Should You Come Out As a Lesbian in the New Year?

There's no better than than the first of the year to begin changes to your life for the better.
It's not uncommon to see a spike in gym membership sign-ups or a drop in cigarette sales, but New Year's resolutions aren't always about diet and exercise.
There are times people want to start fresh completely, and that means being more honest with the people you love.
For a lesbian languishing in the closet, this time may be used to come to a decision.
Do you make the move and reveal your true self? In a time when individual states have ruled that same-sex couples can marry, one might think it natural for lesbians to want to be more open about their sexual preferences.
Celebrities such as Rosie O'Donnell and Meredith Baxter create entertainment news headlines when they are seen in public with their partners, and television is more accommodating, featuring shows with lesbian or bisexual female characters.
Yet, for this slow morphing into the mainstream, the average gay woman may still be intimidated by coming out.
Not every lesbian is a celebrity, and anybody considering saying those simple words to friends and family run the risk of rejection.
Of course, coming out can also prove therapeutic and surprisingly positive, especially if loved ones have suspected it for a while.
Should you come out as part of your New Year's resolution? Only you can gauge your environment, and anticipate the ensuing reaction.
Consider the people around you daily - have you ever sensed hostility toward homosexuals from them? Ask yourself, too, if it's anybody's business that you are gay.
Ultimately, if you wish to attend parties and social events with a girlfriend, people will know who you are, so you must decide whether or not to prepare others for what could be a big shock.
If you do announce yourself, be prepared for different responses.
You may be relieved to discover that some friends and relatives will have no problem with you being gay, and will treat you no differently.
More extreme reactions like anger and disappointment, however, can lead to problems in your relationships if either or both parties act defensively.
Just as you'd want others to listen to you, listen to your friends' concerns, and take a calm route toward understanding.
That said, there is no right or wrong answer regarding revealing your lesbian self.
Trust your instincts and approach the new year with a positive attitude, and you may discover you can be yourself around anyone.