Another great thread here!
I suppose that living in the real world outside of the cloistered fantasy we all enjoy here at Susan's Place we are beset with the obligation of dealing with our own daily reality at home, in the workplace and in social environments. Fortunately some of us are more able than others to deal with the social constructs in order to remain functional and provide for those who count on us. Some aren't and they succumb to the pressures to transition completely and take their chances at big losses in terms of family, friends and income. I don't slight them for it, they are brave and I admire that, we all have freewill options as to which road to travel and hopefully we make the right choices.
I don't like to shave and often wonder what the Big Kahuna had in mind when He made us grow whiskers on our faces. Do I want to look like a Walrus or a Neanderthal? I went to electrolysis sessions on a bi-monthly basis for two years and had much of it cleared and finally quit. I still have to shave or else I can see those now silver shafts twinkling back at me and I don't like them. I enjoy my life now having opted for what I've coined as a Transdrogynous presentation as I am regarded as someone slightly eccentric but friendly and fun to be around and I enjoy that distinction. There are occasions that I do get ma-am'ed and hear "You ladies" when I'm out with my spouse, but not that often and I will admit that I get a cheap thrill and have to smile and wonder if they need new glasses. Perhaps it's the mix of male and female attire or my pudgy chest making a visual statement.
To my lady friends I am that androgynous male that can think with both sides of my brain and talk girly chat about relationship dynamics, clothing styles, shopping, reductions, menopause, hysterectomies, hot flashes, night sweats babies, grandchildren and on and on, with enthusiasm and empathy, amid tears, hugs and laughter.
To my wife and kids I am husband, he, dad and grandpa. To my male friends I am the occasional hunting buddy that can talk deer, elk, bear, wild turkey, rifles, handguns, reloading, ballistics, trajectories and velocities. I balk at campfire jokes about women and women's body parts and they respect that and themselves for abstaining.
To my trans friends I am Shantel, a female, she and her and feel very comfortable with that and know I am in good company with my sisters.
I find that I can be all things to all the people that matter in my life as a transdrogynous, non-binary person. It's a comfort zone for those who prefer to keep their lives intact with the least amount of disruption and still be true to themselves, not for everyone, just a call for certain special people who can!
