People get notions about others, even judge others, and or put someone down when they do not know who this person is. They think they do. But in reality they do not. Reading words online is not knowing someone. Talking to someone in person for 4 minutes also does not mean you know someone. So then when do you start to know someone? When the trust levels allow you to. When they open up to you and tell you things most people do not know about them. When they care about who you are and you care about them. I am a great guy. I have done many things in my life time and have worked so many people. Touched many people also. I share, reach out, ask friends for help, help out friends, and i am there for friends and family when I am able to. I am a loving kind man with a lot to give others. I know who I am.
Trevin.....Something that so many of us have trouble with is just what you're talking about. Learning to love yourself. For so many, many years I fought depression, shame and guilt that lead directly to self-hate. It didn't magically go away when I accepted myself and came out. Coming out is just the beginning...I still had a lot to learn...about myself. Over the period of 3 1/2 years I have gradually learned to like and finally to love myself. Throwing off all of the condemnation that had been heaped on me by society and religion hasn't been easy...but it was so necessary. Now when I say out loud "I am gay"...I smile and feel so happy. I know who I am and I have finally come to like this crazy guy! .....David
Funny how in your 50s things are pretty good. And you do not think when you are 20 wow I wonder what it will be like 36 years later.
I agree. I think a lot of gay men in particular become depressed because they can't find a partner, and they want a partner for the wrong reasons. They want a partner to make them feel less miserable. And that's because they are not happy with themselves. Celebrating your sexuality shouldn't just be about being allowed to love other people, it should also be about loving and respecting yourself.
