I've only just scanned over the replies here, so I'm not going to address anything previously mentioned, but I do think this fits:
For years the concept of trans never entered my mind; it really only dawned on me this past year. For a couple years I just referred to myself as a "sentient being inhabiting a vessel". Then all of the male pronouns I've heard all my life started to get to me. So many little things started to add up and it made me realize that this body is wrong for me. I'm constantly included in various gender-specific assumptions, stereotypes and so on, and instead of blowing them off or defending myself I just feel sick.
But I've lived as a male for 33 years, and I definitely have some maleness in me, so there are times where the dysphoria gets put on the back burner. The thing with that, though, is that when it comes back it's worse and lasts longer. Having doubts is normal, and primarily psychological. That's why a gender therapist is good to have. Some people are pretty sure of who they are and what they want, and others struggle with what direction to take. Either way, we all have those moments, and they suck. Even after transition, though, it's not like your personality is going to disappear, or your passions, or whatever drives you.
I think if you're here in this forum then you're more than likely trans. I can't see any of my cis-male friends getting on here, that's for sure.
What I usually do is think to myself: what do I want to be 20 years from now? when I think of myself as a 50-something year old man I feel gross and depressed. There are things about me that I like as I am, but it really has nothing to do with my gender. I just think they do because I've never taken any other path. My interests won't change, my taste in music won't change, and I won't get any dumber (or any smarter) with transition. Life might be different, but I'll be who I am rather than the shell I exist in. Dysphoria won't go away, but it'll be considerably less, and that's what's most important. It's not about passing, it's about finally achieving some sanity.
Plus, being trans doesn't mean you have to make a full transition from male to female. Gender is a spectrum. Maybe you just fit somewhere in between? If you're not sure, then find a therapist. This isn't an easy ride for anyone, but it's a necessary one. I'm tired of managing an illusion of myself and enduring all of the inaccuracies because of it. If you haven't reached that point, you will, and then the question "am I really trans" will cease to be.
