Thursday, 28 February 2008

of my coming out story part 4

Everyone sees me as the tough one. My family thinks that I walk on water and I could accomplish anything and everything, but what they didn't know is that I'm very good at hiding my miseries and sorrows. I could get an Oscar for that.

I didn't have anyone to confide to. No one that cared enough and made extra initiative to know more about me. I do have a few good friends but I couldn't bring myself to do it because I didn't think they would understand what I was going through because they were not in my shoes. There was so much pain and frustration that I was disgusted with myself and began thinking of myself as a failure. I was scared of being rejected for who I am; hence I isolated myself and lived in hibernation. I was thinking that if I rejected them first, then they wouldn't have the chance to push me aside and eventually hurt my feelings.

After years of lying, pretending and thinking that I was sick and not normal, I couldn't continue the facade. I needed to get out and be me. I don't know how but a part of me found the courage to write about it although I didn't admit that I was a full blown gay. Subconsciously I chose the title of this blog as it is because I knew deep down that I was neither here nor there.

When I finally told my good friend PS, I said that I think I was a bisexual just because I thought it was safer since I was only half gay and half straight. I was afraid of the reaction. I expected her to be horrified and stop being my friend. Gosh! What a relief when that didn't happen!

I remember she said that whoever I am, I'm just like everyone else with emotions and needs and I just have to accept it and just be selfish for once. For that, my friend, I would always be grateful for making me see it in a different perspective. If by being selfish I could be happy, then I'm not letting it go.

Slowly, I learned to accept that I cannot pretend to be someone that I'm not and that I have to stop hiding. Through some forums, the old defunct blog and this one, I started meeting new people. At first I was sceptical and afraid of being judged before they even knew the real me, but to my surprise I met some wonderful people whom later become very good friends. A few bloggers were kind enough to offer me friendship, advice and verses to read in times of confusion.

As I wrote about all sorts of things that were trapped in my head, I calmed a little and some stress was alleviated, but the torment of not being able to fit in was still thick and heavy in the air. It was an absolutely terrifying and stressful journey. And you know what, when you think about the family, it is always very hard to live up to their expectations.

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