To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.

Every weekend, you're around lots of people, drinking and using drugs, but it all feels fake, and you still feel lonely. You've always wanted to be in a relationship to connect with someone, but you're scared of being rejected like you have in the past. Sometimes, it seems easier to drink until you numb your feelings rather than just sitting on the couch and watching TV alone.

You find it hard to feel excited about things you used to enjoy, and you might not even remember what made you happy. Taking care of yourself and being around others feels tiring, and you aren’t getting as much done at home or work. You feel alone, hopeless, and upset with yourself.

You feel super aware of everything around you and often feel anxious or scared. You have trouble sleeping at night because your mind keeps running through all sorts of worries, big and small. Sometimes, you notice your heart beating fast, you're sweating, or you just want to escape, even if you don't know why.

As a child, you may have picked up negative messages about being gay without even realizing it. These outside attitudes can stick with you and lead to feelings of shame about who you are. Even as an adult, these childhood messages can affect how you see yourself and how you connect with othes.