A Revealing Friday (no, not that type of revealing..lol)

[Marissa]

Good for you Marissa! Sometimes I think we sell our best friends short, but not intentionally. Fear is a powerful thing and can override our knowledge that we are going to be okay. But that is a great and heartwarming story. I would handle him seeing Marissa just like we advise for SOs. Let him bring it up and say he wants to. He may be okay with hearing it, but let him come to his point where he is ready to see it.

Oh, and don't be such a stranger! (That's not a bro hug :-) )

Yes, Sue, fear is a powerful thing and sometimes its what protects us..but can also hold one back. I'm sure come next meetup it will be like nothing was said..until he is ready to talk more about it

Hi Marissa,
It's wonderful to see you back, and with a such a great success story! I don't have any friends I feel I could come out to that way yet. Still overloaded with stress, probably mostly of my own making. Sure hope we see more of you.

Hugs, Linda

Hi Linda, yes it has been a bit..not sure how much I'm back, only time will tell. In the same lines as you mention, I have my stresses in life and my climbing out of a dark hole from last marriage, but I"m getting there.

You have a great friend. From your post I deduced you were in the navy. When people are confined together for 24/7 for long periods of time (sea duty, combat patrols) they really get to known the person. Sometimes they develop a read on the person that may not be developed in civilian life. When you depend on a buddy to get through adverse situations, you really develop a friendship that is closer than even two brothers have. I believe your friend knows you were someone he could trust in the most adverse situations that life can present.

Hey Stephanie Its funny that even though we didn't know each other, after our first meeting and hanging out, talking about where we grew up at and our sea time, it was like we had sort of known each other for a long time. And yes, as in any 'committed' life experience equal to serving, the bond is there in some fashion even if you never met. I found that when I got my job last year, most of those around me, including boss, had served (and some retired) at some point in their lives so they knew where I was coming from.

Hey Marissa. Its been a while since I've posted on this site as well. I'm glad to now you've come out to a friend who has taken you alternative identity in stride. Just to let you know its ok....come on out or is that in...the water is fine.
Paula

LOL!! Yes, Paula, rather confusing on whether its 'coming in or out' It was a shock, not only his acceptance but my leap of faith.

Wow. I think that is an excellent story. I love that you came out to someone, and I love that he was accepting. I hope you enjoyed the sunlight (however brief) enough to come out to others especially women you may be interested in.

You should be proud of yourself.

I thank you and all others who have taken the time to read such a lengthy story. I just had to share it after reading others who have done the same with similiar and disimiliar results. Yes, its a warm feeling of sunlight..and I do hope it opens doors that I'm okay with walking through towards women, as having that special someone to share this with is so desired.

Again, thank you all for the nice comments..

Hugs,
Marissa