Wednesday, June 29, 2011

My First Step out of the Door

Dudes,

How is everyone doing tonight? I am doing pretty well actually. I decided to tell my cousin first before I told anyone else, because she is one of my best friends. She took the news very well and has been extremely supportive ever since I told her last night. I told her in a text, and she immediately was fine with it. She said it definitely surprised her though, and she had no clue whatsoever, and she thinks everyone is going to be extremely shocked. I am so happy she was so cool about it though, and it hasn't changed anything between us, except now she makes funny jokes like "I saw him first!" and stuff like that. After I told her she came over and we watched a movie with my family so nothing was said for a couple hours, but then everyone went to bed, and her and I just talked for 2-3 hours about everything. It was so nice to be able to talk about everything I have been feeling, and I could be totally honest. She also said that she always wanted a gay best friend, and is so excited that she finally has one now. I informed her that even though I'm gay, doesn't mean we're going to sit around and paint each other's toe nails, haha.

Welp one person knows, and she wants me to tell my parents tonight, but I'm still kind of nervous to tell them, not because I think they'll react badly, but more just because it is so awkward to bring up. I think they'll be fine with it, I just don't know how to bring it up. I'm like their pride and joy, and I know it is going to be disappointing for them to hear. Alright, I just thought I'd give you guys an update real quick.

Also, thank you to anyone who e-mailed me or commented on my last post. The amount of support you guys have shown me is incredible, and I appreciate it so much. You are all awesome, and I can't thank you enough. You have definitely all helped get me through some tough times.

14 comments:

  1. Good for you man. Best of luck to you.

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  2. Very happy to hear about you and your cousin. She sounds fantastic.

    As for your parents, obviously I don't know them, but I have found that most of the disappointment that comes across is due to a parent's dream of their children getting married and having kids. (The dream of a nuclear family...husband, wife, 2.3 kids, and a pet.) Remember that parents are human like the rest of us. They are also emotional beings just like the rest of us. If their initial reactions are not what you would have hoped for, give them a little bit of time and space to process everything. I promise you that there will be countless questions running through their minds. Be there to answer their questions when they are ready.

    You are doing great. I was ecstatic to hear the change in tone of your postings. There is hope in your voice, and that is fantastic to hear.

    Best of luck, my friend.

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  3. That's great! In years from now you will probably look back on this all and be amazed how much unnecessary stress it caused you.

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  4. All American: Despite the recent advancements for gays, there still are a lot of stereotypes -- and of course the one that is toughest to break is that gays are femme, swishy, culture and fashion focused. You know from your own experience that this is not true but to the rest of the S8 world, without anything else to counter this view, that's how they see things. Until they meet someone like you -- being the all-american jock -- that breaks the stereotype. So you will surprise people -- but in a good way. The more people know someone personally gay, the greater acceptance will follow. After all, it's difficult to continue to demonize a group of "scary people" when they turn out to be your family and friends that you know and love.

    The other thing I want to try to reassure you is what you said about disappointing your parents. Your parents may have certain dreams for you, whether it be career or extending the family line with grandchildren. They want what's best for you and you can show them that you can be gay and still accomplish many things, including providing them with grand kids. Sure, it wouldn't be the usual route but don't dismiss it so quickly.

    Also don't underestimate the capacity of your parents' love to overcome the concerns you think they may have. It may take a while to adjust to the new norm, but you haven't changed, you're the same guy as before telling them. They could turn out to be your biggest champions if you let them.

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  5. Good job man, hell your baby steps, are bigger steps some of us have ever or will ever take, congrats bro

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  6. hooray for you! so happy that you've been able to tell your cousin and that you even were able to share a couple laughs, as well. btw, i really agree with what joey said. and you know your folks love you - they'll still love you but the adjustment period may just be tough for them.

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  7. I'm happy to hear that it went well for you! It just goes to show that you do have the confidence to be yourself. Best of luck when you feel like telling your parents!

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  8. Awesome stuff man; so proud of you. As you can see with your cousin, it actually is not so bad at all and you will be able to live with yourself... keep the ball rolling. x

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  9. dude, this is great news! keep us posted.

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  10. Great man! Must have been a big relief to know at least one person in the world knows who you really are. From now on it will become much easier to make progress in the proces to live your life as you want to.
    I'm a 28 year old guy from Belgium (completely out with long-term bf but a bit confused of how the future might be, you know kids and stuff) and I'm new to your blog (found it trough socrkid's) but 've been reading around and it seems you're a really cool guy, and there are much interests we share; watersports, camping, cooking (seafood!). Nice blog!

    Grtz,
    Kevin

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  11. Congrats on coming out to your cousin! Small steps first!

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  12. Other than an awkward discussion with my mom a couple years ago about my confusion, my cousin was the first person I told too! Though it was more "I'm not sure what I am" than "I'm gay." Hopefully I'll be ready to give a more definitive revelation soon. Congrats, I know it must have been extremely hard to work up the courage to tell her.

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