A Galentine event at the comic book store?! I wasn’t aware there was a new comic series coming out featuring Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman, titled Sirens: Love Hurts. Not only that, but the writer, Tini Howard, and comic book artist, Babs Tarr, were going to be there to sign their issue. They were encouraging cosplay as well. I have never attended such an event, so I was excited to check it out.

I was going back and forth all week on whether I would dress up or not. I’m shy, but knowing myself, I knew I was going to regret it and that FOMO would hit me once I was there. I kept annoying my friend Nemo all week asking if I should dress up, and I even asked if she wanted to join me. On the day of the event, I decided to just go for it and dress up as Harley Quinn, even though my inner thoughts were being so pessimistic and my anxiety was through the roof.

I got a little star-stuck when it was my turn to meet Tini and Babs. Apparently I forgot how to talk since what I had in mind to say went out the window. I had bought four variant covers but was only expecting to get one signed. When Tini saw that I had three more, she asked if I wanted the others signed too. I just nodded my head and managed to say thank you.

While I was browsing, a group of cosplayers—dressed as Catwoman, Robin, and Poison Ivy—approached me and asked if I could join them for photos. In all the years I’ve dressed up, I had never done a group photo, so I was excited but nervous. Plenty of pictures were taken, and I just hope I didn’t appear too awkward. It’s funny—I love dressing up, but I tend to get stiff the moment a camera comes out. The costume gives me confidence, but my insecurity can still get the best of me at times.

I felt very welcomed, and in the end, I met a couple of people and made new friends. I can’t recall the last time I had that much fun at an event. Sometimes, you just have to do the opposite of what your fear tells you. It might turn out much better than expected.