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So happy to have found this place

Discussion in 'The Welcome Lounge' started by WonderQuest, Dec 16, 2023.

  1. WonderQuest

    Regular Member

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    Hi!
    I'm a 45 year old male, married to my wife for 10 years with 2 wonderful young children. This fall I have finally started to accept that I am interested in men and women. I experienced a warm feeling of comfort in acknowledging this to myself. I feel a range of emotions: excited, scared, nervous, and curious. At this stage, I just want to learn more about myself from this lens and see what comes up. I am exploring therapy options as a next step as I am not ready to share this with anyone I know. It feels good to finally recognize this is a part of me and be okay with that. I'm not sure where this will lead, but I am trying to take it one step at a time and just be curious and gentle with myself. Thanks for being a part of a safe and welcoming community!
     
  2. Tiago GA

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    Hello! Welcome to EC! You are 100% in the right place. We can gladly help with your confusion/Curiosity and everything else!

    Welcome!
     
  3. Chillton

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    Welcome to EC. I'm impressed at how level headed you are. It seems like you're off to a great start on your journey.
     
  4. WonderQuest

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    Thanks guys. @Chilton - that's my intention... easier said than done! I tend to move from excitement, feeling this is right to nervous and where is this going to lead? Keep telling myself it can lead somewhere good. It helps reading what others are experiencing. Thanks for checking in.
     
  5. quebec

    Moderator Full Member

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    WonderQuest.....Hello and a big LGBTQIA+ welcome to Empty Closets! :old_smile: I can remember the first post that I made on EC. I was desperate for help and I got the help that night that I so needed. I hope that we can help you in the same way that I received help. The most important thing to remember about Empty Closets is that we do care about you! We're very glad that you found us here on EC and hope that we can answer questions, give you support and provide a place to vent (as long as it's not violent!) :old_rolleyes: when that becomes necessary! This is a safe community of loving, caring and very supportive people and we will do our best to help you blend into the community.

    *****There are 18 different sub-forums here that you can check out, join in the conversations or start your own thread/conversation. When I first joined Empty Closets I was in need of a lot of support and encouragement and I found it here…EC is a safe place. I hope that you'll find good things here too! :old_cool: Folks here will talk to you and share...you don't have to be afraid of asking questions...we're glad to have you! Empty Closets is all about making connections and giving LGBTQ folks a voice when they otherwise don't have one in their day-to-day lives. I am glad that you are taking things slowly. See a therapist is an excellent idea...it certainly was one of the best things that I ever did! Finding out more about yourself instead of hiding from yourself is always a path to a better you! :old_smile:

    Some info on how to navigate EC:
    When you have made at least 10 posts on various threads you will be able to post messages on a member's Profile Page. Just click on a member's Avatar Picture and then click on "Profile Page" in the dialogue box that pops up. You'll then be on their Profile Page and there will be a box that says: "Write Something" When you have been on EC for a few weeks and have made at least 50 posts on various forums, you can apply for Full Membership. :old_big_grin: A Full Member can send Private Messages (PM) to other Full Members and share personal contact info. Right now you can only send a PM to a Staff Member as that is always possible. Here is a quote from the Full Membership information forum:

    *****To be eligible you must be a member of Empty Closets for a minimum of two weeks, and have a minimum of 50 posts. These posts must be across numerous forums (Fun & Games does not contribute to post count), and consistently posted across a minimum of two weeks. You wouldn't be eligible, for example, if you registered, had no activity for two weeks, and then returned to post 50 times on your 14th day of membership.

    *****Well, as I said, we're very glad you found us! :old_wink: If you have any questions at all, you can always send me a Private Message.

    …..David :gay_pride_flag:
     
  6. WonderQuest

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    Thanks David. I appreciate the warm welcome! I have noticed your comments in a few other threads. Your support and knowledge is an amazing gift to this community.
     
  7. Jakebusman

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    Welcome to the EC family as a married Bi guy who likes both men and women I get and know where your coming from
     
  8. WonderQuest

    Regular Member

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    Thanks @Jakebusman. It is comforting to know there are people here in similar situations. If you're open to sharing, where are you at in your journey? How is it going for you?