A Realization.
I have always felt flattered whenever a woman (or anyone, for that matter), especially someone I've just met or been introduced to, tells me, "Sayang kaayo ka. Ngano di man ka straight oi." My friends get the same thing, women telling them "sayang inyong kagwapo, etc. etc".
At first, it does sound flattering, as if the person who said it has just blurted out that they like me or something. But when I dissect the words, and get to the root of the statement, I realize that it is vaguely insulting.
Why is it a "waste" that I am not straight? Do I not serve any other purpose just because I swing another way?
I know it's not intentional, the slight, or the insult. And if I wasn't feeling testy and moody today, I wouldn't have noticed this, nor cared. But it's amazing how a few words can bring someone down.
From now on, I will correct whoever says this to me.
I am more than my preferences.