She'd be fine.

My husband is awesome and just wants me to be happy. If I wanted to pursue mermaiding as my career, he'd be totally supportive. Instead, I want to incorporate it into my creative pursuits and not go for being a professional mermaid. I think his biggest concern would be creeps and merverts, and those are my concern too, and a huge reason why I'd rather act as a mermaid in short films and music videos and more controlled situations than perform at parties and such. Although, performing at a Renaissance Festival would be awesome!

If anyone else were to find out and have a problem with it, who cares? I have an MA in mermaid, so it's totally legit. :D Seriously, with my background, I could walk around with faerie wings all day and feel completely professional, backed up by my education and acting experience, so who's going to say anything to me about it? I do try to be respectful of the comfort levels of those around me, and not freak out people without good context, though. I think I come across as an artist of professional quality, so I get away with a lot of things others might not attempt, and I'm not thought less of for it. I think the key to this is to always remain professional.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Frequently these days when my friends see something online that's is mermaid related, they immediately think of me, and then share what they saw.
I am frequently thought of :P

[MermaidBrittany]

Frequently these days when my friends see something online that's is mermaid related, they immediately think of me, and then share what they saw.
I am frequently thought of :P
Same here! haha

[Sherielle]

I'm a performer, so it really isn't that strange that I have a mermaid tail. All my friends on facebook know I have one cause I keep posting pictures. lol. My mom doesn't mind it and my sisters and nieces think it's really cool. I guess it helps that I'm also a performer and people just assume that it's why I have one. I only tell a few people that I really do love swimming in it, not just performing.

[Sammyantha171]

Heh, my parents are still getting over my coming out as trans. I'm still not sure whether being a mermaid will be easier for them to deal with. :)
I've actually been super shy about it so far though, I've only told one other person.

[teeth4u]

My boyfriend has been so supportive and accepts every part of me. I've told some of my friends about it but I usually down play in order to not bring too much attention to it. My mother hates it. It's really sad and I believe I've posted about before. She does not accept it and I don't know if she ever will. I don't tell her about any of my mermaid adventures. When she asks I just say nothing is new because I know if I tell her everything I'm doing she will get mad. It has caused so many problems between us in the past and will continue to do so if I tell her about it. She is very conservative and does not approve of any sort of cosplay for anyone over the age of 12.

[Skytroque]

I figure being new here it don't hurt to chime in either.
The merfolk stuff, as with most cosplay, my family really doesn't get. Whether the SCA, my go-to Doctor McNinja cosplay, or Sith, they're mostly apathetic towards it...at least since I keep it relatively inexpensive thus far...dropping over 1000 on a nicer tail might draw unwanted attention though. I've come to deal with it as I'm more the black sheep of the family. As far as the (I guess for me) merman stuff goes, most of my friends are pretty on board with it. My best friend who I've known for...14 years now answered me with "You suck. I'm jealous." when I told her I'm trying to get into it. I conscripted one friend into coming along at DragonCon for the Mer lessons there, and she loved it, looking into getting a fabric tail now. I like swimming, albeit not terribly good at it depending on your angle...I never did get the breathing down right for the breast stroke, but I'm fine with Butterfly...doesn't make sense to me either. As for girlfriend? Well, file under "not applicable" lol. In the future, as long as she wouldn't be militantly against it, it's good, I think.

[jvry8c]

Only a few people really know about my interest and passion for merfolk. I try to down play it and am somewhat nervous about letting most people know. Mermen are somewhat on the fringe I think. My family is rather judgmental so I have kept it mostly hidden from them. They tend to think of me cosplaying as a waste of time and money rather than a hobby.

[Mermaid Sirenia]

My friends are my biggest fans, they've supported me from the very beginning and attempt to come to all of my events. I'm so lucky to have friends like them

[Mermaid Sirenia]

Also one of my friends now introduces me like "this is my friend the real live mermaid"

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Also one of my friends now introduces me like "this is my friend the real live mermaid"

Awesome! That feels good. My husband told someone over the weekend that I was a real mermaid. :) I don't even have a tail. :D This, and "You look like an elf from Lord of the Rings" have to be two of the best compliments I've ever received.

