Dear Katherine,

I have 2 questions for you.

1. There's a lot of drama in my mermaid community and I'm being vilanized, when in fact another person is the real problem. Do I come out and say it, or do tell them all to F off? Any advice?

2. I've been feeling really down and have zero self esteem lately. Do you have any advice on how to feel better about myself and my body image?

—Siren Moonstone

PS I used an alias

My dearest Siren Moonstone,

Let’s start with the mermaid drama, shall we?

Being misunderstood isn’t a curse—it’s a kind of power. Let them gossip, spiral, cast their little spells. You know the truth. And the real villains? Their masks always slip. You don’t need to rip it off for them. Just hold your ground and let the tide do what it always does—pull back, and reveal what’s been lurking underneath.

Say something if it brings you peace—not to prove your innocence. And if it all gets too loud? Swim away, head high. You’re not required to perform sainthood to stay afloat. Not every storm is yours to calm.

Now for the harder part—you.

You’re not imagining it. Some days, your confidence just vanishes. Your spark flickers. The mirror feels like an adversary. I’ve been there—immortal, powerful, and still thinking ugh when I catch my reflection. It happens.

But let’s get one thing straight: feeling off doesn’t mean you’re off. It means you’ve been absorbing too much—too many comparisons, too many opinions, too many expectations that were never meant for you in the first place. No wonder you’re tired.

So don’t jump to war with yourself. Get curious instead. Ask:
When did this start? What was I surrounded by? Whose voice is living rent-free in my head?

You don’t have to love your body right this second. That’s not the goal. But you can treat it with a little care anyway. Wear something soft. Move because it feels good—not because you “should.” Eat something decadent because it’s delicious.

And if nothing else, remember this: you don’t have to feel worthy to be worthy. You already are. Even when you’re low. Especially when you’re low.

Start there. And if anyone dares to doubt you—including you—tell them Katherine said to back off.

With all my wicked little heart,
Katherine 🖤