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Anyone else feel confused, like you fall "between the lines"?

Discussion in 'Coming Out Advice' started by localfwbguy, Dec 30, 2012.

  1. localfwbguy

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    Hello, just wanted to see if anyone else could relate to what I am dealing with in my life. Basically I have been doing intense questioning regarding my sexual orientation and putting lots of stress on myself for it. I am 23 years old and I just feel like I am somewhere in the gray, middle of the spectrum, etc. I am a regular guy, was never really bullied or brought up to think gays/bi were bad or immoral so I like to think I am open minded.

    Anyways, I have a heterosexual identity today, didn't force it I just grew into it effort free. I had a girl interest every year of school, even kindergarten. Have always liked having a pretty girl, whom I click with "more than just friends". Well in middle school, I started to notice that yes I had a girl in my class each year that I had the hots for, I also was interested with one of my gym teachers and one of my administraters. These were both older guys, like 50! I didn't think to much of it, just kept it to myself. Can't say I felt normal in school, what kid does?! Substance abuse became a huge part of my life and really threw a wrench into my social growth, not much dating and love in high school for me! However, all four years I had a girl love interest in my grade, and also a interest from afar with an older guy about 50 again. So looks like I have had a pattern that I never thought about until now.

    I currently have a girlfriend of 2 years and man were in love. I seriously think God put her in my life for a reason because I was not looking ( we met in Recovery). As great as our thing is, I can't help but feel like I have to know if I am gay or bi or just a curious guy, like I MUST KNOW because my life and her's depends on it. I have indulged in my older guy fantasie before. Was not a loving, romantic type thing but just 2 seemingly straight guys getting together to do some mutual fooling around. So I know it turns me on, more some days than others. Some says I basically feel hetero, like im all about my girlfriend and grateful for our love, etc and don't even notice males. Other days, I'm noticing men and feeling super anxious and kinda bad for it. It's like I don't feel right touching my girlfriend if I am aroused by thoughts other than her. The more I try to figure this stuff out, the worse my libido gets too. It is really attacking my mind. OCD???

    I have tried to ignore it, not look at porn or images and try not to check out these older guys but its tough. It makes me feel like Shit because I know I don't want a relationship with a man, never had that kind of desire. Since, I am in a relationship I feel like I shouldn't have these thoughts, especially since it doesn't really reflect my desired orientation. I notice plenty of womem too, but its like I have the girl I want so my mind goes to the other team. It can really freak me out, busy mall at Christmas time and my mind goes nuts! All these women, and guys around...its crazy.

    All and all, I love my girlfriend and can picture a world of just the two of us. It actually might be awesome that way, no distraction! I only want to be with her as my life partner, lover, etc. I do not want to hurt her. I just feel so crazy sometimes, about this questioning limbo. If I had a "gay day" overdose I feel so guilty and weird about myself for noticing all those males I have a hard time letting her love me. Other days when I am full on hetero I just feel normal, at peace with myself and with her. I just fear that maybe I am not a good man for her. She swears she is happy and loves me, despite my moody self and all my poor me bullshit LOL. My deep fear is being some closet case and robbing a beautiful young women of her youth, of real love ( like maybe our love isn't real??). I can't see myself falling for a man like I have fallen for my gurl. I love men as mentors, friends, father figures and may possibly find a few pleasant to look at and may have a few not so hetero thoughts but that's about it. This questioning, confusing period really sucks. It is all I think about, like an obsession. It is like my new drug of choice, instead of constantly thinking about drink/drug I think about "am I bi, a gay in denial, straight but weird, should I break up, etc". I fear any outcome that is with me and my girl not together. I have tried admitting to myself I'm bi, but then I get scared and worry the next step is gay! I am totally obsessed with this guys, its all I think about 24/7. I actually seriously think I need some help, but I'm afraid they will say " your just gay, get over it"! Anyone else feel so confused?? Thanks so much, I know this thread probably reads like Hell but I'm typing on my phone, feeding my obsession! Thanks..
     
  2. INTJ

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    You are most likely bisexual.

    I honestly don't see why you are so worked up about it. Being bisexual doesn't mean you love your girlfriend any less nor should it make you feel guilty when you are aroused by other men. By that I mean its perfectly normal and acceptable to be aroused by people other than your partner whilst in a relationship.
     
