AFriendlyFace

Hey Ron, that's cool a really cool concept with the acidity/alkaline thing. I'd never heard that before though. I also quit drinking pop, but basically because Sprite and it's version w/ other companies is the only one caffiene free, and I don't like it THAT much. I've always naturally shyed away from artifical sweetners (of course that could be partly due to my sugar obsession . Sounds like we have a similar taste in music. Blink 182 and Green day were my two favorite bands for years (and Eve 6), and recently I"ve been listening too and enjoying Linkin park. Actually I like most all types of music though, and since everyone at work listens to country, it's really been growing on me too. I know what you mean about the dad thing too. If there's one thing I've always been sure about it's that I wanted to be a dad. I used to joke to my friends that if I were a woman I might be tempted to try to get knocked up on purpose (J/K I wouldn't really). Anyway don't let being gay dissaude you. I'm still definitely going to have a child (Probably adopt), even if it means moving somewhere else where it's legal (I'm not sure which states allow it and which don't. Anyway good luck. Hey Reaper, I agree with you, weirdness is one of the most satisfying things in life .....though I usually go for more of a spaced out, carefree, kinda weirdness and not the morbid kind....But some of my best friends have gone with the morbid kind lol. Life's really more fun when you see it from all angels, especially the less conventional ones. Shopping is fun too. I'm also really pale and (apparently) thin. Though only medium hight. Anyway I wear 30x32 and that's hard enough to find, I hate to try to find 30x34. Actually sometimes I try to find 29 or 28X 32, because I like my clothes to fit very snugly, and that's really tough as well. I don't get it personally. I mean I think they should have all the huge sizes, but I don't see why they don't carry some on the smaller end of the range.

LOL that's so cool Viv about getting married in Las Vegas at 17 w/ a note from mom! Sounds like a really awesome life too, marrying your highschool sweetheart, having two kids, making your own Christmas cards! Sounds great! LOL as for the the rest well it sounds alot like me, I'm optimistic and highly empathetic too. Once I listened to someone describe in detail how their appendix had ruptured and I swear I thought mine was going to as well!......Actually it's reasons like this that I'm often "in my own world" so to speak. I don't watch the news for instance because it just upsets me. It's for the same reason that I can't stand to listen to two people who strongly hold vastly different political or religous stances argue. So let's see apart from being strongly anti-conflict what else is there to me? Well actually oddly enough I have a tendency to "play devil's advocate", I guess because I have a tendency to defend people (even if they aren't really there getting attacked) and the positions they might hold. But I never let it get personal or too heated when I do it. In my entire life I've had all of one puff of a cigarret and never used an illegal drug. I used to drink a pretty good amount (as much as my friends), but then I quit alltogether for about a year, and now am only a VERY light drinker, and I don't drink at all if there's any chance there won't be someone stone sober to take everyone home. I quit drinking caffiene about a year or so ago too, and boy do I feel better now! I have much more energy and feel much healthier. Oh yeah I'm something of a health nut, well only a little bit though. I try to eat right, I take vitamins etc. And I love my fruits and vegitables. My only real dietary vice is my absolute addiction to chocolate (also the only source of caffiene left in my diet). I hate driving ALOT, but I've never been in an accident while driving. I'm also really paranoid when my friends and family are going to be on the road (in fact I'm looking forward to seeing a friend of mine first thing in the morning because I know she drove a good bit yesterday and I want to make sure she's ok). I'm kinda scattered and absent minded and I spend quite a good bit of my day saying "....now what was I going to say?" or trying to figure out "why'd I come in here?". I'm convinced I must have ADD (either that or senility), but I've never been diagonised, and I guess since I technically don't let it interfer with my life, I don't have it. Blue's my favorite color and often times I'm tempted to buy something blue just because it's blue even if I don't need it. Oh yeah and in case you were wondering blue M&Ms are definitely better than the others. I love animals and people for that matter, and always assume both are going to be "good" unless I have reason to believe otherwise. Oh yeah with the exception of snakes, snakes really freak me out. People having public displays of affection make me smile. I love kids. I'll eat just about any type of food. I usually have a good time wherever I go, whomever I go with, and whatever we're doing. But at the same time I consider myself very independent and don't mind going places and doing stuff on my own, in fact I eat out by myself a couple of times a week, and often go shopping alone. It would be more fun with someone else, like a BOYFRIEND, but hey I'm not letting it stop me. In fact 2 years ago I was kinda down around Valentine's day, and I'd been really bummed out all week leading up to it, but on Valentine's night I decided "screw it, I'm not going to let this get me down" And I dressed up and took myself out to dinner and a romantic evening. lol I even managed to not get too down when I was the only one at the restaurant not in a couple. Anyway if you want to know anything else just ask

