In an attempt to get back in contact with an old friend, I pulled up my old (male) profile on facebook and went through the friends list. As I was scanning through, I started seeing all these people that didn't survive the switch over to the new profile...and I realized something.

I'm better off without them. 90% of those "friends" were just people doing the "keeping up after high school" bit. They were people that pushed me around, talked down to me, made my school days a living hell, and then sent me a friend request after graduation...I only even added them because I was hoping they'd seen the error of their ways, and had moved on, but no, they still spent most of their time talking trash about other people instead. Like vultures, picking a carcass clean before moving along to another one.

Another 5% were family members who rejected me, slammed me with religious-based verbal abuse, or offered to help me "repent my disgusting sin and find forgiveness from the Lord". Spare me. If I want a bible lesson I'll go back to church. (no offense meant to any Christian members here, religion is just kind of a touchy subject for me due to that.)

The remaining 5% are people that just...wouldn't understand. Not because they're hateful or narrow-minded, just that they...well, they wouldn't be able to wrap their heads around it.

Looking over that list also made me realize that my life is better now that I've come out. I found out very quickly after "the big change" that my life suddenly had so much less drama in it. So much less BS.

So while it's made life difficult in some respects, for the most part, coming out is the best thing I've ever done.

Yes, fortunately there are plenty of up sides to help counter the difficulties associated with transition.

I gave up on FB altogether even though noone knows about me.
I found it ironic that people would seek to befriend me that I never considered a friend.
Coming out to these people is not something I would do especially since most are intolerant conservatives it seems. God I am in the wrong state! 

The word "friend" has taken on a new meaning now it seems.

I've been thinking a lot lately about my own impending coming out of facebook.  I have my letter halfway written in my head but just haven't set down to write it yet.

I'm expecting about the same as far as people who will accept me and my coming out.  Should be interesting, I'll find out who my real friends are that's for sure.