Coming out is a personal thing and no one should force anyone else to do it. Yes, it is true that once you leave the closet you feel free from keeping secrets and you embrace who you are. On the other hand, you have to be prepared for what your parents may say to you. If you live with your parents you have to be prepared in case they throw you out of the house. Laugh if you want but it happens.

WIll your friends be there to offer moral as well as economical support should your parents decide to kick you out of the house? It could only be for a few days but it could also be for a long time and you have to be prepared. You should find a family member with whom you feel like you can talk freely and honestly. In some instances, parents already know and they are waiting for you to feel comfortable enough to embrace who you are. If you can talk to your mother for instance, speak to her alone and maybe she can become an ally and help you break the news to the rest of the family.

Coming out is about you and no one else. You decide when and where and you set the schedule. Do not rely 100% on your friends because if you feel let down, that could put a strain on your friendship. Remember, it is you who will have to suffer the consequences, whatever they may be. Because of that, do it on your own time and your own way. Listen to other people's coming out stories and find some ideas you can use. Find a shoulder you can lean on should things don't go as planned. It is important to have someone to talk to if your parents give you the cold shoulder.

If your friends pester you every time they see you, tell them to back off. They have no right to boss you around and tell you how to live your life. If they are truly your friends, they should support your decisions and understand your personal needs. This is about you and not them; if they can't understand that, maybe they are not your true friends.