Hey College guy, I'm sorry I didn't see this post earlier, or I would have responded much sooner. The truth is no one can tell you "be happy" and magically make you happy. Happiness is a decision, it's true that sometimes you'll face circumstances which are BOUND to make you unhappy, it's also true that you may have a predispostion for depression, the chemistry in your brain may make it harder for you to be happy, just as the circumstances you find yourself in may make it more difficult for you to be happy. But, if you believe in free will, and I have a feeling you do, then ultimately YOU CAN BE HAPPY if that's your choice. You can seek out the medication you may need to be happy, and you can make the positive changes in your life which will improve your circumstances. It isn't easy, and it never will be, but it is worth it. Now for morality. You seem like a very good person. You're clearly very concerned with what's right and wrong. No one should ever tell you not to value your faith, it's very very important. Furthermore I (personally) happen to think the Christian faith is the way to go. Mainstream Christianity doesn't accept homosexuality, it's unfortunate, and sadly it may never change in our lifetimes (and we're both fairly young). But Christianity isn't about sexuality, the major aspects of it, Faith in Christ, Grace, Love, Forgiveness, HOPE these are all totally independent of the issue of sexuality. I can't tell you what to believe, I can't even tell you to decide for yourself, but I can encourage it. Reconcile your faith and your sexuality, it's not only very possible but VERY worth it. I don't know what specific religion you are, but chances are it's one of the protestant religions which interprets the Bible literally. I was fortunate in that I grew up Catholic and attended Catholic school where they not only drove home the major aspect of Christianty, but also preached the importance of "The Church" and "Tradition", basically the way that works is, the Church interprets the Bible and tries to understand it in the context and purpose for with it was written (most Protestants hate that idea, ignore it for now please), I ultimately decided that the Catholic church had no real buisness telling me how to interpret morality, or mediating in my relationship with Christ, I did however FIRMLY accept the notion that these things should be done, BY ME. Morality and Faith are complicated, vital, but complicated. YOU need to figure out what you believe, YOU need to understand the context in which this stuff was written, and YOU need to figure out your values and how to live an upright life. I can't tell you what you should believe, but I can tell you what I believe. I believe that the discussion and reference the Bible makes to homosexuality being wrong was CORRECT and viable in it's CONTEXT. This was written during the very early part of civilzation. There were greatly fewer people, and even fewer Jews, they DID need to reproduce and propagate the religion. That's no longer the case. There are certainly enough Jews and Christians out there now, and the religion is in no danger of extinction, the problems we NOW face deal more with overpopulation than underpopulation, it's logical to assume that reproduction is no longer a moral imperative. Let me give you a few other examples which I doubt many people would argue with. The Bible frequently mentions unclean food, food that wasn't killed using the right ritual or that was simply the wrong animal should not be eaten. Why? For a very good reason, if you pay attention you see that the rituals were more likely to mean the animal was killed and prepared in a sanitary way, the animals that shouldn't be eaten were the ones most likely to cause sickness. God was looking out for the ancient people, now however, we can easily kill and eat animals in a sanitary safe way, thus you don't see the majority of Christians paying much attention to those (very numerous) prohibitions. I believe it also mentions many prohibitions against mentrating women partaking in religious ceremonies, I can't really say what the context is for this, but I'm sure there was one, but do you see many Christian women nowadays skipping religous ceremonies because they're on their period? Mankind evolves, what's right in one age isn't right in another, what's wrong in one age isn't wrong in another. It's a mistake (in my opinion) to ever say a complicated, multifacited way of life is ever ALWAYS wrong (or ALWAYS right). There are quite a few ways you may mess up with regards to your faith and your sexuality. I personally believe casual sex is wrong (just my opinion), but I think that's true for straight people too. I don't believe sex is wrong between two people who care very much about each other, and are ready to be in a serious, committed relationship (again just my opinion). I urge you to make your own decisions about this stuff, but I also encourage you not to just accept what you've been told at face value, THINK ABOUT IT YOURSELF. Jesus loves you, why would you be this way if there wasn't a reason? I can't say what the reason is, but I can say that I believe there must be some possiblity for you to do something good with it. Maybe, just maybe God has some terrific MAN in mind for you to spend the rest of your life with, and make each other happy. At the very least maybe you're supposed to exemplify positive aspects of homosexuality to the world at large, and thus tear down dangerous and hurtful stereotypes. Now for the actual matter of your sexuality. You sound like you disapprove of flamboyant, very effiminate guys. