Are you or your friends members of the LGBT community? I, just like the rest of the world, have friends whom I’m exceptionally close with. Some of my friends more so than others, but that is what happens in college. Creating those lifelong friendships that are supposed to be the longest friendships, the greatest ones. One assumption I have found that people form about me more often than not, though only with my other LGBT friends never my straight ones, is that people presume we are dating. It doesn't matter if we are super close or only kind of friends. Why is the world determined to make our lives harder? As a kid, I wasn’t out so to say, but I had gay parents. So even as early as elementary school people assumed on the grounds that my moms were gay, I was too. Personally, I didn't care too much about dating in grade school. I was much more motivated by recess. As my grade increased so did the peoples understanding and assumptions. So by the time college rolled around, I took the opportunity to realize what everybody had already decided about me was actually true, there was no winning in this “game” of life.

I did realize one thing however, my sexuality will always cause people a certain amount of discomfort, even if my best friend and I are just as close as you and yours, people will assume you’re dating. I have always seen similarities between a new relationship and a new friendship. They both kind of have a honeymoon phase. In a relationship that can last anywhere between a few weeks up to a few months. Accordingly, in a new friendship that want to spend every moment with your new buddy lasts anywhere from a few days to a few months, in certain cases a year or more. It truly depends on how you click. While the length of this phase is different, everyone has one. Expect for those who are members of the LGBT community, then that “honeymoon” phase is taken away, instead that friendship automatically becomes a relationship. There is to be no question about it. No room for an argument that you’re just friends, due to the fact that the decision had already been made.

So here is what the world can do about it. Ignore it, ignore it, ignore it! Don't listen to what others say, if someone you are interested in dating asks then tell them the truth. Don't skirt around the situation, but also don't bring it up, that may cause suspicion. If reading this as a straight person, is helping you to realize that this is something that you do or are doing. Just stop. Don't form assumptions because assuming makes an ass out of you and me. Just don't say anything if the truth is even remotely unclear. That way we can minimize the rumors, in return making our lives, not to mention friendships, that much easier.