[PhaylennMurúch]

my husband has always known about my affinity to water, one of the first real conversations we ever had was late one night at HSU, I was playing in the art quad fountain and he scared the bejeezus out of me 'cause he walks quietlike and I was not paying attention.

The first day I had my tail, I was in it watching TV after the boys were in bed. He came home from work, looked at me, laughed and said "it was only a matter of time". He then suggested that we carve out weekly swim time for me so I could go more than once a month

[Nyx]

Also one of my friends now introduces me like "this is my friend the real live mermaid"
Same here!

I'm pretty straight forward with being a mermaid. I think it has something to do with the fact that if anyone gets me talking about mermaids or swimming I'll keep talking and talking until it comes out.
It has gotten to the point where my floor in my college hall knows me as 'the mermaid'. I've even had people tell me that they add on "the one that's a mermaid" after my name so others know who they are talking about (There are so many Sara's here. SO many).

My mother and my boyfriend are probably the most supporting ones. Mom is pretty much my 'manager', so to speak, she finds any way possible to advertise me to her friends and co-workers (even though I'm not doing gigs yet). Sometimes I think I'd sink without her there! (pun intended ;))
My boyfriend loves it and is super curious about it! So much so that he's coming with me to NC Merfest next year :yay:.

[Merman Chatfish]

Only my cousin and 2 friends know about my interest in merfolk stuff, none of my parents do...it was bad enough just telling my mom I am a nudist. No girlfriend right now but I hope to eventually find someone I can swim with.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

My family still thinks its weird and not something a 40 year person does, they've finally accepted it as my form of exercise. They can see that I'm stronger in terms of health and body. Though they think its just a phase. My Mum thinks I should do kids parties, she always says I get on so well with my niece and nephew, but bleh! I had to tell her that's because they're related, I have no choice!

The rest of the relatives think I've gone bananas. Idc what they think, I'm doing it for my enjoyment, its got nothing to do with entertaining, or going with somebody else's ideals on what middle aged people should be doing, or not doing.

[MermaidRuby]

My boyfriend has called me "His Goddess" from the beginning of our relationship, so me being a mermaid wasn't that big of a stretch for him. The only problem was that he's terrified of water and can't swim worth for crap. He sinks like a stone! But, I love him anyway. (July Update:So much so, that I accepted his propsal of marriage on July 4th!)

My Dad is ok with it, because he knows thats just me. I've always been an odd duck. I plan to drop about a good $600 to $700 on a neoprene tail from Mermaid Morticia and my mom blew up about it, calling such an expense "incredabily stupid" and I shouldn't invest in something like that until my birthday party business has more bookings than just the one booking I have right now. Mom just doesn't really get it. She is supportive of me in pursuing my dream, even helped me figure out all the technical issues in being a mermaid entertainer. But, it always comes back to the cost of the hobby. My brother is indifferent to it, but he thinks the same way as my mom: I souldn't blow so much money on a tail. My friends, who only number at about 6 of them, are all super supportive. they know that when Im passionate about something, its because it makes me feel normal and gives me joy. So, even though I know she'll never see this, thank you Gracie for supporting me. You've been my best friend since the 5th grade and were one of the first people who treated me simply as a complete person and not some persone with Asperger's Syndrome. Thank you for letting be myself.:D:cry::)

[MermaidSaph]

My parents are nowhere near supportive...Whenever I even mention mermaids (or My Little Pony, Doctor Who, Sherlock, all that good stuff) my mom gives me this look, and (every time!) says, "You are overly obsessed with this! You know you're going to grow out of it, right?" She won't let me bring it up after that. Oh well. One good thing, though! My parents said they'll let me get my monofin soon! (I think I just bugged them too much...:D) Hopefully when I make friends here, they'll at least let me talk about it. Fins crossed!

