I have claustrophobia. Should I come out of the closet?
494303
How are you surviving the closet if you're claustrophobic?!
293536
Well first I think in order to answer the question, one needs to know why you are not leaving the house. Is it possible you might be suffering from agoraphobia? This is a condition that can often be tied to anxiety disorder or depression that leaves a person feeling as if they can't leave their home or a certain area around the home. If this is how you are feeling, then you should research more information on the topic, including professionals in the area who may be able to help you. If the reason you don't leave the house is because of a lack physical mobility, I would suggest asking your physician, local community center or church for services available in your community for people with transportation "issues." And finally, if you are just feeling insecure or nervous about trying new things, keep in mind that you can do this in baby steps! No one says you have to go out and join a social club the first day. Start by just taking the dog for walks or chatting with your neighbors when you see them around. Then maybe visit a local park where you and your pooch can get some exercise, hit your church or temple for a service, or visit your local library to pick up a new novel or DVD. After a while, you will feel more comfortable around others and be willing to seek out opportunities to make friends. When you start looking, you may be surprised to find the number of things there are to do in your area. Check the newspaper as most have a community activities section which will inform you as to what is going on and what groups are meeting. The advantage to this is a lot of stuff is FREE. Also helpful are church bulletins, library newsletters, or your local chamber of commerce website. You may be nervous at first to try new things, but just reassure yourself that everyone is nervous the first time and the worst thing that can happen is that you may not have fun. Oh well!
198420
I am out and proud. I can't imagine myself in the closet.
971852
I had a real problem with Agoraphobia.  I couldn't even look out any of the windows in the house.  I kept my indoor world dark and comfy.\n   I finally started forcing myself to get up in the mornings and open 'a' curtain. Then later I was opening all of the curtains in one room.  After awhile I was really wanting to go out on the front porch.  Everytime I tried and started opening the door I would hear a car coming and slam it shut.\n    It was awful.  \n Eventually I would make it out to the porch and stand there and look at the roses and smell the beautilful air...and run back in.\n  It has been a year and a half now.  I was stuck in here for 2 yrs. \nNow I have a car and actually go places by myself.\nIt was rough at first with the car.  I would drive around and not get out. I remember having to go to the bathroom really very badly and 'scared' to stop somewhere.  I ended up driving over 70 miles before I couldn't take it anymore and found a rest area on the interstate.\n   Yep, definately 'baby steps' is the way to go.\nI wish you or whoever it is all of the 'oomph' in the world!\n  You WILL make it ...it's not so bad out here...AND.... I know that I can always come home and  'cave-out' if I feel like I need to.\n     Good luck and be strong! ~wink, wink~
820246
the only one that has to accept you--is YOU!!  remember, carpi deium! sieze the day!  besides what is the worst that can happen?  I used to be shy myself, now I get out there and try, come to think of it, I would not have my wonderful kids if I stayed shy\nalso, (just a thought)\nfind a councelor or confidaunt to talk out these feeling with and help you release the fears burned into your mind.  I have PTSD from sevier abuse as a teen,  I know what it is like to suffer a trama that scars the mind as well as the body, and I see my councelor regularly.  there is no shame in such things.
964566
Well, you could be a lesbian. For some it takes time to figure out their orientation. It sounds like you aren't willing to admit your feelings to yourself and accept your sexuality. Oh, and what your father is doing is abuse. Get as far away from him as you can. You don't need that negativity in your life. It sounds like no matter what you tell him he's going to degrade you though. Just get away from him for your own sake.
890160
I knew from about the age of six.\nThere was a boy in my class at school that I always wanted to sit next to, but it never happened, and it was years later that I realised I had a 'crush' on him.\nI came out to my family when I was 18, but it didn't come as a surprise to them. I'd never shown any interest in girls (sexually), and they respected me for my honesty.\nI know it is not always easy to 'come out', and I would say that you should leave it for a few years in case it is just a 'phase' you are going through.\nMany men get sexual urges, and when you are going through puberty, your hormones are all over the place and experimentation (hand-jobs) is rife.\nIf you are certain you are gay, then tell a few close friends and if they show resistance, it is they who have a problem, not you.\nI hope you will not bow down to intollerance and ignorance, and find the courage to say who you are.\nI had one bad experience when I came out, and the man who didn't want to know me anymore now lives with his boyfriend in London!\nAll I can say to you is, you know the people around you, and you know yourself.\nIf you think they will be supportive, then be honest.\nFrankly, I'd be honest anyway and let them love you the way you are.
397721
If they are dickhea.s like you...\n...For sure!!!\n\nGet out of the closet, Hon!\nIt will be more comfortable ;P  !
785297
Just come out of the closet.
673213
Im afraid that you are gay at this time.
482876
Just confront your fear. Go on stage and do something... stay there as long as you have to, you would be temped to leave but don't you have to say there until you're calm down. Fear can only last so much
1049717
By the way you describe your relationship, you want out. I know that you are feeling stuck, confused, and completely stressed because you feel like you are in a relationship where you are being suffocated and you don't know where you will be if you get out of something that you are so used to. I don't need to tell you you need to get out, you basically said it in your question. If someone is holding you back from your goals and dreams for their own selfish motives, why stay? Also if the bad out weighs the good what do you think that does to your happiness? Life is not meant to live it unhappy, you make make what you want of it. Also each day that passes is a day that you will never get back, and to live them miserably is not worth it. You seem to be looking for excuses not to get out because you are afraid to be alone. Loneliness is not a fun thing, but it's almost if you have been alone with this guy who does not support you. You have your daughters and you have your ambition to progress in life. You can definitely love again! Then are BILLIONS of people in this world, I'm pretty confident that you will find love with someone who will treat you how you want to be treated and support your ideas. It could just be one of those co-workers or friends that have been complimenting you. Good Luck!
965904
Its never easy once you have your walls up so high no one finds them worth climbing to get in anymore. Fear is only one part of it for myself there are many reasons for locking yourself away from others. Give yourself time and learn as much as you can about yourself while spending this time alone. The better you know yourself the less likely you are to be mistreated again if and when the times comes that you are ready to.\n-NmD!
214845
Don't do anything... He'll come out of the closet when he's ready to.  If you ask him it might offend him if he's not.
332153
Be honest and say or do what you have to do. The pain inside of holding back may mess you up. Of course coming out may mess you up. It is a tough call to make. Try to find at least one friend to confide in and start there. Be honest when with that person and control yourself the rest of the time. Then, in a few years start being more open.
342639
I know this is a difficult time for you, but just tell them.  If he or she is truly your friend - they will accept you and love you as they already do.  If not, then they were never really your friend anyway and you are better off without them.\n\nComing out is one of the hardest and anguishing experiences anyone can go through.  I was rejected by ALL my childhood "friends", even the 2 I fooled around with during our "experimental" stages, one of which is also gay, but closeted.\n\nDo not despair!  You will make new friends.  People who will accept you for who and what you are - regardless of your sexuality, colour of your skin or religion.  \n\nThis is the 21st century and people just need to get over their phobias and prejudices.  Life is too short.  Live each day like it's your last.  Have fun and enjoy it.  Just remember to always treat and respect yourself, others and especially nature - the same exact way you want to be treated and respected and all will be well.  And don't forget - just LIVE, LIVE, LIVE!
974512
You have been out of the house only 15 times in the past year??Sounds like you have agoraphobia. It's a form of anxiety disorder. There is therapy and anti anxiety medications that may help you. Get a hold of your doctor and explain this to them, and see what they would recommend to you concerning this. You are not alone, here.