SonsOfStalingrad

While chatting with a close friend yesterday, I commented that I find it sort of strange that I am quite heavily into both clothes and toy soldiers.
My own comment triggered a few memories that were almost forgotten to me. In my young teenage years, I had to walk past many clothing stores on my way to my local Games Workshop (it was pretty much dead center of the mall). I'd always glance at the window displays while on my way, wishing I could take a closer look, but never feeling it... appropriate to do so.
This continued on for years, to the point I discovered who I am. Even then, at first, on the walk to the games shop, though i'd walk closer to the stores and check out the window displays in detail, i'd never have the courage to venture in. I still felt a bit confused and in a way, seeing these window displays was tormenting.
Of course, nowadays I can shop like a goddamn trooper. I can literally clothes shop for hours on end without worry.
So.. as I write this.. part of me links back to my days of walking past the clothes shops to get to the game shop. I realise my local games store doesn't know who I really am. When i'm out as me, it's almost like it's a forbidden terrirory.
The conclusion... I've nothing to be scared of. I should attend the next games night that I am available as I truly am.
While this may not seem like too big a step to you guys, who know me - I am pretty freakin' out there on this site - You have to remember that the real world is vastly different.
Online - here, to most people, I am a non-entity as much as you guys are yourselves. We're all just disassociated text. A few of you have seen me at an annual meet, but that's about it.
The significance is my local store has known me for four years. Since I moved to Birmingham, I've been going to this store. So it's more that these people know me in a way I cannot be known properly online.
That's no insult against anyone online, of course, very next 40kforums meet I can attend, I fully intend to be rocking as my true self. You guys are a close community to me and are significant in a different way... I know I can rely on you to be mature - some of you may not agree with what i'm doing in my life, but I doubt any of you would wish to make a scene in public. I don't have that same safety blanket with a local store.