Seriously, for some strange reason my parents have accepted 
my cel collecting habit a whole lot more since I went to the
cel party in Boston.  I don't know why, exactly--it's almost
like I became legitimized in their eyes.  Now they're actually
interested in what I get in the mail; if a package comes from
Japan they want me to open it so they can see what's inside ?_?!
My mother is rather fond of my Juunanagous, in fact.  (I think
she wants one ^-~, but then who wouldn't?)

Compare this blissful situation to pre-June.  Two anecdotes
will illustrate my point:
1.  Got a set of gengas from Taro for about $10.  Mom saw said
gengas and asked how much I paid.  To quote her: "$10 for 
drawings?  Man, they suckered you good!"
2.  Mother's Day this year: A package comes at 9 AM Sunday
morning.  My mother is displeased, to put it mildly.  She
thinks me very selfish because I ordered cels instead of
getting her a lavish Mother's Day gift.  (Damn EMS.)  She
declares that she hates cels.  In perpetuity.

So I'm not really sure how my parents changed, but they did.
Maybe going to a con or meeting up with other REAL collectors
in your area could help you out.  
Of course, our situations are more than likely different--I'm in college, used to being on my own, and have finally
 demonstrated some fiscal responsibility.  

Anyway, good luck, and keep Drac's advice in mind.  As a psych
major I can tell you she knows what she's talking about.
(Don't ever let them see you sweat!)

Alex