I really need advice

You know, as someone who dresses up as my own characters at places outside of anime cons, odds are people will want to compliment you and take pictures more than stair at you and think you're weird. If you're bothered by attention in general, then I would recommend discussing your concerns with your friend. If its merely negative attention that bothers you, then try cosplaying characters who more people recognize in pop culture, than in niche anime circles. People tend to react more positively when they see "cool pokemon costumes", and nobody is going to question why you're dressed up as "Japanese cartoon characters." Edit: Oh gawd, I didn't even realize this was a necropost! >__<