[Editor's note: Every Tuesday Andrew W.K. takes your life questions and sets you safely down the right path to a solution, a purpose or -- no surprise here -- a party. Need his help? Just ask: [email protected]]
By Andrew W.K.
Dear Mister Double You Kay,For most of my life I've identified as a straight male, but for some reason, I've been wanting to experiment with the same sex. I still find women attractive, but I've always had that "what if" question in the back of my mind about men. Do you offer any advice on this?
- Anonymous
See also: Our Ask Andrew W.K. archive
Dear Anonymous,
It seems like there's a spectrum of personal sexual preference that goes from extremely heterosexual on one end, all the way to extremely homosexual on the other end. But I imagine most people don't fall all the way to one side or another, even if they choose to live that way. For lots of people, it's a big spiral of feelings and ideas -- not just a simple "this" or "that."
The good thing is, only you can tell what interests you, and you don't have to put a label on those feelings. You don't have to identify as a "straight male" or "gay" or "bisexual." You can just be yourself and move through this world in a way that celebrates it. That's partying.
Also, you don't have to jump right into any new experience head-on (pun intended), you can follow this new interest in a low-pressure and fun way. Start with exploring your fantasies alone before launching into a full-blown encounter with another person. Having a "what if" question in the back of your mind doesn't mean much if a vivid fantasy doesn't actually end up turning you on, so play out situations using your imagination.
If those ideas do turn you on, then follow that fantasy to the next step and try watching pornography that relates to your fantasies. And if that also turns you on, then start looking for an actual encounter. People who allow themselves to enjoy different ideas about sex are courageous. In addition to your own sexuality, I'd recommend applying this same adventurous self-awareness to other parts of your life.
What other "what ifs" are in the back of your mind, beyond sex? Use this as a jumping-off point to start following all your dreams with the same intensity, bravery, and honesty that you're applying to your sexuality. And then you'll really be partying hard.
Your friend, Andrew W.K.
What advice do you have for someone facing homelessness and struggling to have a job, water, food, and other bare essentials to survive? - TimDear Tim,
First of all, don't give up. Second, work your ass off. Third, stay strong and do everything you can to hold your feeling of life together. There are moments when many of us get close to the edge in different ways, and there can be almost a magnetic pull to go off the edge -- kind of like riding your bike near a cliff and for some reason your whole body seems to pull toward where you don't want to go.
This is the time to surround yourself with your own power. Even if there aren't others around you to comfort you and cheer you on, there's still you. And you can always care for yourself. That's the most important person right now: You. Always be able to count on yourself and find strength in your own presence.
While you're with yourself, you might as well take an extremely honest look at your life and what caused you to wind up here. Be brutal with yourself. Even if it's painful, try to take as much responsibility for your situation as you can. Even if others deserve blame, don't blame them -- and don't blame bad luck or anything outside of your immediate self.
Why? Because you want to give yourself and only yourself the power to make or break your own life. The same power that got your here, also can get you out. And as you go through this experience, try to learn from the entire adventure. What's so great about "regular life" anyway? A lot of people are miserable and they've got all the bare essentials covered and lots more. Comfort, security, and happiness come from inside you.
You have found yourself here and you must embrace it. Fight for what you want and what you love, not against what you hate and don't want. You will make it through this. And please write back with a mailing address so I can send you some cash. Stay positive.
Your friend, Andrew W.K.
See page two for more advice from AWK.