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, personally I don't have a problem with those kinds of gay guys, and have several friends that would fit that stereotype, but I don't think that particular kind of person would be right for me either. But I won't even rule out the possiblity, I know the kinds of people I'm attracted to, but the truth is I'd be with ANYONE (of legal age) that I fell in love with (assuming neither of us were in a relationship already). My feeling is, I'm a guy, I like being a guy, I like a lot (but not all) of the traditional aspects of being a guy, and I'm comfortable picking and chosing when I want to be a traditional guy and when I want to be "the gay guy". I have no desire to give up any amount of strength, courage, or assertiveness just because I'm gay. I CAN do basic things around the house and know and understand the basics of most mechanical things, I also enjoy being physically active and playing sports (though admittedly not high contact sports because I don't like to hurt people or get hurt, but I think it's fine for people who enjoy it). I open the door for ladies and like to think of myself as a gentleman. On the other hand, I love to go shopping, I like to pamper myself with bubble baths and moisturizers etc. And I wouldn't even consider not being emotionally expressive and in touch with my feelings. There are quite a few possitive "traditional" benefits for each gender, you're actually lucky if your sexuality allows you to think outside the box and embrace the qualities of both genders that you most identify with and are comfortable experiencing. I'm not "out" for the most part (only to a few people), and I think the majority of people (except hopefully those that know me best) would be surprised, because while I talk about gender equality, for the most part I seem like a typical (straight) guy (except I don't often comment on women in a sexual way). (NOTE: I'm not out for lots of reasons, but none of them have to do with being uncomfortable with this aspect of myself. Basically I hate drama, and I hate hurting people, I'm moving soon, and it's easiest to just tell those closest to me, and leave the rest without upsetting/hurting/shocking them. If I were going to be here much longer I WOULD come out). The point is you don't want to be effiminate (fine if you are fine if your aren't IMO) or promiscous (I think not being promiscous is a good thing), well YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE. I'm not, and I seriously doubt we're the only two gay guys in the world who aren't, you don't see more people like that because quite simply they aren't as visable, but they're there. About what your mother said, she explicitly said she'd love you no matter what, and if I had to guess I'd say she would. Sadly that doesn't mean she'll ACCEPT you no matter what, nor does it mean she'll UNDERSTAND you no matter, but you CAN hope that eventually she will, and you can also take solice in the fact that she'll continue to LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT. I dare say this could be the case for your dad and siblings too. Now I'll give you the normal reasons why you shouldn't do it. People do love you, no matter what you think, they do, and they'd be very VERY hurt if you did. In fact in a screwed up kinda way, the problems you're having with your family and friends (at least the one you mentioned) are in part happening because they DO CARE, they may not be expressing it in a way that is most positive for you, but they're still feeling it, and they'd be hurt if you killed yourself. There's also an infinite number of simple pleasures out there to experience (dom's writing for example, delicous food, really good music, funny jokes, smiles, good books, good movies, fun games, new things to learn). There are lots of reasons to go on, I can't tell you the reasons that are most important to you, but I bet you can figure them out if you try. I can't fix your problems (though I promise I would if I could and WILL do anything I can to help), but you can fix your problems, and the ones you can't fix you can control how you handle them and how you feel about them. Regardless of your situation or your pain, or messed up chemical/genetic predispostions when it comes down to it, your life is YOUR LIFE, and YOU CAN be happy (again it may mean finding antidepressents that work for you, finding a form of therapy that works for you, and even drastically changing things in your current life, but you can take these steps). Please PLEASE feel free to PM me anytime if you want to talk about anything. Kitty and James were right eariler when they said that with time you'd gain a different perspective, if there's one thing I'm sure about it's that emotions and feelings do, for better or worse, come and go in time. Listen to what slaveboy told you about his own struggles and how currently he's living a much happier life. And simply put remember what Nick told you YOUR LIFE IS WORTH SOMETHING with all the warmth, support, and love I have to offer, AFriendlyFace (Kevin)

