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No one can be absolutely sure as to WHO is reading their blog, but from what I can tell from the men who stop by and leave comments, you’re predominantly heterosexual, although I do have a few homosexual male readers and commenters as well.

Today, I would like to thank and dedicate this post to ALL the awesome men who read my blog.

But before I do, I need to tell you why.

--------------

I know it may seem that I am always going on about how much I admire and respect women, but that’s only because women were always my allies in my youth. Therefore, I have always just felt a natural closeness to women.

As I’ve written in the past, throughout my childhood I was verbally and emotionally abused by other males.

I realize part of that had to do with the fact that I never fit in with what boys my age typically enjoyed. And another part of that had to do with their suspicion of me being gay.

I sincerely know now that not all heterosexual males do, but there are many who have issues with homosexuality. Somehow the thought of two men coupling makes them very uncomfortable with their own sexuality because it feels like a threat to their masculinity. To them they associate homosexuality as something less of a man; therefore they lash out in anger because they fear it reflects them. They also, for some odd reason, believe that because another man is gay they are automatically going to try and put the moves on them; not realizing that just because another man is gay, doesn’t mean they’re attracted to every male.

Many heterosexual males also find it acceptable and even AROUSING the thought of two women being intimate. But the thought of two men sharing that same intimacy makes them very squeamish and uncomfortable.

And I know this because there are MANY heterosexual males who have openly admitted this to me.

But for this post, I want to focus on the heterosexual males, like you guys, who are secure enough in your own sexuality that you don’t give a shit that another man is gay. You know there’s no threat, because you’re secure and accepting in yourselves. Therefore, you accept others for all that they encompass.

Allow me to share with you very honestly, that because I was verbally and emotionally abused by men, I grew up most of my life not trusting men. Therefore, I spent most of my life avoiding the gender that I was attracted to because I didn’t want to get hurt. But what’s ironic is that when I DID pick a relationship, I always picked ones that hurt me, because psychologically and emotionally that’s what I expected.

It’s taken me many, many years to open myself to trust my own sex - and not only heterosexual men, but homosexual men as well because I always associated males with pain.

Hence, I spent a great deal of my life surrounding myself with only females because that meant safety.

Yet, there comes a time in your life when you realize that this is not working, and that in order for you to move past the pain and fear of male closeness, you have to be willing to open yourself to trust. And I’m not only referring to male intimacy, I’m also referring to simple male friendship.

And this is where YOU come in.

It’s funny how people who don’t blog can’t understand how you can form close relationships and learn so many wonder lessons from other people on the Internet.

I have to say that in the five years I’ve had this blog, I’ve met some of the most loving, kind, open, compassion, sweet, caring, and secure men.

And just through knowing you, you’ve caused that ‘wall’ which I’ve had so tightly wrapped around myself as a means of protection, to slowly come down and begin to trust and embrace my own gender. And in doing so, I’ve become  more open and trusting of men offline too.

And YOU are greatly responsible for that.

So thank you, gentlemen.

Thank you so much....x



57 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post, Ron. Isn't it amazing how we grow and transform from the most unlikely places? Have a great week! xoxo

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  2. Hiya Chrissy!

    OMG...I just this second finished publishing this post, how COOL! You're a night owl like me!

    Thank you, girl. I been wanting to share a post solely for the awesome gentlemen who read my crazy blog for so long, therefore I thought it was about time I did it!

    Yaaaaaaaay gentlemen!!!

    And yes.....

    " Isn't it amazing how we grow and transform from the most unlikely places? "

    It sure is! And thank YOU for also being part of that growth and transformation!

    Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X to you, Millie, Dino, and Vinny!

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  3. What a lovely post! I'm so happy that you have finally found true male friends Ron. x

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  4. the handshake is a lovely image

    beautiful post

    you're a good open soul Ron
    love ya

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  5. Hi Ron,

    This is a wonderful post, Ron. It looks like blogging had more "fringe benefits" for you that you may have thought at the start. I am happy for you!! Yes, it is ironic that your own gender would cause you as much pain
    as eventual pleasure. And, blogging seems to have been good therapy for you. So, carry on!

