Had lunch with an ex colleague yesterday. I really like her, we've known each other for about eight years and we get along great, plus she was very supportive of my transition at the time we worked together. Anyway, it was a great lunch and we chatted for well over an hour before she realised the time and we both had to rush back to work. We hugged, kissed on the cheek and said parting farewells. I almost, without thinking, said "love you"! Almost. I had to catch myself because it was literally right on the tip of my tongue. And hey, I know it wouldn't have been that bad, but I don't see our friendship that way - yes I do love her, in a sisterly way, but it could never be more than that - she is straight, married and about 14 years younger than me. So there's nothing there we are friends and that's it but wow, if I had said "love you" I think I would have thrown a cat among the pigeons.
I think it was a bit of a reflex thing, I always say "love you" to my mum whenever we part company or finish a phone call, but this is a liiiiittle bit different.
Anyway, it's awesome to have these kind of catch ups with women friends. They were never a thing for me with ex colleagues when I was presenting as a dude.
