I have recently been coming out to friends who I feel will react positively. But I hadn't gotten around to telling my longest-standing friend. We've known each other since secondary school. Anyhow, her reaction surprised me. At first, she said that I should try it out, i.e. implied that it was a phase. Granted, here is a woman who has heard all about my boyfriends, attended my wedding, watched as I got divorced, etc. through the years. But I was a bit taken aback. So I said "Well, and if I wind up being lesbian forever?". That's when she came through and replied that it would be a good thing, since I seem so happy. I was like, *that's* more like it. I guess it's harder for people who are more invested in your life to shift how they perceive you, since that perception has been years and years in the making. I'm just thankful that it only took a few minutes for her to go from tepid to enthusiastic. I'm feeling really lucky right now, I tell you.