[Princess Kae-Leah]

My mom has always been very supportive, even taking my mer-pictures and attending a mer-meetup with me. My dad however isn't as into it, I think it's his generation, he's just not familiar with the cosplay community and all that stuff.

[MerMaisy]

My mom is supportive. My sister thinks Mermaiding is the coolest thing ever. She's like my little publicist lol. My bf is becoming a merman. It's adorable. So far I haven't come across anyone who thinks its that weird other than a friend who I'm not friends with anymore for other reasons. I'm hoping to keep my mermaiding experiences positive like they have been so far:)

[stellar lee]

I recently showed my mom a Merfin. We had been going through photos of coral that she took from a glass-bottom boat off of the barrier reef. I was telling her the different species, and finally asked how I knew it all. I finally said "mom, you know I'm a mermaid." Her response completely stunned me. She said "honey, I'm so glad you're rediscovering your roots."

My boyfriend, on the other hand... he doesn't get it at all. I love him dearly, and it won't be a deal breaker, but... How much I spend is my busines, but as he says, it is as alien to him as a big, plush, furry suit.

[OceanWhisper]

I recently showed my mom a Merfin. We had been going through photos of coral that she took from a glass-bottom boat off of the barrier reef. I was telling her the different species, and finally asked how I knew it all. I finally said "mom, you know I'm a mermaid." Her response completely stunned me. She said "honey, I'm so glad you're rediscovering your roots."

My boyfriend, on the other hand... he doesn't get it at all. I love him dearly, and it won't be a deal breaker, but... How much I spend is my busines, but as he says, it is as alien to him as a big, plush, furry suit. omg what your mum said is gorgeous! I'm sure your boyfriend will adjust to the idea also, he may just need a little time ^.^

[mermaidnereida]

I recently went out with someone and told him straight out on the first date that I'm a mermaid. He was delighted and thought he was very lucky to meet one. After a month of hanging out, I had to leave the country. I told him I was glad to meet him. He said- I am so happy to have met you too. It's not everyday that one gets to meet a beautiful mermaid.- My heart melted, of course. Haha!

[Dannia]

Most of my friends think that my mermaiding is neat and enjoy learning things I tell them, but my partner thinks I'm weird and it's just another one of my little obsessions I'm going through and will grow out of it in time. I doubt that will happen. He does think saving up and spending thousands on a silicone tail is crazy. That's why I shall use fabric tails for awhile. When he sees it is something I really enjoy doing and going to stick with it, a silicone tail won't be such a big deal. :)

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Maxi (http://gadwall.ru)

[xaccer2]

�ндр (http://gaffertape.ru)

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ю�ти (http://gageboard.ru)

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MPEG (http://gagrule.ru)

[xaccer2]

Paul (http://gallduct.ru)

[xaccer2]

Cant (http://galvanometric.ru)

[xaccer2]

6329 (http://gangforeman.ru)

[xaccer2]

Duns (http://gangwayplatform.ru)

[xaccer2]

Fisk (http://garbagechute.ru)

[xaccer2]

Greg (http://gardeningleave.ru)

[xaccer2]

7842 (http://gascautery.ru)

[xaccer2]

Deko (http://gashbucket.ru)

[xaccer2]

Pata (http://gasreturn.ru)

[xaccer2]

(И�п (http://gatedsweep.ru)

[xaccer2]

Соде (http://gaugemodel.ru)

[xaccer2]

горо (http://gaussianfilter.ru)

[xaccer2]

Март (http://gearpitchdiameter.ru)

[xaccer2]

Санд (http://geartreating.ru)

[xaccer2]

Иллю (http://generalizedanalysis.ru)

[xaccer2]

Iron (http://generalprovisions.ru)

[xaccer2]

Barb (http://geophysicalprobe.ru)

[xaccer2]

Laca (http://geriatricnurse.ru)

[xaccer2]

Pete (http://getintoaflap.ru)

[xaccer2]

�ерт (http://getthebounce.ru)

[xaccer2]

Wong (http://habeascorpus.ru)