Using People

So I've been thinking about this a lot for the past few days. It seems like no matter where you turn, people are using other people. Is it necessarily a bad thing to use someone? I think to a certain extent yes, but to another extent no.

Now, this is the part where it gets tricky. We all use people. If you deny that well, you're wrong. We need people to survive! At the very basic level, we use people when we are buying our groceries. We didn't grow them ourselves. But on a more substantial level, we use people in order to get basic psychological needs met. This includes the need to be loved, to be cared for, and to be intimate.

I recently had someone get quite upset with me because they felt that I had used them. Well, it's true that I had used that person. But I did not go into that relationship thinking to myself, "hmm, I wonder how I can suck the life out of this person, get everything that I possibly can, and then leave them in the dust..." Heavens no! I tried to explain to him that I valued our friendship because it gives me an opportunity to be emotionally intimate with someone else. And I suppose that means using that person to meet a basic biological need of being intimate. I don't know why he felt like me trying to be emotionally intimate was using him but...I digress.

My point here is that I think we are all a little too quick to jump into the blame game. If something goes wrong or something doesn't quite feel right, we start pointing fingers at the nearest target. I don't think this is necessary.

For example, a man at my work, who I had always known to be single and a really nice guy, was caught trying to date someone from work. As it turns out, my "single" friend is actually married. I was quite shocked to find that out. But then I realized that it didn't really matter. Now I am not saying that I approve of his choice to date women outside of marriage. What I am trying to say is that it is not my right nor my place to judge that man. How can I judge him when I know nothing of his circumstances, and nothing of what he's going through? I can't and I won't.

Our lives and our hearts are connected to others for a reason. We could not survive in this world alone. It has been shown in study after study that in order for a person to maintain a healthy persona, they must have regular social interaction. This may include using someone to vent to, using someone to pull a prank and have fun, or using someone to be physically or emotionally intimate.

Okay, so I think that's all I really have to say about that subject so I think I'll step down off my soap box now :)

Hands

People say there are hands,
Who grasp at your very soul.
They say to tell the difference,
Is to reach your final goal.

I cannot tell the difference,
And it's tearing me apart.
Where are the hands to save,
To give a place to start?

People say there are people,
Who pull you this way or that.
They say to tell the difference,
Will keep you from going flat.

I cannot tell the difference,
And people are turning back.
Seeing that I won't choose sides,
So they leave me in the black.

Your friends are only friends,
If you follow the path they chose.
Choose something wrong and you will see,
They'll leave you with their foes.

So make a choice if you dare,
And find your friends at last.
I refuse to make a choice,
And am forgotten fast.

People say that we need help,
A sort of guide and friend.
Someone to take our hand,
And guide us to the end.

As I've had my share of guides,
And listened to their advice.
I've realized they're only guides,
As long as you pay a price.

Perhaps being torn apart,
Isn't nearly so bad.
As committing myself to something,
That I could never have had.

Everyone gets a piece of me,
And I am torn asunder.
But now there's no more fighting,
Which begs us all to wonder--

Is it worth having a piece
Of something you loved so much?
Maybe all you really wanted,
Was another piece to clutch.

The Battle Continues

Well it's been a while since I last wrote and I apologize for that. I think my life has definitely become more interesting now that it's no longer a secret that I'm gay. It seems like everyone has an opinion, and of course, everyone has to share that opinion with me. I don't really mind listening, but my brain has been about ready to explode from everyone's suggestions!

But I know it's their way of showing that they care. And I think I've grown closer to people since I came out. People have begun to see me in a different light. They can see how I've really struggled and they have tried to share some of their intimate stories. I wanted to personally thank everyone who has shared one of their trials with me. It helps me keep things in perspective, and it helps me know that people care because they're trying to relate to me.

So...where to continue...well, I have noticed that people treat me just a little bit differently now! He he he. I get the questions like, "do you still notice attractive girls?" or "any new boys in your life?" and stuff like that. I think it's fantastic that people are so supportive! And just so you know, I have yet to have a bad reaction to my blog...at least to my face.

I write this blog now because my heart is torn. It feels like people are trying to make me take a side. They're making me choose my friends, and my enemies, and putting me in a position to fight.

Well, I don't want to fight ok? I think this is one of those things where I don't have to choose a side. Yes, it is possible to be gay and still be in the Church! I promise it is! So, I will not lose my religion, and I will not change a part of me that I really like.

Phew...now that being said, my heart is still torn. I really don't know what to do. When I'm with a girl that I really enjoy being with, I feel an emotional connection. I feel like we could be friends forever and just love life! However, there isn't that physical spark that makes me wanna cozy on up next to her. I can still love her emotionally, but I just can't do it physically.

Now with a guy, I feel like I can do both. But here's the interesting thing. If, for instance, I really like a guy, the more I get to know them, the less attracted I am to them physically. Is that weird? I would assume it's kinda weird since most people, after they get married, don't slowly stop being physically intimate. That's just not how it's supposed to work! Well, that's what I would assume anyway.

So, I dunno what to do. Is it possible to find a woman who would not want a physical relationship? Unlikely...even if she was in a wheelchair she'd still want some physical intimacy...trust me, I've thought about this. Is it possible to find a man who wouldn't want a physical relationship? Even more unlikely 'cause it seems to me like most gay guys move a lot faster when it comes to physical intimacy than women. And is it even possible for me to be happy in either relationship trying to be within the Church? I have no flippin' clue...

I am coming up to a turning point in my life. Grad school is fast approaching. No I haven't applied anywhere yet, but that's where more confusing, and yes more stress, comes into play. I have tons of friends here in Utah and in states round about. If I leave, I could make a brand new start and really choose what I want with little to no outside pressure because I won't know anyone. However, I need a social support system. Without friends and family, at least someone close by, I feel like I am nothing. But if I stay, will I be able to stay close to my convictions? Or will I be missing out on a huge opportunity to grow? I don't know those answers either...

So anyway, I know that's not the happiest post in the world, and I will try and write more and tell you of some of the lighter sides of things that have been going on. But I just wanted to get that in the open. Feel free to comment and tell me what you think. I'm always up for suggestions :)