15 Stages Of Attending Your First Convention

From the media blitz of Comic-Con to the excessive amounts of cat ears at Anime Expo, going to your first con can be an overwhelming experience.

1. Deciding on which Con to attend.

Being an equal opportunity nerd is hard with so many cons to choose from. Do you want to check out the games E3? Or do you want to meet Xena at Dragon Con?

2. Buying your tickets.

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Now that you've made your choice, you go to the website to get tickets. God, which package to buy?!

3. Making your outfit.

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You know where you must go.

4. Fighting off the anticipation the night before.

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You've made the final touches to your outfit. Your tickets are on the nightstand. You know you've got a busy day ahead of you, but you're just too excited!

5. The day arrives!

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It took you an hour to put on your outfit and even longer to find parking, but you've made it.

6. Being completely in awe.

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You have never seen so many wonderful things in your life.

7. Navigating the crowds.

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You fight through the crowds to get a spot in line, and you still have to wait 2 hours to see your favorite panelist.

8. Buying all the things!

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Did you really need that exact replica of Squall's gunblade to keep in your bedroom? Yes.

9. Realizing that pasties are the preferred clothing choice for women.

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You thought raves or Halloween parties were full of scantily clad women? Think again. Now, if only more guys cosplayed as Dr. Manhattan...

10. Finding your new best friends (for the weekend).

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At any convention, you'll come across people who share your favorite fandom. You'll bond with them all weekend before heading back to reality. Perhaps you'll use Facebook to stay in touch.

11. Letting go of your inhibitions.

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The beauty of being at a convention is that nothing is too weird or nerdy. Never feel ashamed of what you love.

12. Battle fatigue.

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So. Much. Walking.

13. Finding that one thing you were always looking for.

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Yep, it's there and in mint condition.

14. Explaining your new treasures to non-nerd friends and family.

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Don't even bother trying.

15. Doing it all over again.

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You've just had your first hit of nerd opium, and you're ready for another. Withdrawal symptoms are already kicking in. You're so bored with everyday life. Time to buy your tickets to the next convention.