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Took that first, hard step last night

Lawnmowerman

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Not sure where to start, and will TRY to not write a book about it, but after hiding for my entire life, I finally decided this week I had to take the first step to change my life, hopefully for the better.

I had hidden who I really was my entire life, always in fear of what people would think of me, and I let it control me to the point of limiting me both personally and professionally. I had reached the point in my life where I knew I would always be alone, and never have anyone, and I had become OK with that and was fine with it.

Then back in late 2005 I found Jub, more through a link looking for pictures. After looking around, I found the forums and starting browsing through them. I eventually came across the relationship forums and began reading about others' ups and downs, and realized that I didn't HAVE to be alone, that I WASN'T a complete freak, and that MAYBE I wasn't the ugly, hideous creature I always pictured myself as. I thought there may be hope for me, and that things could change. I lurked for years, and posted a few pics in the Undies thread, and eventually I think my subconcious took over and allowed a face pic or two. I think I was secretly hoping someone I was acquainted with would recognize me and save me the trouble of outing myself. However, 2 Jubbers pm'd me, and we began chatting, and through both of them, they helped me to realize I could change things and improve my life. I love both of them for that (*8*).

Unfortunately, my job and finance situation took a few turns for the worse, so that just added to my negative feelings, and trying to deal with being gay didn't help. My current job is giving me the potential to make a BIG change financially, and as luck would have it, the CEO of my admittedly small company is a lesbian. She's really cool, and she took a liking to me both professionally and personally. Her sister, however, took a DIFFERENT liking to me :eek:. We had a meeting this week, detailing how she wanted to make some changes in the way we do business, and it made me realize that in order to do so, I needed to change myself. I was going to tell the CEO first, and then probably her sister after, but with working late we all ended up ordering pizza at her house.

After dinner, we began talking, and I just started working towards it in the conversation, until I finally just let them know. They were fine with it, and in fact were very happy, not only that I told them, but that I told THEM. Of course, now they want to get me out to meet others of my "kind" :rolleyes:, but I'm not quite ready for that yet.

I still have my family and good friends to tell, and I just need to figure out how to do that.

Right now, I can't express how great I feel, and actually what a good mood I was in this morning. I haven't felt this happy about anything in a LONG time. I hope this opens doors to friendships, and maybe relationships down the road.

For whoever reads my book, and cares to reply, thanks.
 
You've probably sat through enough of my posts to know what's coming next, but...

...welcome to the other side. It kicks ass over here. :)

Lex
 
Jon, I owe you a LOT for all your words of wisdom and thoughts and opinions :kiss:.

Lex, I'm sure I'll learn it's pretty fucking cool on this side, it will just take a bit to get that far. Thanks for the welcome!
 
Congrats man! The first time is the hardest time to say "I'm gay".

You did it. Enjoy your freedom. You've done something that not very man guys can do. That's live free! Congrats! :D
 
Congrats on finally coming out, I know it was a hard last step to take. You are to be commended for it. I hope things work out for you in this company and you finances improve for the better. You are not an ugly or strange creature. From reading your posts over the past few months, you are obviously a smart man with alot to say. You should turn that mirror around and look at yourself in a postive way that's good for you. Good luck and I wish you much success in your *new* life.
 
This is such a great story. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us--both your feelings about it, and the outcome. I'm glad things turned out so well, and I'm especially glad that you feel so good about it. There's nothing quite like that feeling, is there? For the first time in your life, you wake up and say "hey, I can go to work and I have nothing to hide." In fact--you can now bring people into your life and connect with them in a way you never have.

I'm really happy for you. Congratulations! Keep in touch and let us know how it's all going. ..|
 
I've yet to meet the gay man who wasn't happier out than in.

Good Luck. The first time you speak is always the hardest.
 
I went through this as well. A few different twists and turns but the end result is pretty much the same. I finally told my family this fall. It's a huge relief to not have to hide and cover up any more. I have met some great friends here as well. They have helped me adjust to my new life and I love them for it.

It's so nice to be able to go out and actually talk about the cute boys that are there instead of keeping it to myself. It's so much fun to talk to someone that understands and thinks the same way.

I'm very happy for you. Enjoy your new life.

Steven.
 
My lesbian friend was the first one I was honest with, also...


I've been working on that too, now I am pretty much out to all my friends. But not my parents...

I don't know if I'll ever be, honestly


But congratulations to you! ..|
 
Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement; it was a life-long struggle, and this first step was great. I only hope it goes this well with my friends and family, and I'll update this post as things progress.

Hopefully I'll open up a bit more here as a result; it took me a long time to post anything, and to be honest I never felt my opinion or thoughts mattered, so my posts here were generally short, and without much substance. This held true on the photography and biking forums I am part of as well.

I really don't know who to approach next with this; I have a brother and sister, both married, and my parents. I only have about 6 real friends, and I'm unsure of who out of them to start with either. Eh well, another process to go through.

Who was easier to start with for you guys? (I'm sure the answers are so varied that it might not even help me.)
 
To be honest with you, with my friends I did not say anything...

Just did not hide it anymore, I was 100% myself... rather than hiding that part of me.


And they all know, the ones that don't, they asked me, and I said yes.


that was it.

after all, it's not like I am going to be having sex with any of them! ;)
 
Congratulations LMM!!! And thank you for posting your story. I can promise you that not only did it bring a smile to my face that there are guys who read it and just quietly said to themselves the same thing that you did those few years ago. Your courage and journey will be an inspiration to many mate.

