I found out one of my readers has been lying to me about who he is. He came clean recently in a very dramatic email. I wasn’t overly shocked as I’m not so foolish as to think everyone who reads/comments here is 100% honest. However, I guess it was bothering him hence, the email. He explained he enjoyed my blog because I was always so honest and blunt.1 Turns out, he has only recently come out and not thinking very high of himself concocted a rather illusionary image of himself for the world. Again, a no-brainer. We have so few positive role models as gay men I’m not really surprised. Anyway, he went on to state my blog was the reason he fessed up.
I’m flattered my blog had such an affect however, I think it has more to do with his own conscience than the ole blog. Lord knows, I have enough of my own issues. But, having learned a few things over the years, I gave him the same advice I’ll give anyone who asks (and even a few who don’t). Be honest, be yourself. One of my favorite quotes referenced here is “I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I’m not.” Being true to yourself might mean less friends or even less interest. However, the interest and friends you do get will be legit.2
On a side rant, they say reality is 9/10’s perception. I am a firm believer in that. We spend so much time imagining the world around us and all the bad things that could happen it becomes real. We let fear and anger wrap us in a cocoon of self-doubt and worry. We act on these destructive traits by projecting it onto others w/o ever taking the time to discover the reality. I still battle with this one and it isn’t easy.3 I will add, it does get easier. Admitting it to yourself is the first step. As for my reader, well I can only hope he takes my advice to heart and is better for it.
Gosh! Who knew I was so good at psycho-analysis? Our time is up and that’ll be $300.00 please.
2 90% of the fags on Manhunt should take that to heart.
3 I know, what a shocker right?
Moby, it’s cool that the guy thought enough of you and your blog to “come clean”. It takes guts.
You do a great job of “psycho-analysis”…well worth the $300. 🙂
Wow…..quite a sermon. And excellent at that. Thanks.
That’s why I love Moby. He just says it how it is. You earned my respect and admiration a LONG TIME AGO. 😉
In honor of this post, and response to the prior one, I have to be honest: I would have voted for you hands down. 🙂
Nicely put. Honestly always the best policy.
Nice bike by the way!
I will be happy to pay you that money for this calibre of sermon. Keep it coming.
Well put… and like any good sermon should, my toes were stomped on a little bit.
I have to say it took courage amidst all that guilt and deception for the reader to tell you the truth. Trying to understand him Moby was a position well-taken. And you touched on something that resonates a thousand fold with me. FEAR. It drives all of us and don’t let anyone ever lead you to believe that they are in total control of it. I won’t go beyond that comment because I could go into a rant and or blog post on this topic. I don’t think you want that here. LOL
OK, not that anyone probably cares, but I have to take exception to one thing that you said. I read/comment occasionally, and blog, and I am 100% honest.
And yes, I did learn the hard way, and I regret my foolishness. To make friends while being someone that you are not…it’s so futile, and ultimately, you can only lose.
The internet, blogs, email, cruise-sites…they offer us the unique opportunity to portray ourselves in whatever way we choose. The popularity of people like Moby, Tornwordo, roblog, Cooper‘s Corridor…. and Brett and J.M.G., who seem to be very genuine, is testament to the fact that you CAN be yourself, and inevitably you will find acceptance, appreciation, admiration, friends?
I mean, what are we doing here, anyway?