How to say this with minimal details.
I'll try this:
A new co-worker, same department so more direct interaction. Anyways, I felt a distancing/uncomfortable feeling and I didn't want that with someone that I work with. So, since day one I had intended to tell her that it was OK to ask questions, I'm fine with answering educationally, not for the perversely curious. You know what I mean.
Anyways, today I finally got the chance and approached her. Her response? "I just thought you were an older woman and didn't want to insult you by saying anything. I did have a feeling because I'm pretty good at recognizing my own kind but I wasn't sure"
O.O
Wait a minute .. OLDER? .. ok, I am old. But for someone that's a lifer (one that has known since single digits and living it) to wonder but decide I'm an older woman .. I'll take it. I am .. amazed? shocked? .. in wonder?? I don't know what to say.
We had a good long talk about things, our different perspectives and approaches, with that underlying "I understand" beneath it all. She was a bit shocked that it's only been a year (almost) of self-awareness for me with only ~7 months HRT.
I think my world is coming together.
yep, Happy moment