Hey Nick, Sorry to hear you're not feeling well, hope it's nothing that lasts too long. I really liked your last chapter by the way. Don't worry about the step-mom thing. It's really a good thing to have an attractive family, or a smart family or whatever. Because then people say stuff like "oh yeah the Jones' they're all really good looking/really smart/so nice." And it's really nothing unusal to be embarrased by being seen in public with your parents, that just makes you a normal teenager. I think just about EVERYONE goes through that, I was always close with my family and I still did to some degree (remember that if you ever have kids lol). Anyway get well soon!

LOL Michael, I found that very amusing. Dom's right Elk is good. I'm something of a pacifist and have enough guilt over killing bugs and stuff, so I'd never shoot an elk myself, but growing up I had a friend who always went elk and deer hunting, it really is quite good. I like turkey too though, but since I haven't had elk in longer, I'd probably prefer that. Heck the tofo turkey doesn't sound half bad either, I love tofo and haven't had it in quite awhile either. But I can readily understand the importance of tradition, it's just never that traditional at my house. I come from a VERY small family, it's usually just 6 of us for Thanksgiving dinner, and no one cooks we just go pick it up at one of the places that caters Thanksgiving meals. This year since two of the six usual guests are ticked off it'll only be four of us, and considering that the other three live together anyway, I'll be the extent of the family coming home for Thanksgiving.....So it probably wouldn't really matter what we had. I'm very sorry to hear about the death in your family Dom, it must be even harder right around the holidays too, my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. It also sucks that someone betrayed your trust. But don't give up, not all people are like that, and even that person may have just "messed up", and may regret it. Anyway best wishes and I can't wait for Chapter 13 of DD

Thanks Kitty, am glad to know I'm not the only one who thought all that research was dreadfully boring, I just hope I'm making the right decision with trying for writing now. Thanks Michael! And I didn't realize adoption was legal in Texas (well gay adoption that is), that's really good news since THAT'S where I'm planning/hoping to move to, and heck who knows I may end up staying there for good Thanks Libbon :-) Hey Eddie! great to hear from you, hope you have been well, glad you liked my first entry :-)

Aww thanks you four, I really appreciate the warm welcome

Well I know I'm REALLY late, but Happy Birthday Sharon! May this year be the best yet, and each subsequent one even better!

