Yes you do need to believe in yourself. It can be difficult at times, but it's important to have your own back if that makes any sense. I think therapy has helped me the most in this regard, because I can bounce ideas off her and get another perspective. That way I'm not entirely making the big decisions alone.
I'm in my fourth year of transitions, and my old friends and parents still use my old name, now my initials (KC), and have trouble with pronouns sometimes. You have to be diligent reminding them. If they are supportive and caring a land curious, be patient with them. It took a lot of us years to figure out we were trans and accept it, give them the time they need.
It mostly confuses me at this point rather than hurting, because I'll be talking to them and they'll tell me about sometime that they were talking to someone I know and then use the wrong pronoun to refer to me and I'll be like... Wait a minute... Who are you talking about now? And then they'll correct themselves and I'll be like, ohhhh I get it now...
I found living alone to be essential to figuring out who I am. I didn't want to be influenced or coerced to do my transition at any speed other than the pace I had decided. It helps to clear your head and discover yourself.
Congratulations on moving forward with all this in your life. I'd suggest only telling your mom the next 1-2 steps in your transition, not the full map of everything you're considering so you don't overwhelm her or yourself for that matter. And if you can, be out and proud with the people in your family and friends. It's so much easier to have the people in your life supportive and open about your being trans.
Good luck!
Hugs,
- Katie
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