A Couple of Friends The Remarkable Bond Between Gay Men and Straight Women

by Hopcke, Robert H; Rafaty, Laura

• ISBN13: 9781885171337
• ISBN10: 1885171331
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-09-01
• Publisher: Council Oak Books

Summary

In an era when men and woman are supposed to be from "different planets" and unable to communicate, many gay men and straight women seem able to connect almost effortlessly. Perhaps it is because this is not a relationship of convenience, or forced by societal pressure, but one that is carefully chosen based on common interests, mutual respect, and real affection. Whether they are commiserating about love lives or getting the insider's perspective on what men or women really think, gay men and straight women can always turn to one another for the real scoop. And they cna always count on each other to say, "you look fabulous, " "thinner, " or "younger" -- whichever is needed! Best-selling author and psychotherapist Robert Hopcke and Tony-nominated producer Laura Rafaty combine poignant stories, psychological insight, and commentary to explore this common but often ignored bond.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
A Most Remarkable Friendship	1	(254)
A Word About Stereotypes and Generalizations	11	(2)
We Don't Have a Split Personality (And Neither do We)	13	(1)
Let's Talk about Us for a Minute	14	(5)
Choosing Each Other	19	(33)
Let's Be Friends	20	(2)
The Benefits of Work	22	(5)
Getting Crazy	27	(7)
Retail Therapy and Sports	34	(3)
The Essentials of a Civilized Life	37	(8)
Superficiality Runs Deep	45	(7)
Talking To Each Other	52	(22)
Speaking Freely	58	(10)
Ten Great Lies	68	(6)
Coming Out as the Moment of Truth	74	(28)
Begin at the Beginning	75	(6)
Let Me Tell You Something	81	(7)
No, Let Me Tell You Something	88	(5)
Bridges to the Past	93	(6)
The Big Secret	99	(3)
Playing the Field ... Together	102	(22)
Picking Up Signals	106	(4)
For What It's Worth...	110	(6)
Dishing the Dirt and Other Pastimes	116	(4)
Meet Mr. Right	120	(4)
Romancing Each Other	124	(11)
Getting Sentimental!	127	(2)
Emotional Bravery	129	(6)
Keeping Secrets From One Another	135	(15)
The Forbidden Topic	136	(9)
Unveiling the Mystery	145	(5)
Flirting With Each Other	150	(22)
The Attraction Factor	151	(8)
The Generosity Quotient	159	(4)
Honey, Drape!	163	(4)
A Very Rich Stew	167	(5)
Testing the Limits of Love	172	(24)
Seeing the Dark Side	180	(9)
Projection's Place	189	(7)
Dealing with People's Reactions	196	(19)
Family Dynamics	198	(5)
The Jealous Boyfriend	203	(4)
Here Comes Homophobia	207	(8)
Defending Each Other: Fag Hags and other Stereotypes	215	(19)
The Charming Epithet	217	(5)
The Power of Insult	222	(8)
Telling It Like It Is	230	(4)
Being There for Each Other	234	(11)
Facing AIDS Together	236	(6)
Dealing With Other Life Crises Together	242	(3)
Understanding Each Other	245	(10)
The Gift of Acceptance	250	(2)
A Larger Vision	252	(3)
Notes	255	(1)
About the Authors	256	(1)
About the Press	257