The most important part is to try to enjoy yourself. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/Darkarmyn/9062a3ee-d104-4053-9028-a96e1e13a0d4_zpsj1fofco3.jpg

What's done is done, so just start fresh. If she asks you should explain some stuff. Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it's called the present.

Very good point. ^^ Doing so indirectly though, is much better than being an idol onstage. You can interact with people on a more comfortable scale, though yes, it's still inevitable to avoid judgment. Overtime, people would start building up their ideal image of how 'you' should be, and if you were the blunt kind, welp-- your rep will suffer. Still, better other ways than the stage idol business. Just my thoughts. -thumbs up-

I wouldn't really consider using the word so openly. It connotes 'unhealthy obssession' as far as first impressions go. Most of the time, I'd just go with 'enthusiast' or 'fan'. I've seen many debates spark between those who understood it as 'anime fan' and those who understood it for its original meaning. N-ah. As far as describing oneself, might as well keep 'I am ota' in the closet.

@Kohagura - Sounds like all you can do for now is remind your friend they have value as a person and be supportive. Use healthy ego boosters by focusing on their merits instead of sounding patronizing by saying they can overcome anything in the world. They have to believe in themselves before they believe they can take on outside forces. Do not prod and poke but encourage them to be open with their feelings knowing they will not be judged. My step father was not physically abusive but he was 6'4" intimidating and loud and always negative worded everything. It is difficult for people but for children it is worse when you are told endlessly you are no good or will always fail. The mind will sometimes shift to believe it to save itself from the stress and subconsciously submit to it. This drives some mad as all people want to be who they were meant to be and be free. It can be deprogrammed if care is taken.

I've only done yaoi couples and solo males... if that counts. I don't think I could draw hentai of females, maybe gravure at most. I don't take requests, though.

I have a scratchpad (recycling old office documents) that I carry around in case my hands start to itch. I'd draw anything.. sceneries, new character concepts, different art styles- anything to get boredom out of my system. I get that drive out of my surroundings. I'd flip to the back of the scratchpad in case I had a brainstorm. I'd write bits of info and ideas from the last pages and type them down later.

They want an out-of-the-world guy just like how guys want an out-of-the-world girl. (Guys) Unless you are a bad ass in real life with an outstanding personality, these out-of-the-world guys are only found in anime. (Girls) Unless you sparkle like kawaii desu / whatever the fuck and can leave a huge impression on a guy, these out-of-the-world girls are only found in anime.