[the_psychopathetic]

Today, I spilled some sensitive infromation about myself to two casual friends. I only meet these two friends in my classes but I just felt that they are the closest friends I have to talk about things such as my sexual preference for a partner and so on.

I admit that I was happy after talking about such things to them but I am threatened by this very unusual and risky behavior.

[kimmydawn]

Ohh, this is a tough one isn't it? We take that leap and FREAK! I so know what you're going through right now. I've been there many times. I then think, "What did you just do???"

Time has shown me that the payoff is well worth the risk. I've received alot of good support from taking those leaps, and even made friends. Sometime, just sometimes, we get burned. However, I hope for you a good outcome.

If we never take the risk, we don't get the good that can come?

Please let me know!

KD

[the_psychopathetic]

Lately, I have been taking small risky subtle steps to express my sexuality. I realized that most of my friends still respect me after knowing who I am and this experience actually encourages me to express myself naturally. I've just gotten tired of my social inhibitions and I really want to be happy.

Of course, I know what my limitations are and I definitely respect people for their reactions. I may not convince everybody to respect me but expressing myself despite disapprovals has its own joys.

[seeker1950]

HI, and welcome to PC!
I totally identify with this, and, like Kimmy said, often ask myself after the fact, "Why did I say that?!!"
Sometimes this has a good outcome for me, building closer friendships, but I've also experienced the backlash! Examples: I just finished some grad art classes in which I was able to relate on a deeper level with like-minded people and got good feedback and felt welcomed. On the other hand, in my employment as a teacher, my coworkers think of me as a bit of an eccentric! and I have learned to abstain from relating personal experiences to them.
So, for me, the key is to find people who share interests, etc., and curb my tendency to share with anyone and everyone! I think some of this tendency stems from a need for validation and acceptance, but not everyone is receptive!
Patty

<font color="#000088">Like Seeker said,some people aren't as open-minded as others,and have a hard time accepting people for who they are,instead of focusing solely on what they are. I believe that if a person is happy with their relationships, it really doesn't matter to me what their sexual preference is. Because if you really care about somebody, you want them to be happy, and if they are happy with the same sex/opposite sex it really shouldn't matter either way,just the simple fact that they are happy. And I tend to care about society as a whole,so I don't judge anyone for their sexual preference,because I think that if their happy, then more power to them!
J</font>