My younger partner (24) is from the generation who’s not that active on Facebook, instagram, Reddit, etc. Much to his chagrin—and maybe yours—I’m (53) often guilty of being overly social and over sharing on social media.

Why do I do it?

Today, something happened that occurs now and then that I want to share here, to give insight.

We weekend at Sawmill Gay Camping Resort near our home in Tampa. After a fun afternoon in the pool, we headed to the pool bathhouse to shower off the sunscreen. We were just showering and chatting next to each other when a young man came by. He looked at us, did a u-turn and came back.

“Are you guys on Reddit?”, he asked.

“I am active on GYO. Much to his annoyance,” I said, gesturing to my partner. He said something snarky to agree.

This twenty-something had seen us there. Recognized us from photos I’d posted. He goes to college nearby, is into older guys, and is familIar with us. In detail, down to our polyamory, my second younger bf, family challenges, etc.

He said he’s a lurker, but curious about the GYO lifestyle. And has enjoyed seeing how we live the lifestyle of GYO, poly, etc. in a way he looks at as role models.

We both quickly demured. We’re hardly role models. We’re not out to be anything but authentic. Just living our lives. He said he felt like he’d met GYO celebrities—and I assured him he had not!

But… this encounter is exactly why we live openly and authentically. From this guy online, to the closeted kid who found us on an app after he had bagged our groceries for years at Publix, to the dozens of others who have messaged us with questions, concerns, seeking advice, etc.

We aren’t showing off. We’re not on Only Fans. We just try to embody something my parents taught me as a kid—of those to whom much is given, much is required.

We are incredibly blessed. I’m the luckiest guy I know; I won the boyfriend lottery. Our relationship has faced tremendous headwinds from his family—and we’ve emerged closer and stronger because we’ve been tempered by fire.

I share our lives to give others curious about GYO, polyamory, leather and other kinks a reference point that hopefully encourages them—this can all work out, swimmingly.

The world is your oyster.

In human performance, one of the biggest contributors to success is in believing in what’s possible. We endeavor to demonstrate that.

Fairy tales do come true. I’ve met my Prince Charming. And it can happen to you!