Mark from San Fran.

Mark from San Francisco California writes:

My best friend just told me that he is gay. I am really pissed. We have grown up together, camped together, gone skinny dipping together, and even slept in the same bed as kids. I am not sure that I can be friends with him anymore. I am uncomfortable around gay men. How do I tell him that I can’t handle him being gay?

Sheepshag:

You don’t. Dude, you’re an idiot.
First of all if, as you describe, you have grown up with this guy and are only now discovering that he is gay, it sounds like he has never asked you to handle him or put you in a position where you thought he might want you to. Second, you say you are “uncomfortable” around gay men and yet you choose to live in San Francisco! Hello... Get it together bro.
Sounds to me like this guy is someone who has enough trust in your friendship to tell you he is gay. If you are really his friend you will not only accept it, you will respect it.
Remember, dude, life is not a game of golf where everyone drives toward the same hole.

Ask Sheepshag a question, but remember, don't ask the question if you can't handle the answer.