Should I date

[Christinetobe]

I don't really know I am not transitioning and really don't know if I ever will.  I have 3 kids that I raise alone and their life is hard enough with just Dad.  Mom is gone and not coming back.  I just don't know if they will ever be able to understand.  I doubt it since I don't even understand.  I am truly lonely and have the opportunity to at least meet someone as the "real" me but I just don't know if I should.  Any advice would be great.  Just remember my kids will always come first.  They are all boys and the oldest is 16 and the youngest is 11.  My oldest at least suspects something as he knows my whole body is shaved but the others have no clue as far as I know.  I really just don't know if I should just continue to hold off indefinitely.  Thanks all.

[Christine167]

I think you at least need some friends who you can be open with. Being a father myself sometimes you just want someone else to talk to. Dating or not.

[Jessica Merriman]

Sounds to me you just need a friend right now and not get into anything that could complicate your life even more. I have two kids (15,16) and my son was amazingly accepting and after a few months of me being full time slipped and called me Mom one day. My daughter wasn't though as she is what I can only describe as a religious zealot. Kids are amazing in their resiliency to accept news in todays more accepting and tolerant world. I started transition because Dysphoria got to be way too much to handle myself. I think they would rather have you happy and healthy and at peace with yourself. Have you thought about testing the waters as to their attitudes or beliefs on the subject? I hope things work out and the real you can be let out.