    I always think that whoever starts a blog is never the same. You are always changed in some way; new friends, new knowledge or whatever else.

    Have a great weekend, my dear. I may be posting this week. I am currently going through new pics so, we will see!

    xo to ya down in Philly!

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  6. "It’s funny how people who don’t blog can’t understand how you can form close relationships and learn so many wonder lessons from other people on the Internet."

    I love this line. I don't think people who are outside of this other world we inhabit get it at all. I have developed a few very meaningful relationships with people who I met through the medium, you being one of them. I feel so fortunate that this has happened and that I took a chance in exposing myself online. Otherwise, I would have never enriched my life in this way. I'm so glad that you have been able to understand these things about yourself and then be fortunate enough to develop some healing relationships. It doesn't matter that they are through blogging. What matters is that they have happened and you are a happier person because of them.

    Wonderful post, my friend!

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  7. Hey, Ron, that is a FABULOUS post!! I can't tell you how honored I am to include myself in this group of straight guys you trust (SGUT!). I ashamed of men who make hateful comments about gay people in some desperate--and FAILED!--attempt to prove their masculinity. I don't know what's wrong with these clowns, but I do think we as a society have failed big time in eradicating these terrible attitudes. So I say to hell with these losers! We will pull down the wall together, buddy, and let the sun shine in! Have a great week!!

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  8. awh what a beautiful post indeed. i do love your writing ron. i'm not a gay man, but you're welcome. hahahah.

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  9. Do you know, Ron, I felt honoured to read this post. Don't ask me why, but I did. I don't give a cuss about people's sexual relationships or indeed friendships, but I'm sorry that you had to go through a hard time with members of your own sex. You've come out smiling though, I know it. (((Ron)))

    Wishing you a magnificent Monday.

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  10. Good morning Akelamalu~

    Thank you.

    And me too!

    Have a wonderful week, m'dear. And thank you for stopping by!

    X

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  11. Good morning Lady Dianne~

    Thank you. I had two different photos I wanted to use for the closing of this post, but this one seemed to express what I really wanted to say.

    ((((( You ))))))

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a SUPA' week!

    X ya!

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  12. Hey the ladyV~

    Thank you!

    (((( You )))))

    " i'm not a gay man, but you're welcome. hahahah."

    Bwhahahahahhaahha! Cracked me up!

    Have a awesome week, girl! And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  13. Bonjour Barb~

    "It looks like blogging had more "fringe benefits" for you that you may have thought at the start. And, blogging seems to have been good therapy for you."

    Yes, it has. And not for the reason mentioned in this post, but for so many other reasons as well. And this is coming from a man who first thought that blogging was such a STUPID idea - HA!

    "I always think that whoever starts a blog is never the same. You are always changed in some way; new friends, new knowledge or whatever else."

    Exactly! Perfectly stated, my friend!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Barb. Looking forward to your posts this week!!!!!

    xo to you over in France from Phillly!

    (((( Barb )))))

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  14. Good morning Jen~

    "I have developed a few very meaningful relationships with people who I met through the medium, you being one of them. I feel so fortunate that this has happened and that I took a chance in exposing myself online. Otherwise, I would have never enriched my life in this way."

    Ditto, my friend! And what's totally ironic is that when I first heard about blogging I thought it was the SILLIEST and SUPIDEST thing, and couldn't imagine myself doing it, let alone LOVING it the way I do! It's been such an amazing journey on so many levels.

    " It doesn't matter that they are through blogging. What matters is that they have happened and you are a happier person because of them."

    Right you are!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Jen. Have a wonderful week!

    X

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  15. A beautiful post, and very enlightening. I have several friends that are gay men (and a cousin) and they've had similar experiences. Good on you for recognizing the destructive patterns and embracing those positive relationships.

    Happy Monday and I hope you have a fabulous week!

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  16. Hey there Rob~

    Thanks, buddy. And thank YOU for being part of this. Meeting you has been MY honor!