  3. ecd123

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    I can't officially tell you what your sexual orientation is, because that is for you and only you to decide. But it sounds like you could be bi or bi curious. Which is OKAY! Everyone is different, but you are not alone. I myself have a girlfriend and after coming out to my parents on a whim, I began to backtrack and wonder if I really am attracted to girls or if I just wanted someone to love me. Minds can play tricks on people when you are experiencing anxiety. Worries and fears can get so strong that they seem like a real danger or threat when they are actually not.
    My question is, does she know that you are questioning your sexuality? You may be experiencing a lot of anxiety because you feel guilty for hiding this important part of yourself from her. Whether or not you are actually bisexual, you could be a straight guy who sees nothing wrong with homosexual relationships but could never have one yourself, the fact that you are questioning something that is a part of who you are shows much courage and I applaud you for that. I can relate to your feelings of confusion, I am going through a very similar thing with the exception that I am in a same-sex relationship.
    My plan of action would be to first, be alone and "talk to yourself." Be honest and try to understand and embrace who you are. Do you like women and men? Or women but appreciate masculine bodies? Or just need some time to figure it out? It's not going to come to you overnight but it is important to figure out what you want first without considering other people's feelings and views. Once you feel comfortable with who you are and are confident enough, I would suggest finding a support group or a close friend to comfort you in case things don't work out with your girlfriend. When you feel ready, I think you should try telling your girlfriend that you may sometimes find men attractive or whatever it is you decided makes sense for you. I know it sounds scary and you are afraid to lose her, but your significant other should support you 100% and love you even if you find the same sex attractive. She will probably need reassurance that this doesn't mean that you are going to act on your attractions, but you wanted to share this important part of you with her because you love her. She may need time to think, or she may be totally cool with it. But be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Don't tell her if you aren't ready, but keeping a secret like this from your significant other will cause you stress and a sense of shame and will end up hurting them if they find out a long way down the road. It is better to tell them earlier on than wait 10 years from now and have them feel lied to. Don't let anybody tell you that what you are feeling isn't real. You shouldn't have to feel afraid of who you are or who you want to be. You can be attracted to both sexes but marry a woman. There isn't anything wrong with that. What matters is what you want and are comfortable with and what makes sense to YOU. Don't forget that and be true to who you are.
     
  4. dazedanconfused

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    Hello friend. I am also in recovery and your story sounds very similar to mine as well. Do you have a sponsor? Maybe it's time you and him sit down and talk.

    I do believe God puts people in our lives for a reason. My sponsor being one of them. Here's what I'll say to you... When you think about other women while dating your girlfriend, do you get all down on yourself or do you enjoy it? I'm gonna guess that you indulge on those fantasies... God knows I do. So why not be able to do that when you think of another man? I mean, don't go out and sleep with one(man or woman) but just enjoy the thought like you would a woman. The more you focus on it, the bigger the thought gets

    Remember, what you resists, persists. Some people are very into their same sex desires/attractions. Others aren't. Do you not think gay men get opposite sex thoughts or attractions from time to time? We're human. Your 23. Your a walking hard on and lucky for you, you like the best of both worlds. Sometimes I just give into my ego(honestly that's all it is... Just your ego) by watching gay porn till I'm sick or tired of it. Tbh, gay porn doesn't really do it for me but I do view it from time to time and usually I get bored with it because I lose my erection lol

    Anywho man, best of luck to ya. I've been there. My sponsors been there(and he's married to a woman. With kids and grand-kids). If you need anything, pm me. God bless and remember, "Easy does it!"
     
  5. Deaf Not Blind

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    even if you are bi...and no, it does NOT mean you are lying and really you are gay, many are just bisexual and don't let anybody lie to you to say that it is not possible...doesnt that include women?

    so, you notice others...sadly I have seen a lot of married women scoping out younger single guys, they even talk about them as they walk by. I asked a few since they married is that wrong, cuz hey how will their husband feel? Answer: "we are married not dead! :wink:"
    If you notice good looking peeps, SHE may notice your eyes following them, but don't mean she don't ever notice cuties too.

    likely after talking here and maybe to some true buddies you know, you should talk to your girl. i bet that scares ya! But honestly, if God made her for you, she will get you...and will want to know all your secrets, and you want to know what is burdening her too, right? I think it is nice you don't want to mess up her life if you were gay, but you are not trying to fake being straight, you like girls...and well, even more important, you like HER. And if she were a man, would you still love her, or at least really get along and care about her? Just stuff to think about...

    Actually, I have read about a couple gay men who are GAY not bi...and they did somehow fall in love with a woman, discussed it openly with them they are GAY and like men...but the deep caring for each others souls made them carefully decide oh well, and got married knowing full well how the guy won't be as well...horney for sex you know? But it was free choice to live in a hetrerosexual marriage in those rare cases...and it was not hidden from the girl! Why I mention this is that you do want to be open to her about all of you, so she and you as a team can make decisions like marriage together. After all, you both gonna be making a lot in the future, so talking about your maybe bi-curious/bi-sexual nature, how to discipline kids if you want some, where to live, plans for retirement...more...now is the time for all of that!

    Happy New Year!
     
  6. localfwbguy

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    "Easy does It", right on man. Thank yall for your replies, I really got something from yalls input. Sometimes when all those crazy thoughts just spin around my head, I gotta find someone outside my head for some insight! My girlfriend is aware that I have curiosities about other males, and honestly she just accepted it and told me it didn't change the way she thought of me. I remember feeling so loved, and so relieved. Of course I have to screw it up and start the doubting and self loathing machine back up, I'm good at that! There is nothing forcing my girl to be with me, she could leave and the cards are all on the table, I'm just stuck in my head, projecting into the future and creating my own misery! That sounds like my sponsor talking LOL. Also, I definitely indulge in straight fantasy and never feel bad or guilty about that, quite a double standard! Thanks again for all the good words yall!