Of Openness and Honesty

I like to think of myself as being a little more open these days. A little more ‘say what I think’ layered with an intent to not be hurtful. A little more “if I don’t know something, I’m going to ask and find out”. I am enjoying the process of growth coming from being brutally honest as I examine every aspect of my thinking. It has been challenging and hard at times, but very rewarding.I’ve been quite active in various forums, especially Twitter, and I think people have started to get an idea of who I am.So, I tried something last night. I set up a a social experiment asking “I’m bored, ask me anything”. I was curious as to how people would respond. Especially since I explicitly said that if I wasn’t comfortable with the question, I wouldn’t answer it.some of the topics that surfaced:personal history: what is your favorite band? where did you grow up?personal goals: what is your biggest regret? where would you be in the world right now if you had the choice? what is your claim to fame?personal disclosures: sexual exploration themes? physical appearance?I found it interesting that some would prefer to ask questions of a personal nature face-to-face rather than through the broad anonymity of Twitter. I would have thought it easier the other way around.It did lead to a number of discussions in the public forum as well as in the off-public forum. And I've gotten to 'meet' some new people that I can't wait to get to know better.One of the comments made was that quite often the question reveals more about the questioner than the recipient. Perhaps that is why many of those who’d normally interact with me became observers.As I am removing a lot of the conditioning in my life I have a need to learn. One of the areas that I have been utterly suppressed in is human sexuality. I come from a background where it was considered taboo and for procreation only. Being separated at my age, I am simply not reverting back to the bravado of my 20’s. I married young so I didn’t experience the dating scene then. I really am making this up as I go along. It is vitally important for me to be able to talk, discuss and ask questions and not feel awkward or stupid. I’m the first person to put my hand up and admit to naiveté. I can’t change my past but I can absolutely embrace my future.I have come to the conclusion that we as a society really need to open up and talk about things previously considered too personal to talk about. John Kirwan has effected change with respect to depression. I think we need to be more open about sex. It is probably not entirely helpful to let people gain their knowledge through YouPorn.Please continue to challenge me and talk to me. I really appreciate the feedback.On another note, here’s my Movember update. I still look creepy. On the plus side I got a "slug-lip high five" from a drunk dude on Friday night. Awesome! Please if you can, make a donation to the cause.Thanks,Simon.