How to say "thank you" without making it weird?

[captains]

Hey guys. I have a weird, specific question and I wasn't sure who to ask, so.

I came out to the fam a little while ago. Reception was pretty mixed. (Summary: We would support you if you were "really trans" but since you didn't assert that you were male at four, we choose to ignore this information instead.) Recently, though, things have been getting better. A lot better. I don't know what changed in the last year, but I'm floored.

I want to tell them, "Hey, I see what you're doing, and I appreciate it!" but I'm having a hard time. Talking about my gender feels intimate and awkward. I'm a gracious person, but in this instance, I'm not really great at the whole share-and-care. My dad's worse. And he's the one I really want to thank.

I just had this conversation via text:

Dad: How was your haircut received?
Me: Well. I like it. Much more manageable than before. I don't know why I ever let it grow out.
Dad: Well it does look good.
Me: Thanks
Dad: PS that was a guy description of another guys haircut 

A part of me wanted to say "PS: OH MY GOD!!!! THANK YOU!!! DAD I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!" Another part of me wanted to disappear from embarrassment. I ended up replying with  . Three sunglasses emoji.

Would welcome help.

[jlaframboise]

Dude! There's no way TO make it weird. Be emotional and loving if you're feeling it. We need more of it in the world, for sure.


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[Peep]

tbh i would just keep it simple but honest - doesn't have to be a speech - and face to face rather than text in case you come off as sarcastic...

i say this because my family are close but don't really talk about important things. i would imagine saying thank you for supporting me, you've made this process easier (or whatever) and just getting a 'that's ok' in response and then moving on...

[captains]

Dude! There's no way TO make it weird. Be emotional and loving if you're feeling it. We need more of it in the world, for sure.

Oh trust me, I can always make it weird. It's kind of my superpower.    I just hate drawing attention over gender stuff.

Aghhh, I'm grown! How is this so hard? Normally, I'm decently okay with my words, but I have a hard time coming up with any way of articulating my gratefulness that isn't [vaguely pleased grunt].

tbh i would just keep it simple but honest - doesn't have to be a speech - and face to face rather than text in case you come off as sarcastic...

"Thanks for supporting me" is probably the way to go. I can't tell them in person, though. I live in Ireland, and they live in the USA. I won't see them 'til after New Years. Do you think I should wait until then, or?

[cindianna_jones]

The emoticons were just fine. Don't worry. But it is okay to tell  your dad that you love him. Never be afraid to express your positive emotions with him. Dads and sons bond and he is really reaching out to you. You are most fortunate to have a Dad who can give you a compliment like that.

Cindi

[Peep]

You could probably get away with a text tbh, and if you felt it wasn't enough or not clear enough follow up in person next year?

[stephaniec]

I think you have two choices : one is a 50 page diagram filled thesis on father and son relationships  and how they affect the fact the  father is trying ever so hard to let you know he loves you as his son or just tell him " Dad I love you"

[Girl Beyond Doubt]

Yea, say it loud, but make it short.

[captains]

It just means a lot, you know? A year ago today, I would have laughed out loud myself sick if someone suggested my father would ever talk to me this way. He knows I love him and I know he loves me, but I didn't think I would ever get to have this. I dunno. Silly stuff, I guess.

Now that some time has passed, I figure a simple, "Hey, that was cool of you, Dad." will probably do the trick if I ever get a lil ~*gender moment*~ again. And yes, of course, I'll tell him I love him. I may be emotionally constipated, but decently sure I can manage it.

[FTMax]

Also, if your dad ever shows you how to do dudely stuff, make a point to text/call/send him a picture of you doing those dudely things on your own. It apparently makes my dad stupid happy.

I sent him a picture of my car with new windshield wipers and headlights the other day (with a little 'Look what I can do, thanks!' message) and my stepmom says he strutted around the house grinning for a half hour afterwards.

[captains]

My pops and I are close, but we didn't do a lot of typical male bonding. We share a career and an enthusiasm for fitness, so that tends to be the subject of most of our convos. I might try and slush through the memory vaults for something good and dudely, though. I think that's a really good idea: clear without being mushy, and in a language we both speak. Thanks Max.

[stephaniec]

I had a very difficult time being verbal with my dad , but I definitely showed him that I loved him in other ways