Hey everyone!.....I don't know if anyone will actually read this thing, but I figured it might be fun to do one. I like stuff like this, so why not. So let's see what shall I write about? I guess I'll start with a brief description of myself. I'm a 22 year old male senior in college. I should graduate in May with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, great right? Yeah sorta, the only snag is that I've now decided I want to pursue a career in writing instead. I'd ALWAYS planned on writing, I just figured I'd do it on the side, now I'm thinking I want to do it as a full time career (and still write other stuff on the side). What brought about this little ephinay? Well I guess two things really. I'd always planned on going to grad school for psyc. and then trying to do counciling a few days out of the week while also teaching a few classes as a prof. on the other days (yeah education had always been another "top career choice" for me). Well basically I realized that while I really wanted to do that, in order to get there I'd have to go through grad school for a Master's and probably also a PhD, but the thing is, I hate research, and all the quantitave aspects of psychology, and I realized I'd be miserable doing all that. So yeah I could have switched over and just stuck with Sociology (which I was double majoring in, just because I was interested in it), and I still may, but mostly I think I want to write. The other thing that made me realize this was recently when I was writing this boring paper for a sociology class, and I realized halfway through that I was actually having FUN doing it, just because I enjoy the writing process. So I'll probably be applying soon (as in I shoulda started a month ago) to grad. schools in English, possibly with a concentration in creative writing. So that about covers the academic/career aspect of my life. Lets see what else should I include in a "first blog entry"? Well a little about me personally. I'm a rather cheerful, friendly person (in fact in grade school I was voted friendliest in my class lol). I'm usually quite optomistic. I try to take care of myself, I go for long walks (occasionally runs) in my neighborhood 3 or 4 times a week. Which serves the dual purpose of exercise and thinking time. I'm also a pretty contemplative person. I also do boring regular sorts of exercises a few nights a week (push ups, sit ups, etc.). I live on my own, with the exception of my Timmy and Lucky (my cats), and have for the last two years. Before that I lived 2 years with roomates. I really like my apartment, especially my walkin closet (I know it's silly that that's one of my favorite things, but it is)....In fact considering that I'm also "closeted", I get a good little laugh by saying to myself "If I have to be in the closet, at least it's a walkin." Oh yeah on the gay thing.... I've pretty much always known I was attracted to guys, but for most of my life I was also attracted to girls. So I figured "well I guess I'll just go with a girl, it'll be less complicated." The only trouble is the older I've gotten the less and less interested in girls I've become. And I never wanted to lead one on or anything so I pretty much came to the realization I should probably date guys instead. It's complicated though. I've always wanted a traditional "American dream" kinda life. You know the "spouse, kids, dog and white picket fence" thing. Well I'm still planing to have that, just with a guy instead (note my use of the word SPOUSE instead of wife ). Yeah so I guess I really need for them to leagalize gay marriage and make adopting an acceptable occurance, for all this to happen. But hey I'm optomistic (remember?). Anyway I realized I could still have this only fairly recently (like late July), when I read TLW and was inspired by Owen and Aiden's relationship. Ok I know it was FICTION, but I got to thinking about it and realized there's really no reason why that couldn't happen for me. I also read "The Human Condition" more recently was further inspired by Mike and Joe's relationship (again fiction, but hey). So yeah I just need to find Mr.Right and settle down.....I guess that's something else I should mention, I'm not interested in anything casual, if I could somehow know for a fact who the right person for me was, I'd marry him tomorrow if I could. Of course I believe in THOROUGHLY getting to know someone first, but like I said if I could KNOW he was the right one, I wouldn't hesistate. Anyway I guess I'm still "in the closet" because the way I look at it, I'm moving in 6 months anyway, so why deal with the drama, and upset my less close friends that I'll probably lose touch with anyway? Besides I am "being myself" it's not like I'm always pretending to be attracted to girls or be some kinda ultra "tough guy", I just don't verbally say "he's cute!". Besides occasionally I am still attracted to girls. As for my family, well I plan to tell my mom, SOON. As in probably within the next week, when she comes to visit for a few days for Thanksgiving **Gulp**. Well it makes me nervous, but it probably shouldn't. I've always had a really good relationship with my mom (my whole family really). My parents divorced when I was two, after 17 years of marriage, yeah they just waited along time to have kids. My mom explicitly told me I was planned though, so I never felt like an accident anyway....In fact she even told me the day I was concieved (a little odd, but nice to know). Anyway my mom moved back to her home state and moved in with my grandparents. So I basically had three parents growing up, so I definitely didn't miss "having a dad around". when I was a kid I saw my dad every summer and christmas anyway. And he does still call and email on at least a monthly basis, we're just not that close. So anyway I don't feel the need to mention it to him or his side of the family, I like them and get along with them, but we just aren't that close. so also, while I hope it wouldn't be an issue, I'd care alot less if it did bother them. Which, speaking about my dad anyway, I really can't tell, overall he seems like a pretty liberal guy, (he's also a college prof., and alot of them are liberal about that kinda thing anyway). So I guess he wouldn't have too much problem with it, I really don't know though, I don't really know him that well and it's not like gay issues are what we talk about when we do talk. Anyway point is I don't think it really matters much either way. So back to my mom, I really think she'll take it well for the most part. I was talking with her awhile back about a friend of mine from high school who was gay and has ended up in a pretty bad place (drugs etc.), which I blame on how his parents treated him after they found out he was gay. Anyway she was very in agreement with me, and said they should be ashamed for the way they acted. Also just in general I really couldn't imagine her taking it too badly. I know the only thing will be that she wants grandkids and I'm her only child. Of course I want kids too, so I guess it may work out. Funny thing with my family, we all value have a child alot, but only like one or two, so we're a very small family. Anyway as for my grandparents I don't think I'll ever tell them. I mean I'm really really close with them, especially my grandfather, but the thing is they're just from another generation, a different time if you will. And I just don't think they'd really "get it". The thing is I really couldn't ever imagine them like "disowning me" or anything either, I just know it would hurt them. So I don't think I'll ever tell them, I mean they're in their mid 80s anyway, and while they hopefully do have another 20 years or so left, it probably wouldn't be so hard to just avoid the issue with them. I do plan to tell my cousin (yeah I only have two first cousins, one on my mom's side and one on my dad's anyway the one I mean is on my mom's side), we're fairly close, or we were as kids anyway, in fact she's much more like a sister to me than my actual two (much MUCH younger) half-sisters, and I think she'd handle it ok.....Besides sometimes I suspect she and her best friend may be more than just friends anyway. The only other member of my family would be her mom/my aunt and I could go eithe way on telling her, and could see her going either way as far as how she handles it (though I actually suspect not so well,,,,,so yeah if I'm right about my cousin, I'm definitely much luckier, poor thing) Anyway I guess that's along enough "first entry", sorry to bore everyone, but I'm one of those people who likes to "set the stage" so I figured a little background info might be useful. I hope everyone has an excellent day!

