That said, you may need some time to digest the news in order to come to terms with it. Tell your friend if that is the case, but be very nice about it. Try saying, “I am very surprised by the news but I love you and I just need a little time to process it. " Remember they may be very sensitive at the moment.
Try asking your friend “Who have you come out to?” If you want to talk about your friend to a parent or guardian, try asking “Would you be okay with me mentioning that you’re gay to my parents if it came up, or would you prefer that I keep it quiet?”
Did you have romantic feelings for your friend? If your friend likes people of your sex, you are now free to ask them out! If your sexual orientations aren’t compatible, it may be hard to take. You might like to read about how to deal with unrequited love or how to fall out of love with your best friend.
Does being gay conflict with your religious beliefs? Talk to a person you trust and respect about your difficulties. A religious leader can explain the position of your faith on the matter. Read literature from both sides of the debate, especially those with a religious background, and pray and meditate. Practice love and tolerance of all people of any lifestyle. Is it the fear of the unknown that is making you uncomfortable? Perhaps you support LGBT+ people or are a little on the fence, but are thrown as to how to actually handle certain topics. Practice love, tolerance and respect for all and you’ll soon figure out the boundaries between you. Are you worried about what people will say? Research LGBT+ people well, reading informed discussion and talking with people you trust. If you then don’t have the conviction that being gay is natural and good, you may want to reconsider the friendship. Your friend needs strong, supportive, positive people around them to help deal with prejudice if it arises. If you can’t be that person, it’s the better thing to step away or distance yourself from the friendship.
Your friend probably has a good idea of where you stand. However, if you have never discussed your negative feelings about their orientation, let them know gently. Let them know you’re happy they told you and you’re supportive of them to live openly. That does not mean, however, that you want to get involved in their romantic life. Let them know what you’re happy discussing or doing with them. Try hard to accept new things they tell you but don’t listen or engage if it makes you very uncomfortable. A good friend will be grateful you’re trying hard and respect your limits as they stand for the time being.
Be proud of your friend and the strength they showed in making the choice of living openly. Also, encourage your friend to be proud of who they are. Basically, be your friend’s cheerleader! Don’t try to change your friend. Your friend has the right to express their sexual orientation. It is not your right to try to change that.
