Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hivefleet Jr is 15 and has similar issues.

There's only one thing to do, really: front it out, but manage the information. It works for politicians.

So I'd say, "it's a geek thing, I paint figures that I use for strategy games."

And don't be embarrassed; it's demonstrably cooler than playing endless Call of Duty or watching endless porn, which are two more mainstream male teenage pursuits.

Most important: it's how you say it that matters. If you're embarrassed about it, don't mention it or it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. But better to be upfront and not worry about it.