Hey Dom! Well as far as the MM attraction goes, I don't have much to offer one way or another. You got me kinda excited (eager, not aroused) when you mentioned he had blonde hair (blonde guys are my number 1 fetish!), so I googled him (I'd definitely heard of him, but couldn't put the name and face together), anyway when I saw him I remembered who he was. And yeah there were some hot pics of him, but there were also so ho-hum ones, and worst of all, in most of the pics I saw he wasn't even particularly blonde lol . So anyway yeah he's hot, but not sexiest man alive hot in my opinion......you know what male celebrity I think's the hottest, Jesse McCartney! WOWOWOW! Is that kid cute. how old is he anyway? Is he too young for me? Not that'd really ever expect to be with him, but I don't wanna perve on a teenager. Anyway I think I went off topic a bit (darn Jesse!), I can readily identify with how now that EVERYONE thinks he's hot it's more boring. I like to be ahead of trends myself. Like 5 or so years ago Sushi was just starting in my area, so when they opened the first sushi restaurant in the area my friends and I went, and I was hooked from the first bite! And I ate it alot, then it got more and more popular and they opened more and more places, and then it got really trendy. And while I still like it, I guess I thought it was cool when it was just me and a few other people I knew that were into it....Anyway same thing happened with Greek food, I went on a Greek kick when the sushi thing got mainstream, and darn it if a year or so later the newspaper ran a whole article about a developing Greek trend and where to go for good Greek food. So anyway yeah it's definitely more fun being ahead of the trend that just looking like one of the sheep . As far as what you did today that you hadn't done since high school.....I'm gonna guess (and hope I'm wrong) "gave some nerdy guy a wedgie and then knocked off his glasses"? As far as DD goes, I LOVE the story and it may, MAY (but probably not) even have the potential to replace TLW as my favorite. Anyway I think I'd be happy with whomever anyone ends up with. I think the major thing I want to see is a reconcilation (friendship wise not necessarily romantically) between Luke and Aaron (not trying to convince you to do this, just mentioning it), and I think I'd be happy with any coupling from among Rory, Luke, and Aaron. Seth I really don't like right now, but that's probably just because you've done such a good job writing him as the "bad guy" maybe as we learn more about him he'll grow on me. Anyway take care of yourself, Dom, and I hope you have a fantastically, great day!

That's an interesting reaction. Like him or not, Hemmingway wrote some of the most economic, direct prose ever. Often that's what his detractors don't like. LOL well I remember the first time I was reading something by him, I decided I'd just read to the first chapter, I read about a quarter of the stupid book before I realized he didn't HAVE any chapters in this book, just little sections, like you'd usually find within chapters. Anyway it seemed very long-winded at the time, I kept waiting and waiting for the chapter to end. Also as I recall he droned on about things I wasn't particularly interested in (I.E. everything I've read ). I may not be giving him a fair evaluation though, and as I said I'm SURE it really is excellent writing (if fame, reputation, and other people's opinions carry any weight). I just didn't care for his style personally. Also it's been several years since I've read anything by him, so my opinions are based on hazy recollections and not any concrete examples, I just REMEMBER thinking "Is this ever going to end??". Anyway perhaps it was economic, and he just said several short boring things as opposed to one or two long boring things, lol can't really remember. Anyway like I said, he's just not one of my favorites, but I don't dispute his talent, nor mean to detract from other people's opinions of him.

I think you're story is excellent Nick, am looking forward to your next posting. Sorry I don't have anything constructive to say, but I actually try not to be too critical when I read or watch something (I'm always the guy saying "it wasn't THAT bad" after any unpopular movie). I usually just let the experience of viewing any art, movie, or book just take me. And should I happen to not like something I always just figure its "not my taste".....like I thought Hemmingway was long-winded, opaque, and just plan boring, but clearly not everyone agreed. Anyway in the case of your story, I really do like it, and can't wait to read more. I never argue "politics" from a straightforward party point of view (and consider myself neither Dem nor Repub., though I guess I'm a little more liberal), but I will state my opinions about specific issues that come up.....As far as religion goes, I'm happy to share my views, but I try to refrain from getting too "preachy",

LOL that thought never crossed my mind, but goodness I found that funny! Goodness! LOL doesn't scream romance to me either, but sometimes guys (even gay guys) tend to just go with the practical. Heck, I consider myself pretty romantic, but frankly I've never seen the allure of flowers. I mean actually I'd probably be HAPPY to get them from someone special, just because I KNOW they're a romantic, sweet gesture. But as far as personally liking them, I kinda don't. Now Chocolate! If someone wanted to get me chocolate, I sure wouldn't complain! Dom, I'm afraid I can't help you much with mother gift ideas, my mom's actually about the easiest person for me to shop for, now my dad . Yikes! no idea, EVER about what to get him. As far as catnapping goes, don't take it personally. Cat's are wonderful, but odd animals. They like to roam around and it doesn't occur to them that if they get too friendly with someone they may get kept. LOL which is why I never let my Timmy or Lucky out, but if I did and someone took them in, I'd blame them, not the person (they are irresistible anyway). I've been thinking of getting them a dog, but I don't know if they're up to training him . I'm so excited to hear that DD might end up being quite long! Excellent job with it by the way! Can't wait till the next chapter, take care and good luck with monday ;-)

