"I'm not out yet but I wanna be."

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My friend told me this yesterday. I didn't even know she liked girls and I think she felt better telling someone. Her parents are conservative and don't know that she has a girlfriend. She worries about them finding out because they take care of her dogs and she doesn't want them taking their anger out on the dogs. Even though that would be illegal and I don't think her parents are stupid enough to do that, she's still afraid of it. I remember when I was where she is now. I was so afraid to come out. It was bad but when I finally did I felt like I could breathe. I told her everything would be fine and I would be here to support her if she needed it. She was grateful for that, I was glad I could help. Have you all ever been in similar situations? How did you deal with them?