    SGUT. HA! LOVED THAT!!!!!

    "I don't know what's wrong with these clowns, but I do think we as a society have failed big time in eradicating these terrible attitudes."

    Sometimes I see these attitudes evolving and changing, but other times I see them staying the same.

    As I shared, I sincerely know that not ALL straight guys feel this way, but many of them do. Again, I think it simply comes from fear.

    "We will pull down the wall together, buddy, and let the sun shine in!"

    Thank you, Rob! You da' BOMB!

    Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous week!!!!

    X

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  17. "Many heterosexual males also find it acceptable and even AROUSING the thought of two women being intimate."

    Hmm. I'd never thought of that, but now that you mention it, that does sound like a rather steamy scenario.

    Yeah. Right. Never thought of that as in, never thought of that in the last three minutes. It IS hot.

    I've also always been secure enough in my sexuality not to ever be "turned off" or squeamish around gay men. I'm very open and accepting of all people. If it turns you on and doesn't hurt anybody, go for it. Viva la gay!

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  18. Hey there Tara~

    Thank you, girl! I can't tell you how happy I am in having met you through Mark. I could always feel that you were a sweetheart!

    "I have several friends that are gay men (and a cousin) and they've had similar experiences."

    Yes, I also know of several other gay men who have experienced this same thing growing up. And I don't think society realizes just how much this affects our adulthood and our overall relationships with other men.

    "Good on you for recognizing the destructive patterns and embracing those positive relationships."

    Truly, the men I've met online through blogging have had A LOT to do with that.

    Happy Monday! Have a faaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  19. I think that maybe it is easier to accept a homosexual via the internet for some men. It's not such a threat. Then they get to know the real person and that brick in the wall comes down.

    The internet is full of bad things but it is also responsible for many good things too. The breakdown of barriers being one.

    Blogging is responsible for many, many good friendships and it's what keeps me blogging.

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  20. Howdy Mark~

    "Hmm. I'd never thought of that, but now that you mention it, that does sound like a rather steamy scenario.

    Yeah. Right. Never thought of that as in, never thought of that in the last three minutes. It IS hot."

    Bwhahahahahahahahahaha! Mark, you KILL ME, MAN!!!!! And see...what did I tell you!

    "I've also always been secure enough in my sexuality not to ever be "turned off" or squeamish around gay men. I'm very open and accepting of all people. If it turns you on and doesn't hurt anybody, go for it. Viva la gay!"

    And THAT'S why I admire and respect you so much!

    Thanks, buddy!

    Have a faaaaaaaaaaabulous week and thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  21. Good morning Valerie~

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for your sweet words, dear lady.

    And I'm glad you feel honored because I feel honored in knowing these gentlemen too!

    "but I'm sorry that you had to go through a hard time with members of your own sex. You've come out smiling though, I know it."

    I think each and everyone of us grows up with different challenges (hard times). But I also think they're there for a reason. And as long as we grow from them, they can be positive challenges.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post. Muchly appreciated.

    (((( You ))))

    Have a glorious Monday and week.....X

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  22. Hey there Babs~

    "I think that maybe it is easier to accept a homosexual via the internet for some men. It's not such a threat. Then they get to know the real person and that brick in the wall comes down."

    You are absolutely right and I'm glad you brought that point up. That's WHY I think blogging is such a great way to meet people because we don't initially have the 'physical' in front of us, therefore we get to really know the 'interior' of a person first.

    "Blogging is responsible for many, many good friendships and it's what keeps me blogging."

    Me too, Babs! And thank YOU for being a part of that!

    (((( You ))))

    Have a wonderful week and thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  23. What a lovely post and a perfect image to include at the end!

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  24. Thanks Suzi!

    (((( You ))))

    Have a wonderful Monday and thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  25. Even though I'm not one of your gentlemen readers, I really enjoyed reading this post, Ron.

    Thank you for being so honest and personal.

    Have a wonderful week, Ron!

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  26. Hola Denise~

    You're so welcome. I've been changing and shifting internally this year, so I wanted share the experience with you all.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for being here, girl!