As for whos next - it doesnt really matter... all that matters is that you keep moving forward. Pick the person you feel closest to and safest with... because you hit it on the head. Each of our situations is so unique that you really have to be the best judge of what to do next.

Just treat them with respect, show them you love them and how important they are to you mate and thats almost certainly the reaction you'll get back.

Good luck in the rest of your journey LMM... I hope you its all you want it to be and that the rest of that weight finally gets lifted. Its time for you to smile and be truly happy!
 
with my family I did it all at one time. I didn't want to go through the nervousness and stress of doing it individually.

May not work for you. You will find a way that works best. Just remember that everyone processes things differently. Don't read anything into their reactions. Don't let them argue or be mean to though. Give them the chance to ask questions and let them know your the same person you always were. Nothing is different, your just not willing to hide any longer. Your family may already know or has suspected it. If things don't go well I'd say "Im going to leave now, when you decide you want to talk about this calmly and with respect let me know. My love for you hasn't changed but I'm not going to defend myself or argue with you. This is who I am. I can't change it and I'm done hiding."

I did have to say something along those lines to a friend. It just kind of took him off guard a bit. He came around and things are fine.

Best of luck. Your doing great. It will feel so good to get all of this behind you and move on.
 
It's interesting how things can fall into place, or pop up and make you realize things. I was at my friend's last night, and they had the movie "Yes Man" with Jim Carrey in it. I've never seen it, or really knew what it was about, but as I watched it, I realized that like Jim's character, I was always making excuses as to why I couldn't go out and meet new people or go to social gatherings and avoid people. I don't intend to say "YES" to every single thing that comes my way, but there WILL be more yesses now.

Interestingly enough I met a client yesterday at a property showing, that wants me to come to work for him. During the tour of his business and after a lot of chatting, he says to me "You know, I get the feeling you're not normal. I look for that." I bust out laughing and told him I've heard that and felt that way my entire life. So now, apparently another door may open for me. This has been an interesting week, to say the least.

And again, THANKS to all of you for your support and thoughts, you are all awesome! ..|
 
I don't think he sensed the "not normal" I think he just saw you and thought you were FUCKIN' RAD.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! The guy is off to China for work for 3 weeks, and when he gets back I think we'll discuss it. I sent him an email about it as well.


What a good positive story Lawnmowerman. I would be really grateful if you could keep us updated about how you are getting on.

I will, trust me. I'm not sure who the next lucky recipient will be, but good or bad I'll let you guys know.
 
Another update; I went to a friend's this weekend for their daughter's First Communion, as I'm her Godfather (no Italian jokes LOL!). I first met him at my old job back in around 1991 and we became friends then and have been ever since.

I figured it was time to tell them as well. I would be leaving Sunday evening, so I figured Sunday afternoon would work; if they took it badly, then I was going anyway.

Years ago, when he was dating another girl, (not who he's married to now), and I met her for the first time, apparently after I went home, she told him she was sure I was gay. She's the only person I'm aware of that figured it out, and I'd love to know how she did.

Anyway, I was in the garage, fixing their son's bike, and the wife came out to work on a school project for their daughter, so I asked her to call him out. When we were all there, I told them how I needed to make changes in my life, and they've been part of my life, so I looked at him and said "Remember that thing Jenny said about me years ago? Well, she was right." The wife looked at him and said "Is that what I think he means?" and then the light went on in his head.

She got a huge smile on her face and said she was SOOO happy I told them. He said he had NO idea whatsoever. The most important part? They then BOTH said the most important thing was that they want me to be HAPPY. I've read that over and over here on Jub, but to HEAR them say it was amazing!

He actually started to tear up a bit as we talked, as he was afraid that maybe over the years he had said things that offended me (the usual anti-gay remarks) and he apologized because he said they consider me family; even more so than their ACTUAL siblings, who they see less than me.

Another totally fucking awesome part came later as we were finishing up some computer work, when he told me that for his entire life, he had all these pre-conceived notions of what it meant to be "gay", and that when I told them I was gay, it shattered every single one!

This has been one of the best weekends, EVER (!)
 
Your story is truly AWESOME! And ... despite all the fears that most of us work up in our heads ... when "That Step" is finally taken ... despite some possible, temporary, "rough" reactions ... this is how it usually plays out! ..|

In our fear of rejection, we terribly underestimate our fellow Humans! #-o

THANK YOU! for sharing all of this with "Us"! It just goes to show that, "The only thing we have to fear is Fear, itself!" (group)

Keep smilin'!! :kiss:(*8*)
Chaz ;)
 
Chaz, you are right; I've built up all this fear of what I think people will think when I tell them, and the first 4 people have been perfectly fine with it. I still have quite a ways to go, and there still could be some adverse reactions, but I've been bolstered by the good reactions so far.

YAY what a great way to start my day LMM! Great updates, great coming out story.

Your friends are totally awesome, I hope you go out of your way to let them know that.

Noiro, I'm glad it gave you a morning lift :wave: And yes, I told them exactly how great they are and how happy they made me. They said they couldn't possibly imagine living with something like that and how hard it must have been, and they said they were honored they were my first long-term friends that I've told.
 
*dances* WEEEE I love these awesome coming out stories. I had to re-read this thread again tonight just for a spirit lift :)

So i've gotta ask, how different do you feel now that this part of you is seeing some daylight?

How do I feel? AMAZING! I have a lot of work to do, but I think it's going to get progressively easier.
 
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