[Samantha Rogers]

Wow, I don't know how I missed this thread...oh, well, fashionably late, as always.


There is no mistaking it. It can be quite scary, as it is so powerful. And when combined with any of a number of possible complicating factors - spouse or relationship difficulties, lack of acceptance, job problems or monetary issues, self esteem issues - well, it is no wonder there is a high rate of suicide among our kind.
It is so vital that we monitor ourselves for signs of these difficulties. And equally important that we reach out to others within our somewhat odd little online family here if we sense they are experiencing problems. For many of us, the only people in our lives that "get" what we are going through are those on this board. For some, in real life, there is no one to whom to turn for support. I hope everyone here understands the responsibility we bear toward each other. Far from a bother, it is an honor and a gift.

Hi Samantha & Co

I agree it is a very difficult time for all of us. We have probably all gone through relationship issues of some form or other. It is great that we can openly discuss these in this forum which is a big help. Although each issue or the way it materializes (probably spelt wrong) differs greatly for each of us it is very difficult to predict an outcome based on someone elses experiences. It sure would be disasterous going into a potential conflict thinking that the outcome will be the same as someone else had experienced before. Lets face it relationships are difficult, even without our own particular circumstances. With myself it is up and down all the time. One minute my wife is asking me if she could borrow my nail varnish the next she complaing about me wearing it. Sometimes it is difficult to know where one stands. As Heather says you cannot take back what you have disclosed. On one side trying to be trully honest is what a good relationship is built on, Holding back anything will always lead to conflicts and possible disaster. Timing and the way you present what you want to disclose is everything, although it will cause mistrust somethimes it has to be in the open. Unfortunately it is impossible to trully know what the outcome will be until after something is out. Life is difficult!!!
Making the descision "now is the time to tell" is probably the biggest emotional and life impacting descision we will ever have to make - as it effect so much, not just us, but our relationships with other people and especially those close to us wife/children/close friends.

Tina

Tina, everything you say is true. We that come here share some things in common...things many other people do not share, understand or, in many cases, condone. But each of us faces a situation unique unto our own life and circumstances. Commonality allows us to share our understanding, love and support, and advice when requested or needed, because that is what friends do. But when it comes to making decisions, each is on their own, since we, none of us, can truly know what exactly the other is going through. Having "the talk" with a spouse is certainly recommended in general terms, but I, for one, will not judge anyone for however they proceed in this area. Having a GID is tough enough, without having the only people in the world who can understand it turn their backs on you, or even just give you a hard time. We all face and deal with our own demons alone. But we can all be here for each other to help heal the wounds from those battles.
Hugs