    You're a sweetheart! Have a terrific week!

    X

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  27. Ron, what a beautiful, heart-felt post.

    I know exactly what you mean by: "But what’s ironic is that when I DID pick a relationship, I always picked ones that hurt me, because psychologically and emotionally that’s what I expected."

    I did that with a lot of my female friendships. I didn't realize I was picking female friends who treated me like my bio-mother-- she loved-hated me and was jealous of me. It was only after many years of "self-healing" did I see the whole picture and now know what to look for. I think it also has a lot to do with self-acceptance, esteem and respect.

    I'm in complete agreement that some heterosexual men are insecure with their own sexuality therefore they fear homosexual men. For example, I am secure with my sexuality so I have no fear of "gay" females "hitting on" me. To me it would be just like a heterosexual male "hitting on" me. I'd just say "I'm married".

    I really wish (and I think I've said this before) people wouldn't fear or hate things they don't understand. It would be so much better if they just tried to understand a little. Or just accept it. Everyone is different, which makes the world a wonderful place. It would be so boring if we were all the same!

    Have a fantabulous week!

    ((You))

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  28. you made me cry. in a good way. one of oldest and dearest friends is lesbian.... so, despite a very red-knecked homophobic family background, I had to learn a kinder way of thinking.... and the thing that impresses me most about the homosexual friends i've made through her, is how few of them think they should tell others how to live, or think, or behave, or feel.... unlike the bigoted brutes in my family.

    thank YOU for your honesty and your grace.

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  29. Katherine KrigeMonday, April 30, 2012

    It is amazing how much our online relationships affect our offline world. I am so happy to hear that through this supportive environment, you have healed and grown in ways you never would have thought possible. Hip hip hooray for however that happens. Hope that you can continue to let people, more specifically men, into your life and find even more happiness in the process.
    Hugs to you Ron

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  30. Awwwwwwww, Ron! What a heartfelt and beautiful blog post. You are awesomeness.

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  31. this post totally rocks! I'm so glad to hear you say that you are aware of past issues regarding trust and are now conscious of moving past them with new clarity and confidence regarding the way that healthy male friendships feel. The realizations you share always seem pertinent, I think, to everyone who clicks in to read and I appreciate you sharing this message today. Sending love xoxo - diane

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  32. Personally, I judge people on an individual basis. I could give two flips about personal choices. As long as someone is good at heart, that's good enough for me.

    Lemme tell ya, it's been great knowing you, Ron! The wife and I enjoy your posts, and feel honored to be able to count you amongst our group of friends.

    Here's hoping for another five years of posts from you!!

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  33. Thank you, girl!

    (((( You )))))

    And thank you for stopping by! Have a wonderful week!

    Oh yeah, and I forgot to say this in my comment on your post today....CONGRATULATIONS on your completion of the 30-day photo challenge!!!

    You did GREAT! And I so enjoyed viewing your photos!

    X

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  34. Hey there Diane~

    " I'm so glad to hear you say that you are aware of past issues regarding trust and are now conscious of moving past them with new clarity and confidence regarding the way that healthy male friendships feel."

    As I shared at the beginning of this new year, I knew that 2012 was/is going to be a year of change, movement, and growth for me. And THIS is one of the things I felt needed to be looked at and addressed.

    " The realizations you share always seem pertinent, I think, to everyone who clicks in to read and I appreciate you sharing this message today."

    Thank you for sharing that, my friend. I think ALL the things we go through in our lives, regardless of whether it's straight issues, gay issues, illness, death, etc., can be related to EVERYONE. Because really, they're all the same issues we ALL deal with.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Diane. And thank you for your friendship!

    Have a wonderful week!

    Much X to you and Cristybella!

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  35. Howdy Herman~

    "Personally, I judge people on an individual basis. I could give two flips about personal choices. As long as someone is good at heart, that's good enough for me."

    And THAT is why I admire and respect you so much.

