Gay late starters

[Peter Eater]

7 hours ago, MaybeMaybeNot said:

Thank you. There are times when I look back over my life and wonder what might have been if I had been allowed to figure out I was gay sooner. I would have loved to have built a life with someone from a young age and had children, among other things. But then, I love my partner now and am so hankful to have him.

I loved my parents. My mom, who would have been devastated if I came out, was a warrior, and I miss her so much. My dad, who said plenty of anti-gay things when I was growing up (he wasn't too bright) would have said,  "I just want you to be happy."

As for my church and college,  I still have good friends from those days and love all those people.  Although we were taught being gay was a sin, etc., people were treated with love and respect.  I will always speak highly of my two pastors. Not that it wasn't damaging, but also, a lot of good came out of it. 

 

Stockholm Syndrome is real.

Stockholm Syndrome: What It Is, Symptoms & How to Treat

MY.CLEVELANDCLINIC.ORG

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Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response, a survival instinct, in which captives develop positive feelings toward their hostage-takers.

 

[mike carey]

Moderator's Note

Gentlemen, this is great topic and one that I can relate to, even though my story is not noteworthy. As several posters have noted, religious beliefs can be a factor and saying that is fine, and something most of us understand intuitively. Going beyond that and discussing the nature of religion and debating it crosses into territory that we do not allow. Any similar forays into the type of politics affecting us in this context are also outside the bounds of what can be posted here.

There has been a small number of posts that have gone too far down this track, and we have removed them. Thank you for continuing to contribute positively to this important topic.

[+ ApexNomad]

2 hours ago, mike carey said:

Moderator's Note

Gentlemen, this is great topic and one that I can relate to, even though my story is not noteworthy. As several posters have noted, religious beliefs can be a factor and saying that is fine, and something most of us understand intuitively. Going beyond that and discussing the nature of religion and debating it crosses into territory that we do not allow. Any similar forays into the type of politics affecting us in this context are also outside the bounds of what can be posted here.

There has been a small number of posts that have gone too far down this track, and we have removed them. Thank you for continuing to contribute positively to this important topic.

What’s noteworthy doesn’t have to be something big. Your story and experience has value. If you ever feel like sharing, I’d love to hear it! 😊

Edited February 14 by ApexNomad

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

I typically like to start my gay activities around 11:30 at night.  Is that too late?

[CuriousByNature]

1 hour ago, Vegas_Millennial said:

I typically like to start my gay activities around 11:30 at night.  Is that too late?

That's way past my bed time.  My sleep bed time, I should clarify.  Perhaps that's part of my problem?

[Nightowl]

I am a late starter too and am still wrestling with the issue of coming out.  Having been raised in the 60’s and 70’s, my life has been strictly hetero and it is only in the past 3-4 years that I’ve begun to explore my attractions to men. My experiences with men have been mind-blowing in the sense that I have found it incredibly liberating to be with someone who has the same body as I do, knows how and where to give me pleasure, and allows me the freedom to touch and give him pleasure in the same way. I’ve never denied my gay tendencies but hid them because of family and societal pressures.  I admire you for overcoming the stigmas and I hope to get where you are someday soon.

[Jasrb36]

Im currently 37 and only out to a few of my close friends and recently a few close coworkers.   Growing up Ive heard my parents criticize gay people and say horrible things about my cousin who is also gay so never had the guts to actually come out to my parents. Never officially came out to my brother but he more or less knows.  Only just started going out to gay bars last year and it feels great being around people like me.   Had a boyfriend for a few years prior but we ended things because we wanted different things moving forward in our careers and futures.