I always wanted to do the same things as the girls, dress, play, domestic skills, makeup, have babies, well, everything. Alas, with only 3 brothers, it was not possible. Mum saw the real me and had me help her cooking, sewing and cleaning. She had distorted and painful hands from arthritis, so really did need help, and my brothers were happy they didn't have to do 'girls' work. Mum told me she was so happy to pass on her skills to me as she felt it was as close to having a daughter as she could get. I love babies, so as a teenager I did lots of babysitting. My greatest envy, and regret, was the ability to bear children. When Mum passed she left me her jewellery and cook books.
Allie