Will this ride ever end?

[braves_fan05]

Coming out to people is an emotional roller coaster. Each time I do, I feel the same anxiety that I did when I first came out. The same questions float around in my head: How will they react? Will I have to suffer another interrogation? This isn't to say that I'm not comfortable with who I am as a person, but the continual replay of the same scenario is getting a bit tiresome. I want off this ride, but a part of me thinks it will never stop.

 

[M4P]

Nice to see you posting again

Yes, it will end once all of those you love and care about know the truth. I'm hoping the experiences have turned out positive

 

[martin6]

Oh I'm pretty comfy with myself and out to the general public, but one guy randomly asked me if I was gay at the start of my shift recently and it caught me so off guard that I got instant heartburn. I was kinda annoyed at myself for getting semi-ill over that question. Usually I'd just be like "uh, yeah?" I guess that's just how it goes, though.

 

[danniflava]

Where in T.O. are you from?

 

[pmich25]

Coming out to people is an emotional roller coaster. Each time I do, I feel the same anxiety that I did when I first came out. The same questions float around in my head: How will they react? Will I have to suffer another interrogation? This isn't to say that I'm not comfortable with who I am as a person, but the continual replay of the same scenario is getting a bit tiresome. I want off this ride, but a part of me thinks it will never stop.

One thing i did was i told my best friend years ago and i just told him to let everyone else know gradually.. i was tired of going through the list of people to tell them individually.. it was a bit easier (and maybe selfish) on me.

Remember everyone here has been through it at some point... you're not alone

 

[954dude]

Come out to the people who matter the most.

 

[KaraBulut]

I know a guy that had so much fun coming out that he periodically has a party, invites all his friends and tells them he's gay all over again.

If you're not having fun, then stop making it a big event. Just be yourself and just tell people in subtle ways (i.e. "the guy I'm dating..." or "I went out with my gay friends last night...") or when they need to know.

 

[slickery]

I don't know how you're doing it...but i came out to everyone closest to me first.

The rest, I just got drunk at a party and walked around telling everyone "i'm gay" and reintroducing myself to them as gay. it worked i guess.

 

[jubalon]

I came out three months ago, and at first I was really really happy and super-confident. Then it went on to become sort of an emotional rollercoaster, and still is to a certain extent. I was doubting myself and having second thoughts, even though I was/am comfortable with myself and whatnot. I tried convincing myself that I don't have anything to prove and if there is a problem with me being gay, then the problem certainly isn't mine. That was my logic reasoning, but it didn't fully match my emotions. With the help of time and friends backing me up, I'm a lot closer to being okay with who I am - and I'm feeling almost done with the rollercoaster ride.

So my tip is to give yourself the time you need. And don't feel pressured to prove or defend yourself. Being comfortable with yourself will make people feel much more comfortable with you, rather than being defensive.