Whatever happened to slumber parties where you just listen to records and talk about boys and braid each other's hair? Just do the same things every small group of friends does: Talking, making or listening to music, going to concerts, watching movies/TV, playing games (any kind), cooking/sharing a meal. And booze, if that's your thing. I've been thinking recently that hosting semi-regular movie nights with friends sounds like a nice idea. Maybe you can host a themed event. One for terrible films or music, where everyone agrees on a terrible movie to watch, or brings all the worst albums they can find and plays selections from them (FYI, I stole that last idea from a local bar). You could also go camping or explore abandoned buildings or something along those lines if you're interested in something a little different. Day trips to strange/remote places can be an interesting experience. I went to an "introverts party" once (as if three people together in a room can be considered a party) where we just read books independently… I got baked beforehand and couldn't even focus on whatever I was reading. But it was still a decent time as far as small gatherings go.

Whoooo  :cheers: Lucky you.

jag älskar dig is the only swedish I know… sorry, I'm Canadian!

I rarely ever walk up to someone and say, "Hi I'm Dag and I'm queer."  But I also do not censor myself.  If I'm in a car with someone and I see someone attractive I will say, "Ooooo, he's cute."  If a co-worker asks which actress I think is hot, I will tell them Russell Tovey. Most new people assume I'm straight.  But I've almost never told anyone I was queer.  Almost no-one has ever asked ME if I was queer.  But everyone ends up knowing in the end. But when someone is being homophobic, I have looked people in the eye and told them that I like getting fucked in the ass.

Definitely. And since I have pretty much no stereotypical gay interests, it's even more absurd.

@boyjohn: Any suggestions for how to come out to religious family members? Don't. They're not going to choose you over their religion. And you might have that crazy family member who is a violent psycho. Maybe do it if you live in a different state.

@archangelslc: I'm a little bit confused on what you meant by "to assume" in this, your case. (Is it always better to what?) But anyway, I totally get how it's not that easy or simple to just come out – esp. when we don't totally understand ourselves or how exactly to go about our lives with new goals that some of our loved ones won't understand. We all have our preferences and different time tables with regards to these events (i.e. coming out, etc.), and I would suggest to just take it easy and take your time. Also, try not complicating things too much. You like guys; you already know that. Try sharing this special part of you -- even if you don't have to totally explain everything -- to someone you trust (e.g. even new gay friends that you make and can talk to about these things), and you'll find that it becomes more and more easy to talk about. It took me some time to come out myself, and I was surprised with the support I got from friends and family when I did. I'm sorry in how I tried to express myself. I meant exactly coming out. It's just "to assume" has a different meaning around here at Brazil and I just typed by mistake. But anyway, tks for the advice, it was of great help.

You know your family best. My family doesn't like that I am gay, but still love me. I moved out before told them. Some people are OK with it. My mom cries when we talk about it sometimes still. You know your mum,  you know your parents. You'll just have to think about how they will react. You'll be prepared for the worst,  then be ready for the best; they still love you. You're still their baby, no matter what age.

Tell him saying what is not working… for better or for worse you should be sincere, so they might learn what did not work and you too can learn, for there might be truths that can be handy to grow up even if things get worse and end up in petty name calling... do not have regrets

Be careful :afr:. I lost a best friend that way many years ago

Watching movies and TV shows, going to a park

what's with the "777" you 2. is it a code for " I like to do it on the seventh day of the month on the seventh day of the week at 7 ?"  :cheesy2:

Some parents are more aware than others, and there awareness depends largely on their own upbringing, as well as educational and societal influences. Also, some people, when they have no answer to a problem tend to just ignore it and hope it will go away. Very few parents would ignore such issues out of malice, but just aren't sure what to do. Truthfully, the overwhelming majority of parents do the very best job they can with what they have, but rarely is it ever enough in the moment. It usually takes time to pass (decades) for people to understand the lacking wasn't purposeful.

I am terrified for them.

Is it really winning if you throw away friendship for sex?

One thing I have learned is that straight guys can actually tell when someone has a crush on them… But it would be good to know about his feelings on the subject. But don't tell him that you like him... the end result WILL BE BAD.

You should tell him that being gay is not the only thing that defines you. Masculinity or femininity have nothing to do with being gay. Just tell your friend that. You need to educate him. If you still feel that he is not okay with the idea then all you can do is move on.