CallaFirestormBW
Posts: 3651
Joined: 6/29/2008 Status: offline
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~FR~ Most of my family (both family-of-choice and family-by-birth/law) know about the social, philosophical, esoteric, and lifestyle aspects of how I live. As far as the raw details, heck, I don't really get into down-and-dirty sex talk, so no, if you want to know who knows how I like my sex, I think the only person you could ask would be to ask me, directly, and even then I may not answer, depending on how we relate to one another. My ex-in-laws don't know anything about any of this except that I am philosophically and esoterically -not- mainstream, but they didn't really want to know much about me for the 13 years I was married to their son, so *shrugs*. My ex does know, as do my father and all my offspring, both by birth and by marriage/companionship (for those who are curious, I discussed things with them as they asked questions, in an age-appropriate manner, and when they were ready for more, they asked and I answered... since then, a couple of them started exploring some of the branching roads I've traveled, and I'm pleased that they were better prepared than I was!) All of those whom I consider "friends" know, most of those I consider "associates" know, and a few of those I consider "acquaintances" know one or more of the divergent paths that I choose to walk. Most of my associates/acquaintances don't know -all- of my journeys on the fringe--just the ones that correspond with their own journey or end up getting shifted into the conversation due to someone else's opening of the topic. That's something that I've found to be pretty universal for me -- I very -rarely- open the topic of the alternatives through which I choose to express my life, whether they be spiritual, philosophical, lifestyle, or health. However, when such things come up in conversation, especially if there are comments made that are inaccurate or which represent only the least savory aspects of a given way of life, I often reveal my own involvement, only because I believe that, until people see people whom they consider to be "typical" of the kind of people they associate with doing and being a part of these things, there will always be a high stigma factor, just because of the hype and massive amount of mis-information that is foisted onto a public with little or no resource to get accurate information. I consider that one of the benefits of being an introverted person with access to accurate information -- I haven't worn the folks out defending what I do and what I believe... and they pretty much see me as an 'average' sort of person... so when I -do- speak up, the words hold weight. I am completely unashamed of the choices I've made, and though some have been real learning experiences and haven't always worked out swimmingly, I can honestly say that I don't regret -any- of the decisions I've made about how I've lived my life with only ONE exception... I wish I'd taken advantage of the financial opportunities to get an accredited degree in the US before leaving the country and getting an unaccredited degree elsewhere. Everything else, for good or bad, has shaped me into a person who fits well in the world that I've created for myself, so I enjoy it without embarrassment and without apology. Dame Calla
< Message edited by CallaFirestormBW -- 11/6/2009 10:03:57 AM >
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*** Said to me recently: "Look, I know you're the "voice of reason"... but dammit, I LIKE being unreasonable!!!!" "Your mind is more interested in the challenge of becoming than the challenge of doing." Jon Benson, Bodybuilder/Trainer
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