Have you ever felt hesitant to let someone in because you're scared of what they might find? Or have you been hiding parts of yourself because you're convinced that the real you is "too much"? In a world where conversations around trauma and intimacy are sparse, particularly within gay relationships, this essential book from experienced therapist, Michael Duryea, offers the perfect antidote. Laying the groundwork to transform shame into self-acceptance, this book places the shared experiences of gay men at its centre, exploring how cultural pressures, traumas and hidden fears can inform our approaches to closeness. With therapeutic insights and practical exercises that encourage healing through mindfulness, forgiveness, communication and more, you'll learn not only how to build trust and deepen intimacy with others, but you'll also uncover your own strength and reshape the beliefs that kept you small. Whilst the path to healing is never straight-forward, with these reflections you'll have all the tools you need to build a future where your connection with yourself and others can thrive.