Well said Shadows, it's not that I don't like the "smut", in fact I do . But it has to be very tasteful and "feel" right, I wouldn't like it if the characters were just casually hooking up. I mean we can all find other places to read that kinda thing anyway, I think Dom's writing is so good because it's not really about the sex, it's about the people. My general feeling is that I would HATE to see the characters mixed around. Especially breaking up Owen/Aiden or Quinn/Jude. The whole story (to me) made their relationships so central and important, I wouldn't like to imagine them with other people. And I wouldn't like Ryan getting with any of the guys because he's supposed to be straight, don't get me wrong, he sounded really hot and totally cool, but one of his best qualities was that he was a STRAIGHT guy who was so supportive of his gay friends. A spin off that stays true to the original story would always be fun though! Also I know someone said we could just not read it if we thought it would bother us, and that's probably very good reasoning, and in itself a sound enough excuse to do it if you want, but speaking for myself I know I'd end up reading it anyway, and then being ticked off because "I can't believe Owen did that!". LOL Ok I would HATE the idea of Quinn being killed off, and even hate the idea that Jude would rapidly get over it, and go sleep with someone else. But on a purely physical level WOW Jude and Luke would be SO hot! LOL but I promise I don't REALLY want it That sounds like an excellent novel Lucy, I'd love to read it if you do remember the name of it Anyway great job on chapter 11 Dom, I can't wait for 12 (but I will). Take care all and be safe!

LOL sounds like fun, Xander. I don't eat pork or margerine either. Also give "preps" (and every other "group") a shot. You'd be surprised, there's good people in every crowd.

LOL Dom! Well if we're allowed to vote, my vote is for Friday :-P. I agree with the general idea that your stories do seem really romantic (which is one of the main reasons I love them so much!). Maybe you do write them that way to get a different perspective or something. I say I'm going to be a writer eventually (I've got a million ideas but I'm too scattered and unfocused to actually sit down and write them out), and I find myself often running through plot lines that involve something dreadful happening in someone's relationship, something they've either got to overcome, or that proves it's just so horrible it can't be overcome.......But I'm about the MOST romantic person I know, as well as generally optomistic about life.....Perhaps it's just fun to do something DIFFERENT. That said though, don't give up on the fairy tale lol! Anyway have a great weekend and I can't wait to read the next installment of DD!

Hey Xander, sorry to just intrude on your blog, but I saw your post about just starting it on the main page. And what can I say I'm nosey. Anyway it's a pleasure to meet you and I hope everything works out. I had/have a friend, and in fact we were probably right around your age when all this was going on (ok I think that's the first time I've used the "when I was your age..." line ,,,scary.....anyway). So I guess I do have a little jealous streak running through me, and I was really close with my best friend in High School (though I was never really in love with him, maybe mildly infaturated in like 7th and 8th grade, but I'd lost interest in him like THAT by high school). Anyway I didn't see much of him for like a week or so, but I didn't really make anything of it, until one day we're standing in line in the cafeteria, and all of a sudden another guy suddenly makes some remark about my friends girlfriend. I'm like "what! Girlfriend?? when did this happen" (more or less, it's been along time I can't remember word for word), anyway he kinda smiled and laughed nervously saying something to the effect of "I thought I told you" or "I meant to tell you". Anyway I was thrown for quite a loop. And at first when I got to know her, and we all (some of her friends and his other friends) started hanging out....I kinda didn't like how fast they were moving, or how he was suddenly drinking alot more, and actually spending the night quite often at her house, in her bed (which just seemed so scandalous to me at the time), but the truth is, while deep down I still kinda thought she was a bad influence, and that he was "better", I actually had alot of fun with the new little group we had. And I really grew to like her, and while I did spend less time with him, I made a few new friends as a result. and I really couldn't complain anymore about him staying over at her house, when we'd ALL sometimes stay over at her house after we'd been drinking a little (maybe a lot) too much. Anyway I ended up making the best of it, and wouldn't you know after like 3 maybe 4 months, she cheated on (which really hurt him), and they broke up. Then suddenly I was very much the "important best friend" who helped pick up the pieces. Of course I'd rather he hadn't gotten hurt in the first place, but at least we were still close enough that I could be there for him when he did. Anyway I know your situation is different, like you don't like the girl, whereas I always kinda did, and would still be pleasent to her today if I ran into her. But maybe you can make the best of it. Like others suggested, if you just give them their space one of two things will happen. It'll work out, in which case you'll have to learn to interact pleasently with her if you want to continue the friendship. Or it won't, in which case he'll probably naturally turn to you for support in the break up period. Either way all you can do is be there for him. Good Luck!

