How do I get over the "awkwardness" of coming out to people?

[Michael A]

Typical questions might be stuff like, "Are you sure?" or "How long have you known this?" or "Have you ever tried a good woman?" LOL.

Just breathe deeply, my friend.

-- Are you sure? Yes. It's like being sure that you are right-handed. You just know it inside.

--How long have you known this? (Whatever. Talk about the first time you found another boy attractive and how hard it has been for you to deal with being gay in a straight world.)

--Have you ever been with a hot girl? (I dunno if you have or not. If so, say yes and you really didn't like it. If no, then remind them it would be like asking them if they had ever tried gay sex with the right person of the same sex.)

-- How I explain it is that, it is a matter of passion and energy.

With a girl, I can snuggle with her, and it's fine, but I really don't want to be there for romantic purposes, and it actually is work for me to kiss a girl or be sexual with her. Whereas when I am with a guy snuggling or even hugging or touching, I'm like a battery hooked up to a charger -- I get energy.

For me, being gay means that guys give me energy and passion for life. I could snuggle with a guy for hours and keep on loving it. It is like the piece of a puzzle snapping into place -- it is just "right".

Your friends likely knew they were straight and that they liked people of the opposite sex years ago. They didn't have to try it to like it. They just KNEW. Same with you.

-- I doubt if people will bring up gay sex stuff. But if they do, remind them that most straight couples do oral sex and no one thinks that is bad. And tell them that sex is a personal thing and you don't wish to talk about details.

Even though this seems awkward -- consider that EVERYONE falls in love during their life. And almost EVERYONE also has sex during their life. And guess what -- THEY LOVE IT. And that includes your friends!

So, what you are sharing is not bad or dirty or shameful at all. It means you are a human being! A human being who happens to be gay and to fall in love with guys, not girls.

And that's okay. =)

Your friends love you, and they will stick by you. No worries.

Hugs!