It was never a phase

It was never a phase, actually this is what I am

It's not a phase (occasionally expanded into "It's not a phase mom, this is who I really am") is a sarcastic phrase that has been associated with various images that poke fun at individuals – often teens – that have made questionable lifestyle or fashion choices. Depicted in this meme are often goths, emos, otherkin and furries due to their edgy and cringeworthy nature.