Dear Cousin Butchie,

I have no real problem hooking up with another guy for a date. The problem is how the conversation goes when we're having dinner or coffee or whatever. I have noticed that most gay dudes will inevitably tell all or part of their coming out story.  I guess that's cool since it's a significant part of everyone's life. Now I'm noticing that guys will ask when you first knew for sure that you were gay.  Those answers get very similar, so I asked my older gay cousin (Arnold) for advice.  Because Arnold and I are both gay the family thinks there might be something in the water in this area. Anyway, Arnold has at least ten different dates a month. He told me that when another guy asks you when you first knew you were gay, respond with "When I first looked into your eyes."  Do you think this would work for me?

Thank you,

At a Loss for Words

Dear At a Loss for Words,

Your cousin has a clever reply, but I think most guys would consider it to be just a pick up line or some bull he uses because he doesn't care to discuss past history. Arnold has ten dates a month???  That's kind of a record, and I suggest that once he uses his words of wisdom on each one of them and they don't fall for it. Just a guess. Best reply to your question is to always tell the truth--it's easier to remember later on.