Coming Out in My 40s
I'm 43 and realized I was gay not too long after my divorce just over 5 years ago. I have experimented and confirmed I'm definitely not interested in women anymore (if I ever really was in the first place). I have two kids - one adult and one teenager.
For a few years, I was content to just have this be my secret. But lately, I feel like I'm dying inside. I cannot be myself with anyone. I am certain I need to come out in the near future.
But...how? I am scared to death. I don't even know why, except that my dad is pretty anti-gay (but liberal, somehow). I'm sure everyone else has suspected it from time to time, so I'm not sure it will be \*that\* surprising to most people in my life, but I think I'm maybe most afraid of all the questions. How did you not know earlier? Etc. I just don't feel like facing those.
Where do I even start? If you've been through it with a similar life situation, was it planned out, or did it start kind of randomly or organically? Is it better to start with someone more "safe" who I know will be supportive and who will maintain confidentiality while I figure out the rest, or rip off the bandaid and let everyone know in rapid succession?
I'm just so scared. But also intensely hopeful.