Looking back on your life, taking stock of the things you haven’t done—or the things you think you did “wrong”—is a natural part of life. Nobody really prepares us for what this process of loss and regret might feel like. Would we even have listened? Imagine telling your 25-year-old self what it feels like to be a fortysomething gay man, wondering why you aren’t in a romantic relationship, why you haven’t made more money, why you feel socially isolated.  Your 25-year-old self wouldn’t have the slightest idea what your forthysomething self is talking about.

But other gay men at your stage of life will understand. Who better to discuss your grief over your past, the loneliness of your present, and the hopes for your future than with men who share similar histories and similar goals. Yes, gay or straight, man or woman, we all go through this difficult process of looking back and looking forward, trying to make sense of how we want the second half of our life to be. Yet, today’s middle-aged gay men bring a unique set of issues with them to midlife.

Many are lonely and without partners but are no longer sure how to seek a relationship now that they’ve “aged out” of clubs and bars. Most are not bringing up children, a process that seems to occupy most of the energy and time of anyone who has kids. Many spend too much time on the internet, looking for a quick intimacy fix because it’s just too depressing to try to get to know someone on yet another blind date or fix-up. Many have spent so much time achieving that enviable, fabulous career they neglected to nurture fulfilling relationships with family and friends. Many have a luxurious material life but are bereft inside. 

And many feel alone because they have no one to talk about how they feel.

Ulitimately, this is a group about hope, not regret. Expressing your feelings in a safe environment with people who have gone through many of the same emotions you have helps to ease loss and create a sense of comfort, in the process reinforcing the courage and strength needed to forge new connections and to change your life.

This group is led by Peter Galvin, MSW ASW (Registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences--ASW #27511; Supervisor: Thomas J. Parisi, MFC 44338).

An initial in-person screening session is required before entrance into the group to make sure that the goals of the group are in line with your own personal goals. This will help create a feeling of comfort right from the start. Please contact me at  petergalvin@gmail.comor call 310-310-9356. This group will be meeting in Beverly Hills.

NOTE: This group is not a social mixer.