So many of us do this... deny ourselves the right to live authentically to save people we love from having to deal with our inconvenient truth. Certainly, we should be sensitive to how the truth might affect them. After all, we've known the truth about ourselves for a long time. Unless they've been suspecting it for just as long, it's gonna take some time for them to get used to it.

They might feel victimized, as though you being you is a direct, hurtful insult to them. Or, they'll blame themselves for making you that way. Or, they'll worry about you going to Hell. But, you deserve to be and live as your whole, true, complete self. Know that.

They might not be capable of loving you unconditionally. But, you are capable of loving them regardless of their reaction to your truth. Sometimes the best way to love them is to keep your distance. But, despite what we may believe in the moment, dishonesty is never loving. I wish you strength. Eventually, the truth will set you free.