Facebook Results

I took a baby step on Facebook. Those of you who are my Facebook friends might have noticed. I know a couple of you did, so I thought I'd follow up, because if you're like me, your inquiring mind wants to know.

I changed my relationship status to "In a Relationship." I got 17 comments and 3 likes on it.

To break that down in little further...

Comments
9 came from people I currently work with
3 came from people that used to work at the restaurant
3 came from blog followers
2 came from people who work with my mom and I see a lot because of that

Likes
1 came from someone I currently work with
1 came from someone I used to work with
1 came from a blog follower

Given that I met my girlfriend at work, I think it's understandable that the majority of the comments came from other co-workers. There's been speculation and we've told some people, but this last week we decided that we didn't want to hide it anymore. We're very professional at work and we don't want any dramatic problems, but if people ask me there's no reason I should be ashamed of dating her. When we're at work, we're working, plain and simple. Both of us are very clear on that.

The overwhelming response is very positive. People are saying they're happy for me, proud of me, that they support me, and that my girlfriend and I are so cute together. I've had some good conversations with people I've worked with for a long time and was able to be really honest and not feel bad about it. I think it's funny that some people thought it was so obvious and some were completely oblivious, but both groups are just happy that I'm happy.

I'm pretty happy with the result. I know that if I write a note that spells it all out, that says "Dear Facebook World, I'm gay," the results could be drastically different. But it might not be all bad.

The most incredible part is that I feel like I have a freedom I've never felt before, and that makes me feel like I'm making the right decision to come out, even if it's just in baby steps.