I just wonder if maybe I said something triggering by accident that made him go off? I don't know if I should apologize or what happened?

Maybe he wants to distance from the image gay=feminine that he had a strong reaction to it? Just like your brothers and partners, a lot of non gays think gay men are feminine. I don't think you should apologize though. It's not like you told him to wear makeup. You just expressed your opinion and there's nothing wrong with that!

In particular, when it's political, I may mention something briefly, and then they think I agree with EVERYTHING they say. It's tiring.

Uh, this. A lot of times I don't want people to misunderstand me but just thinking of refuting them makes me tired lol.

I had a really good friend like that! But I moved...and he's technically my trans male cousin's friend. We hit it off good as friend's though. He does agree with me in regards to transitioning. He told me in private he was worried about my cousin transitioning and talked about it a little bit. We don't agree with everything politically, he's right leaning, I'm unaligned--used to be left leaning lol. He's really mellow and easy to talk to, and explains his views eloquently.

Yes, he's the kind of friend I'm talking about!! He sounds like a great company.

It's kinda been too long to contact them again, we're on good terms, it's just...awkward. I also don't have the big social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any of that type---most use that stuff but I don't want to. I give them my email address and phone# and we talk old school if they want to reach me.

I get you, I feel reluctant to contact my friends after disappearing. But I think they'd love to hear from you. I know I would lol! It's a pleasant surprise to hear from old friends you haven't seen for so long.

By the way, your reply had me laughing because it's so relatable! From your opinion about wearing makeup, how you need space to recoup, how introverts like us aren't shy, your experience with coworkers and trying to open up, I relate to them all 😂