When people state you can't be "x" because you don't do/don't like an associated trait with "x".
You're a sharkin who doesn't like water? Can't be a shark.
You're a cheetahkin who hates running? Nope.
You're a birdkin scared of heights? Nada.
Like on one hand I do understand the skepticism and confusion, and there's nothing wrong with politely (key word is politely), asking "Oh its interesting you don't like water, if you don't mind how did you realize you're a lemonshark?" Because more often than not people are happy to tell you about their awakening, or even just politely go, "I would not like to share that with you." Which is also an acceptable answer!
Hiiiiii Mintakankin and I have horrid thalassaphobia!
(Mintakans are an alien species from a water planet and they look very similar to merfolk, often associated with the starseed community but I do not ascribe to the community and their weird ass ideology. I don't think I'm here on some ✨spiritual mission✨ to help ✨save humanity✨ and ✨raise Earth's vibrations.✨ No my planet was destroyed and now I'm here. Bleh.)