If red flags are like fire alarms going off on the whole block, instead of getting out of the house, I just found ways to disconnect the power and talk over it like nothing was happening.
This is a beautifully written piece and you are incredibly brave for sharing your truth so publicly. It is clear from this story that you have a huge heart and want nothing more than to give (and receive) love. While I am sure this journey was painful, it sounds like it has led you to a good place. I really hope you we hear more from you! (Speaking of hearing more, you breeze through speaking about your husband in this piece - can I urge a part II to focus on your new journey of love?)
Thank you for sharing your heart in this. I am one of those friends who remembers you saying that about yourself when you first started dating, and it broke my heart for you. I hate that you had to go through all of that pain, but I am so happy to see you thriving and knowing your worth now. You deserve all the good things. love you ❤️
You’ve been brighter than the sun since I met you, my heart is so happy that you finally see what we all have since day one. Love you to the Island of Tuwanga and back! ☀️💛
You are such a shining gem and my life was forever changed from the moment we met! Keep shining, keep sharing, keep knowing YOU are more than enough ♥️
Thank you so much for sharing this, Bob. The part that really struck a familiar chord for me was feeling “unlovable.” That, too, is what kept me trapped, at least in the beginning of my toxic relationship.
Since reading this, I’ve been ruminating about what must have created such feelings in us. Knowing how different our experiences were with the grown-ups in our young lives, I think it probably had more to do with the culture of the time. Examples of gay men leading happy, healthy lives didn’t exist for us then. I only remember seeing over & over how shameful it was to be gay. So, it makes sense that the shy, sensitive souls among us became easy targets for bullies. Each little dig and insult chipped away our self-worth so much that the slightest compliment from someone we fancied sent our spirits soaring so high we could no longer see the most glaring warning signs.
It’s so nice to see that you’ve found ways to restore that self-worth. It’s even better to see what a shining example you are of a gay man indeed leading a happy, healthy life. 😊💙
This is such a hard and also beautiful piece of the tapestry of your life story. After going through my own divorce I resonate with it very much. Thank you for pouring your soul out so that we may relate and be a witness for each others struggles and triumphs.
This is a beautifully written piece and you are incredibly brave for sharing your truth so publicly. It is clear from this story that you have a huge heart and want nothing more than to give (and receive) love. While I am sure this journey was painful, it sounds like it has led you to a good place. I really hope you we hear more from you! (Speaking of hearing more, you breeze through speaking about your husband in this piece - can I urge a part II to focus on your new journey of love?)
Thank you for sharing your heart in this. I am one of those friends who remembers you saying that about yourself when you first started dating, and it broke my heart for you. I hate that you had to go through all of that pain, but I am so happy to see you thriving and knowing your worth now. You deserve all the good things. love you ❤️
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💜
This hit on so many levels right where I needed it. Thank you so much!!!
That means a lot. Thank you 💜
for real. I definitely had some triggering moments while working with Bob on this essay
What a powerful piece - so happy the path you took led to such a perfect, peaceful and joyful place.
You’ve been brighter than the sun since I met you, my heart is so happy that you finally see what we all have since day one. Love you to the Island of Tuwanga and back! ☀️💛
You are such a shining gem and my life was forever changed from the moment we met! Keep shining, keep sharing, keep knowing YOU are more than enough ♥️
I relate so much. 🥰
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Bob. The part that really struck a familiar chord for me was feeling “unlovable.” That, too, is what kept me trapped, at least in the beginning of my toxic relationship.
Since reading this, I’ve been ruminating about what must have created such feelings in us. Knowing how different our experiences were with the grown-ups in our young lives, I think it probably had more to do with the culture of the time. Examples of gay men leading happy, healthy lives didn’t exist for us then. I only remember seeing over & over how shameful it was to be gay. So, it makes sense that the shy, sensitive souls among us became easy targets for bullies. Each little dig and insult chipped away our self-worth so much that the slightest compliment from someone we fancied sent our spirits soaring so high we could no longer see the most glaring warning signs.
It’s so nice to see that you’ve found ways to restore that self-worth. It’s even better to see what a shining example you are of a gay man indeed leading a happy, healthy life. 😊💙
This is such a hard and also beautiful piece of the tapestry of your life story. After going through my own divorce I resonate with it very much. Thank you for pouring your soul out so that we may relate and be a witness for each others struggles and triumphs.
Thank you for sharing this with the world. Your bravery in your words will inspire many people to find their voice. ❤️
beautiful