Hi all, I am a 40 year old woman who, at least outwardly, identified as straight. I am now in a relationship with a great woman. Nobody knows that we are together aside from my sister. My girlfriend is very out and patient with me about my not being out. I want to be able to talk about her like I did when I was with men. It's so complicated though. I am a teacher in a very conservative community, she is significantly younger than me, I have kids, etc. She makes me so happy but I am afraid. Hoping to find people who understand and help me uncomplicate things. Peace, Hope
Hello Hopeful1976! Welcome to EC! Check out the site. If you feel comfortable doing so, you might consider posting a thread in the Friends, Family, and Relationships forum to address your concerns or issues.
First off...welcome aboard! This is a great site full of extremely nice and helpful people. Second...you may try posting about your "coming out" issues in the "coming out" forum. It will be seen by more people and hopefully you'll find the advice/help you need! I understand your struggle. I'm prior service military and am in law enforcement...up until a few years ago...I'd never even touch a bf while out in public because I was concerned of the perception and being found out. It led to many a fight and even to a break up because my bf couldn't understand that I wasn't embarrassed but I didn't want anyone to know I was gay. It took a long time and the support of some great friends but I finally came out and could care less now days. Except I'm still not a fan of PDA but wasn't when I had GFs either...guess that's just a personality thing.