    "Lemme tell ya, it's been great knowing you, Ron! The wife and I enjoy your posts, and feel honored to be able to count you amongst our group of friends."

    Ditto, buddy! DITTO!

    Much thanks for stopping by, Herman. It's an honor to know you!

    Have an AWESOME week!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  36. Greetings Katherine~

    "It is amazing how much our online relationships affect our offline world."

    It is, isn't it? And to think that I almost didn't start blogging because I thought it was STUPID. How stupid - HA!

    "I am so happy to hear that through this supportive environment, you have healed and grown in ways you never would have thought possible."

    Me too! And not only from the gentlemen who I blog with, but also you ladies!

    "Hope that you can continue to let people, more specifically men, into your life and find even more happiness in the process."

    Thank you.

    (((( You )))))

    Always FAB to see ya, Katherine. Thanks oodles for stopping by!

    Have a grrrrrrreat week.....X

    X to you and your girls!

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  37. Greetings GFID~

    *waving*

    It's always so nice to read your comments!

    It's funny because after I wrote this post yesterday afternoon, I cried too. But as you shared...in a good way. Sharing this was so therapeutic for me. And not only just in getting it out, but also because of how touched I am by the awesome men I've met through blogging who have been my teachers.

    "one of oldest and dearest friends is lesbian.... so, despite a very red-knecked homophobic family background, I had to learn a kinder way of thinking...."

    Bless you, dear lady!

    ((((( You ))))))

    And I think the reason why many homosexual men and women don't tell others how to live, or think, or behave, or feel...is because most of us have been told that our whole lives.

    Much thanks for stopping by and sharing on this post.

    You've added MUCH!

    Have a lovely week.....X

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  38. Hellooooooo Pamela~

    Thank you....x

    "I did that with a lot of my female friendships. I didn't realize I was picking female friends who treated me like my bio-mother-- she loved-hated me and was jealous of me. It was only after many years of "self-healing" did I see the whole picture and now know what to look for. I think it also has a lot to do with self-acceptance, esteem and respect."

    AMEN! And thank you for sharing that because this topic which I brought up can be related to everyone, because we've all come from some sort of childhood background that affects us in our adulthood.

    " For example, I am secure with my sexuality so I have no fear of "gay" females "hitting on" me. To me it would be just like a heterosexual male "hitting on" me. I'd just say "I'm married"."

    And thank you for bring that up too because in all honesty, most women I've met don't have an issue with with "gayness" whether it be male or female. It's mainly an issue with many men.

    " It would be so much better if they just tried to understand a little. Or just accept it. Everyone is different, which makes the world a wonderful place. It would be so boring if we were all the same!"

    I soooooooooooo agree!!!! Can you imagine if we were all the same how BORING it would be???

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings on this post, dear friend. Muchly appreciated and enjoyed!

    (((( You )))))

    Have fantabulous week too!

    X

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  39. Ron, this is beautiful. there is nothing more to say. much love, my friend. xoxox

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  40. What a beautiful and heartfelt post! Bravo Ron! I am so impressed with your ability to open yourself up. Wonderful my dear friend!!!

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  41. Hello Dear Linda~

    Thank you.

    And thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!

    (((( You )))))

    xoxoxooxxo

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  42. Hiya Peg~

    Thank you.

    (((( You ))))

    Hey, I just wanted to say....HAVE A GREAT OPENING TODAY!!!!

    And as we say in show biz....."Break a leg!!!!!"

    The best to you and Dwight!

    X

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  43. I suddenly wish I was a man.
    Seriously!

    Can I tell ya, it's the same for me.
    I mean in as much as I find it much more 'doable' to establish trusting relationships with men than I do women.
    And here's where I sound biased........men tend to just 'put it out there' and women tend to focus on saying what's 'nice' or 'socially okay' or 'kind'. LOL YES I'm sure that's stereotyping but it was also my experience growing up. Men would say it TO you, women would say it ABOUT you. As much as folks joke about men telling you your butt looks fat in that dress and a woman trying to do this with 'tact'....I prefer someone to just SAY it without any guesswork into what they're 'really' saying.
    True.

