Hi everyone! Some of you know me; most of you don’t. For those of you meeting me for the first time, my name is Chris. I originally joined Empty Closets in 2009 under the username FlawlessError. I was twenty years old at the time, single, unemployed, and still living with my parents. When I joined, I had no intention of sticking around because I only wanted to share my coming out story (which you can find here). However, because everyone at EC was so supportive and friendly, I decided to kick off my shoes and make myself comfortable. I’m glad I did, because I got the opportunity to connect with some really great people all across the world, some of whom I continue to connect with through Facebook and other portals. So, why did I leave? After a few months of actively using the site, I got a job as a pre-kindergarten teacher and immediately noticed my postings and communication with the EC community becoming few and far between. And I figured because I had already gotten what I needed from the site, it seemed like the right time to say my goodbyes and deactivate my account on a good but bittersweet note. So why come back after two years? Well, to be completely honest, I never actually left. I continued to open the site every once in a while as a guest user to read some of the postings in the Coming Out Stories and Support & Advice sections, as I’ve always been interested in hearing what others in the gay community are going through, good or bad. And I realized that, while I may have already gotten what I needed from the site, there are dozens—maybe even hundreds—more out there who, unlike me, aren’t as fortunate to have such accepting friends and family and could use the same support I’ve been blessed with. So here I am! Any questions, feel free to ask. I’m an open book. It’s good to be back.
And already I've made a wonderful second impression by completely neglecting to put a link to my coming out story. Fail. Here it is. Glad to be back, Martin!
Welcome back sir. I wasn't actually around when you joined but perhaps you recognise me. You never know. Laters!
So many people coming back lately! We should just throw a welcome back celebration for half the members on EC! xD But anyway, welcome back to EC!
Welcome back and I just want to thank you for sharing your story. I'm in a phase that fits in with yours before you met Courtenay. Sort of. I have lots of friends, but they're all peripheral. And everything seems pointless. My grades are falling. My dad is angry. But seeing how everythings turned out good for you in the end (your mood is IN LOVE!) I just want to thank you or giving me reason to keep going. Hope you stick around this time!
Welcome back! I wasn't around back in 2009 (I was still trying to convince myself that I wasn't gay!), I really loved reading your coming out story and read it completely from start to finish. It's really inspiring to know that things can work out so well. I know I need to tell people pretty soon, but I don't have a truly close friend like you did, one that I can trust completely.
