In 1976, at the age of 18, the author realized she was a lesbian but did not tell anyone. It was rather odd that she found coming out to be so difficult. She started dating boys when she was 15, married the first time at 18 and again at 26. Telling her secret--that she was attracted to women--would have complicated an already busy life. Being fully authentic frightened her terribly. Eighteen years, two husbands, and a PhD later, the author finally came out to everyone in her world, including her students.