    I was also raised without a female in the home.........PROBABLY has something to do with my 'trust issue' as well, huh?
    But I do find it more comfy to be in the company of a group of fellas than a group of women.

    Now--granted that was the experience in my 'younger days'. And either I've altered my perception, or some of the women around me have grown up....LOL Everyone knows it's not ME that's grown up--I still play with bubbles and sidewalk chalk......

    I don't find it AS difficult today and in part (here I go agreeing with you AGAIN......) it's been some of the female friendships/relationships I've established online. LOL Go figure that one, huh?

    So, thanks to the females I've met and been able to connect with in this medium.
    And thanks to the men, too.
    They've stretched me and helped me grow immensely.....outward in a widening perception kinda way.
    DEFINITELY not in a 'grow UP' sorta way.....LOLOL

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  44. Hiya Mel~

    "YES I'm sure that's stereotyping but it was also my experience growing up. Men would say it TO you, women would say it ABOUT you."

    OMG....you sound JUST like my mother (who is a Libra, btw) when it comes to men and women. She feels more comfortable around men versus women, and for the same reasons you just mentioned.

    "I was also raised without a female in the home.........PROBABLY has something to do with my 'trust issue' as well, huh?"

    My mother grew up with both parents, but she had a closer relationship with her father and brothers, so I suppose that's why she prefers the company of gentlemen.

    Like I shared, I think it all has to do with what we experienced in our childhood, how we relate to men and women. And for me, it was the females who were my allies and confidants.

    "I don't find it AS difficult today and in part (here I go agreeing with you AGAIN......) it's been some of the female friendships/relationships I've established online. LOL Go figure that one, huh?"

    Isn't it AMAZING the things we learn from the relationships we develop online? They even have the ability to help us HEAL.

    "So, thanks to the females I've met and been able to connect with in this medium.
    And thanks to the men, too.
    They've stretched me and helped me grow immensely.....outward in a widening perception kinda way.'

    AMEN!!! Me too!

    Thanks oodles for stopping by and sharing on this post, dear lady. You've added MUCH!

    (((( You ))))

    X

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  45. This is an EXCELLENT and beautiful post. And honest. So wonderfully honest. I just love your posts... LOVE THEM.

    OK, so this was for the guys... hope girly girls can write comments. Cause on that note, I'm not gonna stop!

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  46. *waving and smiling*

    Hey there Katherine!

    Thank you for your sweet words :)

    This was one of those posts that wrote itself. It was one of those times when you sit down at the keyboard to express something...and it just comes.

    "OK, so this was for the guys... hope girly girls can write comments. Cause on that note, I'm not gonna stop!"

    HAHHAHAHAHA! Yes, by all means! And I'm glad you commented! Even though this post is dedicated to the guys, I hope that everyone here enjoys it.

    (((( gals too ))))

    Thanks oodles for stopping by this evening. Always FAB to see ya!

    Enjoy your week....X

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  47. I didn't realize you were a night owl too Ron! This is an excellent heartfelt post and one you should be proud of. I hope it is ok that I am commenting even though I am not a "gentleman". Hope all's well in your world, I just returned from not having internet access for two nights...the phone was in and out of service...drove me nuts!!
    xo
    Jeanne

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  48. Good morning Jeanne!

    Yup....I'm a BIG TIME night owl. I come alive at night like a VAMPIRE - HA!

    Thank you, dear lady. Glad you enjoyed this post.

    And yes, even though this post is dedicated to the gentlemen, it's here for EVERYONE.

    "I just returned from not having internet access for two nights...the phone was in and out of service...drove me nuts!!"

    OMG...I'm so sorry :( I know EXACTLY how you felt because of when I lost power last week. No phone, no Internet service.

    DROVE ME NUTS!!!!

    Glad to hear you got it back! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!! Isn't it something how lost we feel without technology?

    Have a great rest of your week and thanks for stopping by!

    X to you and girlz!

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  49. Ron, this is such a fantastic post. It is very hard for some people to understand that "cyber friends" are REAL friends, especially when they are as honest and caring as you!

