Step Brother, Friend, Waterpark Situation

[mfv2012]

So I have a potentially awkward "family" situation, I'm 16 and have always been an only child, i'm soon gonna have a stepbrother who just turned 14. I have never had a younger bro and he's never had an older bro but I'm getting used to the idea and think it will be cool to have a sibling.

The thing is we are really different though. I'm more quiet/shy and spend a lot of time on the computer, he has more friends and is more outgoing. He's really athletic and plays almost every sport either at his school or in a local league. He does ok in school, usually some A's and B's with maybe one C, while I have always gotten straight A's.

Well i wanted to do something with him since were going to be a family soon anyway and we only see each other like once a month right now (we don't live together), and he picked the local waterpark because I just turned 16 and you have to have someone at least 16 with you to get in without an adult. So he wants me to take him and his best friend which is fine, I don't care if he wants to bring his friend along. I told him yes, but there's a couple things I'm kinda worried about.

For one I almost drowned when I was younger (but not at the same waterpark), so I don't really like the water and I havent really ever gone swimming since. He wouldn't know about this though because we've only known each other for about the past two or so years. Also I'm really thin and pale and not athletic like him, I don't feel comfortable being in a swimsuit. I guess you could say I'm more "conservative" than most people my age, I always wear a shirt, I hardly ever wear shorts, and I never wear sandals.

I went on the parks website and they said that you can wear street clothes if ur just supervising someone but you can't have street shoes, so I thought i could maybe just wear a tshirt, some shorts, and then socks with sandals? But I don't want to look out of place or them to think I'm wierd or something.

Also if i went and just let them go in the water, I don't want my future stepbro to feel bad like he picked something that I wouldnt really want to do, I mean he would have his friend along any way, right so they can still have a good time together? So then I was thinking of maybe bringing my camera along, I'm a photographer for my school's newspaper and just like taking pictures as a hobby(they both know this), so I was thinking maybe if I just sit on the sidelines I could take pictures or even a video of them going down the slides or something so that they can remember it and that way I can still sort of be involved even if I'm not swimming with them. Do you think thats a good idea or do you think they would find it wierd?

[Chadman097]

I have gone to water parks and stuff and normally wear a swim shirt and what you want to do I see nothing wrong with...

[JasonFlagmaster]

There's nothing weird about not wanting to do something. They should, in-terms be grateful you're taking them.
Honestly, just wear whatever you feel comfortable in. There's no reason in doing something when you're not comfortable.

[Stronger]

Do what you feel comfortable, and as long as its not against the rules of the park, but wearing socks should be fine. But as for the not swimming at all, he might feel bad since he's not hanging out with you, I would too if I was him. The taking photos actually sounds like an interesting idea, as long as no one minds, I say go for it. Just enjoy yourself and have a fun time. :)

[Stryker125]

Nothing wrong with that man, it's cool that you get a little brother. (I've always kind of wanted one) As long as it doesn't go against the park rules, just wear whatever you're comfortable in. Though your bro might feel a bit bad and think you don't wanna be there, just let him know you're still having a good time even though you're not in the water.. taking pictures sounds cool too.

[Sudds3]

Im freakishly skinny and pretty tan....I just dont really care what people think! They will think things about everyone, but you will never know what that thought is...he is going to be your step brother, so he will se you naked probably. Get comfortable around him and his friends. As for the water thing, you need to conqer your fear and show water who's boss! Best of luck!


-Adam

[Desuetude]

Maybe try talking about it with your step brother. The thing is, if you want a good relationship with him then it's better to be honest and just tell him the real reasons. The fact that you nearly drowned therefore you're still scared of water is an absolutely fine reason to not want to go in. He is likely to be more understanding than you think.
You cant expect step siblings to be exactly the same in personality. It's okay to be different and have different hobbies, likes and dislikes. You'll be teacher each other things the way its supposed to be.
With the shoes you can get those waterproof ones you wear when out surfing. The not very good quality ones only cost £5 so they're really cheap and cover your whole foot as well as not looking stupid.

[JJSSHH]

Do what you want to do! I think if you tell your future step brother your dilemma, he would understand. Good Luck!

[DerBear]

Well wearing that is fine

The real issue here is your soon to be step brother wants to spend time with you. Not be baby sited by you. He wants to get to know you and not feel like your just watching him.

I dunno but you should be fine.

[Voleurz]

Tell him you don't want do the whole swimming thing. He'll understand.

[mfv2012]

Thanks for all the advise, guys. I won't back out of the waterpark cause I already told him yes and we haven't set a date yet so I still have time to decide exactly what to do but I probably won't tell him anything unless he asks.