How do you explain this to someone else?

[Warden]

I've never really had to explain this to anyone IRL. No one has ever really asked. I would honestly advise as much as possible to limit who you tell.

But it also depends on how deep in you are. If you are someone who really loves a character but otherwise is going for a "normal" life, It can probably be easily brushed off by most. I mean, most people really enjoy an element or person in fiction. When most people hear that you "love' someone in fiction, they don't assume you mean it seriously.

But if you are fully committed to your love, to the point where you aren't even trying to have a relationship with anyone else, it can get tricky. Tulpamancy will not be easily understood by most people. It can easily be seen as schizophrenia, and you really don't want anyone telling you to see a doctor.

I have only ever told one therapist. Mainly to see how they would react, I didn't feel the need to tell anyone, and there is that confidentiality thing. She seemed rather surprised but said if I know that Twilight isint "real" (which, is debatable) and its not affecting my normal life then its fine. Most people wont even be that passive about it.

I would dodge it with most people. Unless you are absolutely sure they wont think you have mental illness over it. Its better for friends and family to be ignorant and not think you have issues. I wish I had more positive things to say and better advice, but I dont think the real world is ready quite yet.