Was I the only one who didn't get a manual for this?

[Gozer]

I know that this may seem silly... But,is there a timetable for coming out to the important people in your life?  Is there a sequence of events that need transpire first? 
It feels like a game of double-dutch (the two jump rope thing).  Except I cant get the timing right. 

I want to share these feelings, but when is right...or best?

S

[Kimberly]

My therapist advised me to only tell the important people. I.e. basically people you will interact with while transitioning.

Personally, I've included some of my close family in that as well, though I'm still missing one side which is annoying.

As I see it those who are impacted most generally should be told early so that they have time to cope.

You may wish to stagger telling folks just in case people implode (react badly to the news)... It is prudent to limit the number of possible crisis after all.

I wish you luck

[stephanie_craxford]

Hello Gozer,

I guess the closest thing to a manual would be our Wiki   There are articles and a couple of guides on Coming Out of the Closet.  The one on coming out to family and friends can be found here:

A Guide to Coming out to Family

I'm still editing it so it's a little incomplete but it's a place to start.  There is also one on Coming Out at the Workplace that was just recently completed.  Hope this helps a little.

Steph

[LostInTime]

Good article. 

Due to the situation at the time, my close family I told via phone and/or IM.  I wanted to do it in person, but time and travel made it impossible.  The plus is that it gave them the space they needed to digest the info.  I came out to them once I figured out I was TS which was about 3 weeks into HRT.  I also remember emailing them a few links as my father used to be really active on the Internet.  It still took awhile and more than one argument though.

For friends, some found out shortly after my parents and I told them face to face.  The others were told a bit later, when I got tired of layering my clothing all of the time.  A couple of these were by phone.

Listen to the advice of others but realise that each of us goes about this task in our own way.

Good luck.

[melissa_girl]

I did most of my coming out as one of my first steps.  However, in hindsight, waiting a little while might have given me a chance to be better prepared with answers.  Things are still turning out well with people having enough time to digest information.

Melissa

[andy]

There is no timetable, and everybody does it differently.  A lot of ftm's seem to tell hardly anybody!  It's a difficult thing to do, for certain, and there is no guarantee that you will be accepted.  I am having an especially difficult time with my Mom over this...makes me almost want to wait until she is dead to transition!