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  50. Hey Nitebyrd~

    Thank you for your sweet and kind words, you awesome REAL friend you!

    And it's true....it is very hard for people who don't blog to understand the deep and close friendships that can occur online.

    And thank YOU for being one of them!

    Can't wait to FINALLY meet you this summer!!!!

    (((( You ))))

    X ya, Sis!

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  51. That's a great post, Ron. I have a gay cousin who I would say is a lot like you. He too was abused verbally and emotionally as a kid, but somehow escaped being beaten like his siblings - I believe his father only hit him once, and he had the courage to stand up to him and it never happened again. But he spent a lot of his childhood with us girls, and a lot of his adult life alone. He's a sweet guy, and at last has found his life's companion - I'm really pleased for him. They'll be going ahead with a 'civil ceremony' (our equivalent to gay marriage) this year.

    I'm glad to hear you've met some great guys through blogging - both gay and straight!

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  52. Hey there Jay~

    I cannot thank you enough for sharing your comment on this post, my friend.

    "I believe his father only hit him once, and he had the courage to stand up to him and it never happened again."

    GOOD. FOR. HIM.

    Fortunately, I was never physically abused as a kid (because I think the guys that tormented me where actually frightened of me), but emotional abuse can also be quite harmful as well.

    "He's a sweet guy, and at last has found his life's companion - I'm really pleased for him. They'll be going ahead with a 'civil ceremony' (our equivalent to gay marriage) this year."

    OMG...that made me SO HAPPY to hear! It actually made me teary-eyed reading.

    Yes, I've met some of the COOLEST guys through blogging, which has affected me in such a positive way!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Jay!

    (((( You )))))

    Be well, my friend....X

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  53. Bravo my good man!!!

    Wouldn't it be great if more men could just be more comfortable with themselves and stop worrying about trying to prove or disprove their sexuality?

    Hey, I've been a pretty crappy reader of late. Sorry about that. But I can truly say that I think about you often. When it's cold and rainy outside I think, "This is Ron weather." I walk by the fragrance counter at a dept store and think, "I wonder who has tried to pry an extra freebie from Ron for their measly little purchase."

    You keep posting from the heart and man that is refreshing.

    If we ever get the opportunity to meet I'm gonna give you a great big hug and not worry one bit that you'll want to grab my ass. Ha!

    Seriously, it's been so cool getting to know you over the past few years and I count it a blessing to call you friend.

    Be well buddy.

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  54. *waving*

    Hey there Jeff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    It's so GREAT to see ya, bud!

    "Wouldn't it be great if more men could just be more comfortable with themselves and stop worrying about trying to prove or disprove their sexuality?"

    You said it! It would nice if there were more men like you and all the other cool and secure guys who read my blog. Truly, I feel so blessed in knowing ya'll!

    "Hey, I've been a pretty crappy reader of late. Sorry about that."

    No apologies needed. I totally understand that life happens, therefore we've got to go with it. Yes, I too think about you often and hope all is going well with work and your family.

    "If we ever get the opportunity to meet I'm gonna give you a great big hug and not worry one bit that you'll want to grab my ass. Ha!"

    Bwhahahahhahahahahaha! CRACKED. ME. UP.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    "Seriously, it's been so cool getting to know you over the past few years and I count it a blessing to call you friend."

    Ditto!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Always FAB to see ya, Jeff!

    Have a great holiday weekend!

    X to you and your family!

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  55. That's a great post, Ron. I have a gay cousin who I would say is a lot like you. He too was abused verbally and emotionally as a kid, but somehow escaped being beaten like his siblings - I believe his father only hit him once, and he had the courage to stand up to him and it never happened again. But he spent a lot of his childhood with us girls, and a lot of his adult life alone. He's a sweet guy, and at last has found his life's companion - I'm really pleased for him. They'll be going ahead with a 'civil ceremony' (our equivalent to gay marriage) this year.

    I'm glad to hear you've met some great guys through blogging - both gay and straight!

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