Give them appropriate verbal and physical support. Be loving and let them cry on you if they want to.   First, make sure your friend is okay with physical contact! For example, you might say, “Is it okay if I give you a hug?” or “Is it all right if I hold you?”. Physical contact can be very comforting, but ask your friend if they are okay with hugging, cuddling, or any other type of touching before you do it. Contact can make people feel better, but if they don't want it, don't do it. Sometimes just sitting quietly, whether it is in prayer or meditation or not, can help calm people and provide some comfort. Doing something active and physical can help your friend release negative physical energy. This can help calm your friend down or distract them from the situation for a moment.   For example, take a brief walk, jog, go for a swim, or bike ride. Do yoga, tai chi, or some simple stretching. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is try to keep your friend from thinking about what is bothering them.   Offer, or just take them, to do something that they like. Go for ice cream or a movie. Get them involved in a project, for example, sorting clothes to donate or gardening. Find something humorous like a funny meme, video clip, etc. to try to lighten your friend’s mood a bit.
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One-sentence summary -- Don't be afraid to console them. Pray or meditate. Release some physical energy. Distract your friend.


Add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your nail brush. Work the toothpaste into the brush bristles for a more even application.  Choose a whitening toothpaste. It’s okay to add more toothpaste if you want. Just as you did when you cleaned your nails with the brush, scrub under your nails to apply the toothpaste. Make sure that a thin layer of toothpaste remains under your nail. The toothpaste needs time for the whitening action to work. After the three minutes, wash the toothpaste from your fingernails. Squeeze the juice from two lemons, or use a container of lemon juice. Do not add water to your lemon juice.  You will just need enough lemon juice to soak your fingertips. You can find pre-squeezed lemon juice in the grocery store. Leave your fingertips in the bowl to give the lemon juice time to whiten your nails. After the ten minutes, rinse your hands in clean water. Pour two tablespoons (30 milliliters) of baking soda into a bowl. Add enough warm water to make a thick paste. If you accidentally put in too much water, it’s ok to add some more baking soda to thicken the paste. Smooth the paste under your fingernails. Allow it to sit for five minutes before washing it off with warm water. Use soap and water to clean away any remaining residue from the whitening treatments. After you dry your hands, apply a moisturizing hand cream.
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One-sentence summary -- Put toothpaste onto your nail brush. Rub the toothpaste under your nails. Leave the toothpaste under your nails for three minutes. Add lemon juice to a bowl. Let your hands soak for ten minutes. Make a baking soda paste. Apply the baking soda paste. Wash your hands and apply lotion.


This includes applying the makeup, putting the wig on, putting in and taking out contact lenses, etc. If something doesn't fit or feel comfortable, take a moment to fix it. Make sure that your cosplay is comfortable and durable. If you are having troubles with contact lenses, leave them out. Don't leave costume contact lenses in your eyes for the entire convention; that is asking for a serious infection. You don't necessarily have to act like your character, although you can if you want to. It would be a good idea to have some poses in mind, however. People love to take pictures of other people's cosplays at conventions, so there is a high chance that someone might want to take a picture of yours! There is nothing wrong with getting into character if you see someone from the same anime or series. Be aware that not everyone will want to play along with you. If they don't play along, apologize and leave them alone; don't harass them or force them to play with you. Cosplay is supposed to be fun. Instead of comparing yourself to everyone else, feel proud of the work you did. Meet up with friends or make new ones. If you are shy, consider going to some panels, gathering, or other events. There is lots to do at conventions while in cosplay! If you do like competition, consider joining the cosplay contest or masquerade; most conventions will have one. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, speak up. Report them to security or con-ops. If someone is harassing you, and con-ops or security are not around, call for help. While these instances are not common at conventions, they still happen. Your safety is very important.  Stay smart. Don't go to empty or solitary places with people you don't know. Stick with a friend or a person you trust, especially if you are out at night.
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One-sentence summary --
Practice getting into cosplay before the big event. Get into character. Be respectful of other people's boundaries. Try not to take things too seriously. Remember that cosplay is not consent.