Losing the "weight" and losing the wait

Being a gay man I have often read of others coming-out experiences. Many times they speak of a "weight" being lifted from their shoulders.

I consider myself to be generally out in my life "up north". All of my friends here know that I'm gay and are also friends with my boyfriend. My boyfriend and I have been together for years and have lived together for what is now the majority of those years. Being out and having found a love that is more natural to me has definitely improved my life. I am happier and more true to myself than I've ever been. This didn't all happen overnight but, as usually seems to be the case, was a slow progression over time--learning to accept that I am gay. So, if experienced, it has only been a slow removal of small amounts of "weight" at a time.

I am not out (or maybe barely out) in my life "down south". Not many people from the town I was born and raised in, know that I am gay. In fact, it is mainly just the guys I had relationships with who know.

If I am ever to feel what others have described as a "weight" being lifted, I suspect it may happen when I come out to Mother.