ABSTRACT
There aren't a lot of secrets in my life. I've lived like an open book, never able to keep quiet about even the things that shame me the most. Because, despite my good Protestant upbringing (never talk about your feelings; never let on that you have emotions), I've cultivated, over the years, a group of friends with whom I feel comfortable: men (for the most part) who, I'm confident, won't judge me for the things I've done that may be less-than-admirable. And, well, I've come to the conclusion that living your life out in the open is safer than living it in hiding. I don't keep secrets because secrets leave a person vulnerable to exposure. I'd rather get them all out there on view, and let the chips fall where they may.
