Dear Chat Daddy,
My partner of two years is very active in many civic and social advocacy groups in our city. I am very proud of his openness, and I support his efforts to make people aware of our relationship, but at times I feel as if people are only accepting because of his stature. I must be very honest. I’m still uncomfortable with being so open in public. How do I deal with being apprehensive while expressing my true feelings to my partner without trying to force him to give up on his goals and dreams.
-Seems Like Everybody Is In Our Business
Dear Seems Like Everybody Is In Our Business,
First, you need to identify exactly what is going on with you and your thoughts about your sexuality and your relationship before you set out to talk to your partner. You might want to seek professional help in dealing with your feelings and insecurities about the relationship. You need to pinpoint what exactly is making you uncomfortable with having a mate who has such high visibility within both gay and straight communities. Your partner seems to be living his life very mainstream despite his sexual preference. Maybe you are not ready to be open and out about this relationship. Once you’ve fleshed out all of your feelings, you may want to have a heart-to-heart with your partner about your fears and anxieties with him being so public and you not being ready for it all. Communication is the key. Express your feelings and emotions so your partner can see and understand where you are coming from, and hopefully you will see where he is coming from. Be encouraged.
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