Dear Cousin Butchie,

I graduated from high school in May, and my first real experience dating other guys started then. I knew I was gay when I was 6, but it was hardly the age to ask another first grader for a date. I've discovered some really great dudes, but not the one I want to marry. It's been really great because I'm making friendships which could possibly turn into long term relationships, but I know that lifelong friendships are being formed. I feel closer to some of these dudes than I feel with my family. I guess I'm creating an extended family of my own right now.

A question has come up which makes me feel stupid so I'll ask you. Recently I got very involved with a guy who is definitely boyfriend material. He asked me if I use poppers, and I said I did, but I had no idea what they are. He told me to "take a hit" from the bottle, and I did. It made everything that was going on more intense and much hotter for a few minutes, then I took another hit. Boyfriend to Be tells me that they are harmless, but I want to make sure he's correct. None of my other ga friends have ever mentoned them.

So, what's the story?

FEELING RUSHED

HI FEELING RUSHED,

Poppers, I am told, were all the rage in the 70's and 80's. They were a medical prescription inhalant which was crushed inside its gauze type of wrapper. They were legitimately prescribed by doctors to lower blood pressure, but many gay men used them for the aphrodisiac quality they had. At one time, since so many gay men used them, it was speculated that they were the cause of AIDS. This was proven untrue, but they might be considered a risk for guys with blood pressure or other heart problems. They have come out again in several different forms which have similar results. There is no medical advice possible from Cousin Butchie, but I do know that some men use the newer products, and I don't believe there have been problems reported. If you want to try these with Boyfriend to Be, you will experience a rush and you can decide if they are worth your time and effort. Maybe you would like to write back and let us know.

By the way, I congratulate you for having the good fortune to make so many friendships.  At times in your life, these friends may become family to you, and there is nothing more freeing than being around people who are PLUs. That means "People Like Us" or so I was told by one of my best friends forever.

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Cousin Butchie will respond to messages sent to NJGayLife.com or to KippyNJ@aol.com