Sarah

Now something really shocking would be the revelation that Simon Cowell is gay, haha! LOL!!

"Mika he's sooo gay! Wait he's british so he's Camp lol. " Mika lives in Britain now but was born in Lebanon.

You're right. We all do things we are not proud of. I can remember doing a couple of things at around the age of 8 or 9 that I am ashamed of. However, at that age, we are not always mature enough to stop ourselves. Without knowing what it was you did, it's difficult to say whether or not this is something you can put behind you. I have with mine. I realise now that it was a sign of immaturity, and not knowing how else to deal with things that were going on around me at the time. However, when I have suffered with depression, I found I often dredged things up from the past and went over them again and again, and beat myself up about them, when I normally wouldn't. Do you think that maybe you were feeling low before being reminded of what you had done? If so, this 'thing' from the past will feel much worse to you than if you weren't feeling low. Sarah x

I think that whether people take offence or not is due to a few things... You are right that by bottling up what you think, and then when you've had enough, telling someone what's bugging you can be upsetting to that person. However, I do the same as you and know how difficult it can be to tell someone what you are thinking. If I was that person though, I would probably be thinking 'why didn't they tell me before?', and so that would be upsetting. I would want people to feel they could be honest with me and so I would be hurt they hadn't said anything earlier. Also, a person may react differently if it's a work matter, or a personal matter. At work, if someone is behaving in a way that's having a negative effect on theirs, or others work, then their boss would probably speak to them about it. However, in that situation, it seems less personal, and I believe easier for most people to take than if a friend pulls them up on something they are doing. Another thing that could upset someone is if you appear to be criticizing them as a person, instead of just criticizing one or two of their actions. Finally, some people will never take advice. You can be the most tactful person in the world, and still they wouldn't listen to you. If that's the case, then I'm afraid it's probably unlikely they will ever listen to you, or anyone else.

Hi, I'm quite new here, but just wanted to say that I'm glad things went well with your mum. You seem to have a very positive outlook and I'm convinced that helps when dealing with illness. Sarah xx

That's a great avatar Martin.

We're decorating at the moment. I hate it, so I can empathise with you. Sarah

Yes!! I found it. Thank you so much for your help. Sarah xx

Would someone be kind enough to tell me how to put an Avatar up? It's probably blindingly obvious, but I have gone onto my profile page and tried to see if it was there, but couldn't find it. Thanks Sarah x

My son's bedroom is black and red!! (I'm talking dark red). I've tried to lighten it up a bit with a chrome blind and accessories, but oh well....he's 15. Hopefully he won't want his room black and red forever! Sarah

Good god, Bob!! You weren't anywhere near to 79 when you had that pic taken were you?? You look amazing. Sarah

Thank you for the welcome. I wouldn't want to be twenty again, but I'd like to be in my mid twenties, but with some of the knowledge I have now. I certainly wouldn't worry over silly things like I used to when I was in my twenties. Sarah x

Hi Graeme, Thank you for the warm welcome. Now some of you (especially the younger members), will probably laugh at how I got into reading gay fiction. I'll tell you anyway I'm a big Starsky and Hutch fan and a friend recommended some slash stories. Until then, I had never read gay fiction. I read a few of the S&H slash stories and thought "wow"! From that moment, I was hooked. There are some great slash writers out there, and some not so great, like any type of fiction. I started reading a few non S&H stories about gay guys, but some of them lacked any story at all. However, the book I have just finished reading is 'Bareback' by Chris Owen. I loved it. Lots of angst, a decent story and lots of hot sex!! Sarah x

I hate public restrooms, or loos as us Brits call them. If someone is in the next cubicle to me I can't pee until they have gone. I hate to think what it's like for you guys who have to stand at urinals. Anyone ever had to use one of the old style French toilets? A hole in the ground with places to put your feel and a stick on a chain to push **** down with. YUK! Oh and yes.....people who don't wash their hands after going to the toilet. DISGUSTING! Sarah

Hi, I'm new too to this site. It looks great from what I have seen so far. Bit of background about me. I live in Staffs, England. Married with 2 children. I adore gay fiction. I have just read a book that I loved, but, am not sure if I am allowed to mention books of authors who are not on this site?? Don't want to break any rules. Best Wishes Sarah