How can I help him?

[canadaski]

I have a friend that I'm 99% sure is gay. I think that he may be struggling at this point in time. I'm not sure if he knows I'm gay, but I've suspected him for several months. I don't want to scare him off because he's an excellent person to have as a friend or boyfriend.

When we're alone together I notice we do a lot of what seems like flirting. We laugh at every jokes each other makes, stare into each others eyes etc. He also bites his lower lip in a really sexy way whenever we're alone and close to each other such as at a restaurant or on a couch next to each other. How should I interpret this?

How can I make him comfortable enough to come out to me or let him know that he can talk to me about anything, including sexuality without saying it directly? I really want to reach out to him because he seems down sometimes and I hate to see him hurting. How do I know if our friendship is ready for sharing secrets like that?

[Mirage]

Maybe you could ask him what his feelings are on gay people. Ask him if he would ever consider a gay relationship. Or say, "Hey, out of curiosity would your parents still accept you if you were gay?"

What I'm trying to say is ease in to the subject. Don't bulldoze right to the point. Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions. :)

P.S: I am Bi.

[boonsim]

If you are really good friends, you would trust each other to keep your secrets confidential. A real friend wouldn't tell a soul.

[Skyhawk]

Maybe you could ask him what his feelings are on gay people. Ask him if he would ever consider a gay relationship. Or say, "Hey, out of curiosity would your parents still accept you if you were gay?"

If someone asked me that, then that would be one awkward moment. o_O

Mirage's suggestion is a good idea. :)

[OregonStateDude]

Liam, have you told him that you yourself are gay? I know it's a big step, but he would probably feel more comfortable coming out to you if he had that information. And just because two guys are gay doesn't automatically mean they have to be boyfriends.

[Stronger]

I agree with a few of the posters here, does he know you are? If not maybe telling him will give him the secure feeling of wanting to come out (if he is). But if he shows no signs of wanting to come out, then don't force him, let him do it when he's comfortable and ready. Just try and be a good friend and maybe try to find out what his feelings are for guys.

[Abyssal Echo]

I agree with a few of the posters here, does he know you are? If not maybe telling him will give him the secure feeling of wanting to come out (if he is). But if he shows no signs of wanting to come out, then don't force him, let him do it when he's comfortable and ready. Just try and be a good friend and maybe try to find out what his feelings are for guys.

I totally agree with Stronger comming out to him might be a good thing

[Smeagol]

When I wanted to know about my friend, who I suspected wasn't straight, I came out to her and then she told me. You could tell him and then see what he says.