Re: Weekend GM

Just a comment or two. (I haven't posted for months, so I don't think we've met here.)

First of all, thanks for sharing your special moment. I always enjoy such an oasis in the middle of some of the more serious discussions (which sometimes break out in conflict like a Jerry Springer Show).

Second, regarding your friend who knows about your attractions: Several years ago, through a series of circumstances (consisting mostly of my own carelessness), I was "outed" to my wife and several members of my family, including my sister, with whose oldest daughter I'd always enjoyed a very special relationship.

Many people who rabidly condemn those they feel would do harm to children (unfortunately grouping "pedophiles, child molesters, child abusers" and other terms together as synonymous) react quite differently when they actually know someone whom they think fits some of the criterion they've always associated with monsters.

So it was with me: even though people I loved and who were close to me suspected I had an attraction to children, they knew me as someone they could never conceive (and rightly so) of hurting a child in the remotest way. It was awkward for me for a long time (mostly because of my own insecurities), but I enjoy love and acceptance from those people today. I do not advertise my attractions before them, and that part of my life is largely hidden; nevertheless, when the news broke, they all showed me love and support I would not have dreamed possible.

As a matter of fact, only weeks ago, while visiting, I had a wonderful and memorable outing with my favorite niece, who is now 14 (and amazingly, still thinks I'm cool and wants to hang out with me when I'm around).

That long response was mostly to encourage you that your friend might be more accepting and understanding than you anticipate. Of course, that may not be the case. Just be open to nice surprises, much in the same way you are open to special visits on your job.

girlFriend