Hey Bao! I hope you had an excellent birthday, and I hope you have an awesome year!

Well personally speaking I've often flirted casually with someone, and while the majority of those times I was interested and did find the person attractive, I wouldn't really have just hopped into bed with them if they'd offered......at least I don't think I would have

oddly enough I don't think I've ever seen the main page. I found the site through a link to one of Dom's stories at Nifty, and then pretty much found everything else from there.......I'm going to check out that main page now!

LOL well personally I've never taken being hit on by anyone as anything but flattering. well actually I was once "propositioned" by a middle-aged scruffy, homeless man, who pretended he was upset and needed someone to talk to, OK yeah THAT was totally freaky, but once I got out of there and was able to laugh about it, I found it a little flattering I suppose. Anyway I'm usually perfectly happy to be hit on, though if I'm not interested I of course don't lead them on (well actually if I know I'll never see them again, I may still flirt back just to make them feel good). But then I am a tad bisexual so perhaps that has something to do with it. Anyway take it as a compliment lol. Oh and glad to hear that cat finally got you trained lol.

That's great Male! I'm really glad for you, hope things continue to go well for you two!

LOL I agree, Dom. Feed the cat, and stay off the cigs. I really loved DD 9 by the way and can't wait for 10! Hope you feel better soon, take care

Well I've got a few suggestions for what they're worth. First of all it sounds kinda like he's not ready to commit in general. I was troubled by the fact that he didn't consider himself your boyfriend. I think you two should discuss this, and it could quite easily lead to a discussion on fidelity. For example if it were me, I'd sit him down and say that I really liked him and did consider him my boyfriend. Then say that if he truly only has issues with the "label" then fine, but if he also has trouble with the stuff that comes with the territory then there's a problem. I'd express to him how important faithfullness and no kind of messing around is to me. Basically I'd try to spearhead a discussion which lead to a mutural pledge of fidelity. Then I'd trust him, oh I'd probably be a little jealous, but relationships are built on trust so after expressing my feelings and getting his response I'd trust him until I had reason to believe otherwise. (of course that's just my views and feelings I don't know yours). You also mentioned meeting the EX. I think that's a good idea. Maybe you coulda said "oh which movie are you guys going to see? .....Yeah I'd like to see that one myself, mind if I come along?" Sure I know it's shamelessly inviting yourself, but if they're only going together platonically then it shouldn't be that big deal. Obviously that's passed but maybe you could all go out to dinner or another movie or some other activity together. Just to get to know him, then you wouldn't wonder so much if they were alone together. I mean even if they are "just friends", I'd want to meet my all my significant other's good friends, it's important to give people space with their friends, and not be too possessive, but I don't think wanting to meet them a couple times early on is asking too much. As for what gobears was saying about going to the movies being like a date setting...well I'd have to both agree and disagree. I've been to movies alone with many of my friends both male and female, and the majority of the time I was there to watch the movie,,,,on the other hand a few months ago I went out to dinner and a movie alone with a female friend of mine (who happens to even be engaged by the way), we were just going as friends and he fiance' was fine with it. Yet it actually did start to feel like a date about halfway through, we didn't do ANYTHING, but I felt like she was flirting with me and I was probably flirting back subconsciously. I would NEVER do ANYTHING, no matter how mild, with anyone who was in ANY kind of relationship, which is why nothing happened (well actually I'm sure she didn't want it to progress either), but the point is I actually think something would have happened if she'd been single (I'm ALMOST entirely gay, it's about an 80% guys, 20%girls type of thing, but she's kinda my type and the atmosphere was really there). So anyway that kinda proves both points, settings like that can begin to feel romantic, BUT it all really comes down to trust, nothing was going to happen because we didn't want it to. As for the older guy thing, yeah I think that's a little odd too. I've never got why anyone would want to date someone who reminds them of their parents. Sure I think age doesn't matter and if it's an equal kind of relationship then fine, but if it is some kinda father/mother figure I just don't personally understand it. Anyway those are my opinions. I wish you the very best in your relationship, and hope you guys are able to work past it. Take care!