I'm wondering how everyone's is dealing with this. Obviously
If you have a wife or gf they will know about this issue. But if you don't do you guys tell your family or friends?? It's is obviously I am in a deep dark place and I can tell that my parents know somethings wrong and also my friends can tell. But I just try to keep a straight face. But I know I look depressed and down. Is it better to tell everyone you have this disease? Even though it's embarrassing at least they will know why you are so down?
My parents know about it. I don't have a girlfriend, so I had to tell someone about it. I'm not sure if telling a friend is a great idea especially when they are young and immature. I don't think my friends who are in their mid 20s will fully grasp how it effects me and I may be ridiculed or made fun of. Older friends might be a different story but I don't know.
Kobegianna, that is a difficult question. Everyone has a different level of need when it comes to opening up. Some people are more private by nature, and some are more extroverted.
Also, everyone will not react the same when told. It could range from embarrassment and not wanting to know and not knowing how to respond to not taking it seriously and not treating it confidentially. Others will have empathy. They will give support in different forms. Some will feel a deepened friendship and trust and may feel they can share things in return.
There can be no blanket answer for this.
The one thing this forum tries to do is give some level of that support to members. It is normal, however, that some want open support from those they love.
Unfortunately, it has to be an individual decision and considered carefully because you cannot withdraw the information. It boils down to who you trust and how private or open do you care to be.
Remember, you did nothing to be ashamed of. This says nothing about you as a person. If you feel strong in that fact, there is no reason not to go on TV and shout it from the housetops where it would only help others.
Quote from: Hawk on April 20, 2021, 11:00:03 AM
It boils down to who you trust and how private or open do you care to be.
That's the the bottom line. My wife knows obviously and I did tell my son who is 23 years old. I felt he needed to know and he received it with a mature understanding. His terminology of a, "penis" though is called a, "your junk".
My spouse, my mother, and my hairdresser...
that is it...