5 Ways to Fangirl in Public (without Embarrassing Yourself)

We've all had THE moment: we're in public and something happens; we see something that jump-starts our internal fangirl and twists are insides into a pretzel party, whether it's somebody's ultra-cool t-shirt of our favorite fandom, or we're watching a movie trailed in theaters, or even someone looks like they could be cast as that rad super hero for the next Marvel installment.

But what do we do?

We aren't with fellow fangirls that will understand our open-mouths of awe or our flailing arms and high-pitched warbles. Instead we're surrounded by real people in a public setting. But we all know that it's awfully hard to contain the party and excitement.

I am here to give you five ways you can release the waterfall of fangirl feels while in public without embarrassing yourself or receiving snooty glances from the surrounding "real people."

1. Internally Scream

This may be in involuntary reaction to the majestic sight you've beheld. But keeping the fangirl chatter inside, screaming in your head, heart, and intestines, is your safest bet for not embarrassing yourself. Keep it to yourself and try not to jump out of your shoes.

Warning: This method may cause jumpy nerves and/or strange facial expressions to contort your lovely face. Use with caution. At least the entire public in your vicinity won't notice your excitement.

2. Bottle Up the Internal Scream for Later

While in the moment, you may not have a fellow friend by your side to share in the fangirling. However, that doesn't mean you can't fangirl about it later. Save your screaming, jumping up and down, and gibberish gushing for a friend. For one, they'll appreciate it a lot more than the public. And they'll join in on the fangirling with you.

Warning: This method may not work depending on your size of fangirl feels; some moments are just to big too keep inside for long.

3. Tweet/Facebook Post about It

When in doubt, whip out your phone or other electronic device and tweet or facebook update about your amazing encounter. While the immediate public won't notice you're fangirling, all the people you're associated with will. And what more rewarding feeling could that be? You can engage with fangirl friends across the country and feel excited they can share in the fun. In addition, you can add all the capslock, exclamation points, and emojis you want in order to articulate your frenzy of fangirl feels.

Warning: While this method can be effective for engaging with others, it may not wholly calm down the party zipping in your veins and you might miss something while mid-text (or get judgmental, eyes-over-sunglasses looks from others).

4. Play It Cool

Nothing says awesome than going  up to whatever initiated your fangirling and commenting. "I like your shirt" or "that's a nice face you have there" or "I love that book you're reading. I've read it fifteen times." Trying to play it cool and satisfy your fangirl urge to shout is definitely something to be praised for. It's like a whole new level of fangirl awesomesauceness. Injecting yourself into a conversation about your favorite fandom is also up there. Play it cool, and allow yourself an awesome moment to feel like a fangirl boss.

Warning: This method while effective can have terrible side affects like the "awkward cracked voice" or "flushed face." Make sure you've practiced enough to go through with this encounter.

5. Regret Nothing and Embarrass Yourself

When in doubt, you can just go for it. Jump up and down, squeal, even run like a gazelle over to what caused your fangirling and interact. Regret nothing and embarrass yourself. What's the worst that could happen?  A flushed face and a galloping heartbeat are the only beginning to having a fun, fangirl moment.

And that's the key: fangirls have fun. Don't let the public setting, embarrassment, or snotty looks keep your from having fun as a fangirl and interacting with your favorite fandoms. In fact, it's highly unlikely you'll ever seen most of the public people ever again.

Be bold. Be brave. Be "Initiative."