I am so sorry to hear this Andy. I think loneliness is a huge problem for gay men, especially as we get a little older. I think you are a great guy, obviously very giving and caring. I know it's painful, but sometimes it takes time and patience to find a person who can see all those good qualities. I hope you don't give up, because you'll make a great partner for the right guy!

To answer the discussion question, I think my biggest challenge being gay is to learn to love myself. It's not all about internalized homophobia. My straight family members have self-esteem issues as well, lol! In my case, I can't seem to give myself the love we ALL deserve, and so how can anyone else love me, if I don't do it myself? I'd like to hear what challenges other people are facing, and maybe how they've overcome them, or deal with them.

Treeguy - my biggest accomplishment has been overcoming self hate and gaing complete self esteem. I ahve learned to love myself really well. All my close straight friends know about me being gay. They really like me becuase as they say I really love myself. In this I can help you if you want. Let's chat anytime. It was not easy getting there but I got there.

I have a blog. It is mostly in Spanish but I have some cool writings in English. Please check it out when you get a chance. In Spanish it is "To be Free and Happy."

http://elserlibreyfeliz.blogspot.com/

Hope you like it.

Thank you so much for your words and support.

Peace and love!
Andy

I met my wife when I was 22. She was the first person I had ever dated, and within two years we were married. Loneliness sucks. I remember when I was single, I'd go out almost every night just so that I could be around people. I post this because it doesn't matter if you're gay or straight, love can happen at any time, and it can quickly and completely change your life. I found it as soon as I stopped looking for it.

Thanks. I apprecaite your comments JC. I am in the same way with regards to loneliness.

As a straight woman, I can tell you dating is ALWAYS a problem, gay or straight! Either your self-esteem is squashed by expectations or you end up wasting a few hours of your life. It's true - when you stop looking is when you find. The sun will rise tomorrow. Please rise with it. I have lost an uncle, a nephew and two close friends to suicide because they couldn't live with their homosexuality. How can a culture that does this to its best and brightest be considered even remotely progressive??

Hugs andy it will get better hang in there lol lgbt ghost

I am sorry to hear that Andy. I know that must be hard for you . I have a hard time meeting other people like me to that I can relate to and date. Right now my only connection to the lgbt community is this group and some of the other groups on ds. I need to have more of a connection to the lgbt community offline . I tried to join a pflag group in my area but it is far away and I don't have transportation right now. I feel your pain Andy. I am here for you.

Thanks Allux that means alot. You are a sweatheart and a blessing.