Coming out at 57.

[Kath1]

Same sex (female) significant other just moved into my home. We have a lot in common. We were both in many hetero relationships. Both married and divorced. I have an adult daughter. She has no children. Known each other for 25 + years, even when we were both still married. We have always been great friends but the relationship has moved from friendship to love. She is a pediatric oncology RN who has been openly lesbian for quite some time. It just feels so right to me now to have her as a friend and lover.

Friends have been very supportive but family (very Catholic, very conservative) think I've lost my mind. My daughter is the exception, though, she is all for this. I am very happy with the situation and am very cool with it.

I know many of you have been through this and have had situations much worse than mine. Any advice for coming out? Boldly, discreetly, or just let them figure it out?

[SusanCalvin]

1. I have no advice, but I am very happy for you.

[Kath1]

3. Thank you!

A little confused right now, but I feel that this is right.

This house, that I sorted of hated and wanted to sell because of all the bad memories, is being transformed into a haven of peace and love for us. I'm at peace with my decision but still worried about the reaction to it.

[Warpy]

2. Oh, gosh. I've got quite a few years on you

and my gay and lesbian cousins all came out to their Very Catholic families and survived, the families eventually realizing it wasn't anything to do with them. It did take them some time. I guess that's my advice, just tell them and let them absorb the whole idea at their own speed.

FWIW, none of my cousins of the same general vintage had problems with it, the parental units were the ones who seemed to need a period of "what did we do wrong?" before they accepted it.

The only other thing I can tell you is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

In any case, best wishes for a long and happy live with your partner.

[Kath1]

4. Thank you so much!

My parents know my significant other as my friend. They know and like her. So does my sister.

I think I'll tell them, in person, Sunday, when we are all together.

Thank you for the good wishes.

[LostOne4Ever]

5. I have no advise but want to be another voice of support!!! nt

[Kath1]

7. Thanks!

I just know I am feeling sexy, loved and happy for the first time in far too long. It is a wonderful feeling.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

6. I'll never be in your situation, so I can only give you general advice...

that would apply to a whole host of situations, hopefully including yours. Namely, just be yourself; go with your gut instincts as to what feels right for you and makes YOU happy; and, finally, try not to worry too much what other people think.

Other than that, I would simply offer this from the movie Harold and Maude at the end of this touching love story when 80-yr-old Maude told young Harold she was gonna die and he didn't know what to do and she simply said... "Now go live your life."

Oh, and btw, CONGRATS!!! So happy for you!

[Kath1]

8. Thanks for the reply and support.

I am very happy with my situation right now and feel very free.