How to Come Out to Your Friends

By eHow Relationships & Family Editor

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If you make the decision to come out to your friends, then you must be prepared for an array of emotions and responses on their part. Some of your friends may be less supportive and it may require more time to communicate with them properly. Follow a few basic steps and you should have an easier time coming out to your friends as well as other people.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Quiet place where you and your friends can be comfortable and talk

Step1
Be secure with your own sexuality before attempting to explain to others how you feel. If you are struggling with your feelings, make sure you are emotionally ready to speak to others.
Step2
Choose a time when your closest friends can be around you for support. It may be easier to speak to a very close friend first, before approaching others.
Step3
Share with your friends your true feelings, and explain to them that your choice to come out does not affect your friendship with them.
Step4
Listen to questions from your friends and be prepared for a range of emotions on their part. Reassure your friends that you still care about them, no matter what they think at the time.
Step5
Be open to further questions or needs from your friends, as some of them will take longer to come to terms with your sexuality than others. Some of them may never share the same relationship with you after you come out.

Tips & Warnings

  • Those who resent you for your choices were never friends, do not feel badly if they abandon you.
  • Be prepared for the rumor mill, as some people cannot resist repeat what you have said in private to those who were never meant to know.

Comments

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zzxxxzz said

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on 7/10/2008 I love how people think that this whole thing can be turned into a formula. I've wanted to come out since I was 8, but 8 years later I still haven't. there's never a perfect time to tell people (especially when you're stuck in high school). sure, I have accepted it myself, but sometimes you can tell that other obviously won't. Sure they're "liberal-minded" and vote for liberal candidates, but they don't want to actually be in a deep personal relationship with an actual gay person. They may pretend to accept you, but they will most certainly feel uncomfortable around you and the friendship will likely deteriorate. Coming out is really easy for straight people to talk about, but they can't do it themselves because they can't look at everything from a "who cares what they think" perspective. Said/unsaid Words do fucking hurt. So...STRAIGHT PEOPLE NEED TO STOP OVER SIMPLIFYING THIS P

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eHow Article:  How to Come Out to Your Friends

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