Hello

[JCasey]

Welcome
We are kinda alike in that I have ADHD. If you ever want to talk about how awesome it is to be nude, I'm your guy

I know it may seem strange to you, but I don't often discuss nudity, it is just a part of who I am. Perhaps that is another reason I don't feel overly motivated to "come out as gay". I think of it in terms of those who need to know will know when they need to. How's that for a quote???

If a person on the street asks me if I am gay, unless I intend upon pursuing a relationship with him, he really doesn't need to know. Likewise, unless I am intending on pursuing a relationship with someone, those in my life don't need to know. I have shared with a few people, but only for my personal affirmation, and not because they needed to know. One of the people was a classmate from high school with whom I have only recently begun conversing on Facebook. Since he lives 5 hours away, and we have no current significant friendship, what reason would he NEED to know? He happens to be gay, so I did reach out to him, but only as a self affirmation and for potential support if I later feel the need. Likewise, most of the others to whom I have come out are gay people, for the same reason.

I am not a person who needs to shout my personal life details from the rooftops. I find that people appreciate it more when you don't make a big thing out of those parts of your life that have no bearing upon how they live. Of course, I have also learned that the method of communication can be significant with some people. I included my being gay in a text message to a friend of mine, and she was almost offended that I didn't tell her in person. I told her I didn't want to make a big deal about it, but I wanted her to know. We are not now, nor have we ever been in a romantic relationship, but she has helped me through some tough problems in the past.

My intro message here was detailed because nobody here knows me, and you have no idea how I think, nor why I approach things as I do. You needed background information to get a m ore complete picture.

[Nanaki]

Hello and welcome to the forum JCasey!

[Rareboy]

Welcome and thanks for sharing your backstory.

I hope that you find the support and connections you are looking for here and also hope that you find love and passion in your life. While I understand why you are handling your homosexuality as you are...sometimes sacrificing a whole life for others until you think it is 'safe' to be the person you want to be is not the most emotionally healthy approach. Live for yourself as well.

[princealbertofb]

For starter, JCasey, this will be my to you to GaySpeak. (you'll need to click on the picture to see what I'm talking about)
Then I'll read all you've told us.

[princealbertofb]

Bravo for hitting SUBMIT, James (not your real name) and again to GaySpeak. Don't worry you are not the only 48-year-old to come out to himself at that 'old' age. Actually there is no comfortable time to come out when you feel you might lose more than you might gain from doing so. There are a few of us here who can completely relate to you. I am one, and my partner is another. The difference is I never got married and never had children, but my partner did. So our collective experience in the matter is interesting to behold.
I hope you get to a point where coming out will be an option and a good one. You shouldn't have to live your life like a lie. You have a brilliant sense of humour, I like it. Congratulations on being so open to us and to yourself. This is probably a first step towards a life change.

[SilverBullet]

VERY good introduction sir . I enjoyed reading it and the humor. Welcome to GS m8 I look forward to your future posts . If you ever need or want advice there are many intelligent and helpful people here who are glad to assist ^_^

[JackTX]

Welcome