How much do other people know of your love for anime and manga?

Im curious cause some of my friends were surprised to know that I know characters to animes and mangas that they say arent considered mainstream. They said that I didnt look like the type to be interested which was funny because I used to hole myself up in my room during high school summers just to watch, read, and play these things. I realized that I never talked much abt this hobby irl because of forums and threads online. I dunno. I guess I just find the whole thing funny cause apparently I dont have the look/personality of someone who likes anime (whatever that is) when I've always considered myself an otaku.