Site News and Information => Introductions => Topic started by: bellesparkles on July 23, 2026, 07:00:19 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: bellesparkles on July 23, 2026, 07:00:19 PM
Post by: bellesparkles on July 23, 2026, 07:00:19 PM
Hi everyone!
I'm Belle, cis girl, just turned 40, and live together with my beautiful wife and adorably dumb cat in The Netherlands, Europe.
I've already started a topic elsewhere on the forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=254600.0) and was told I could introduce myself here, so here I am!
My wife (43) and I met a good nine years ago and after about a year of courtship got into a relationship. She was still fully going through life as a man back then. She even still fully thought she was a man back then.. It wasn't until about five or six years ago that she started to see that she might be more than just 'a guy liking high heels'.
Only a few months ago she decided that she was in fact fully a woman, so she's working on socially transitioning now, and had her first doctor's appointment for potentially starting hormone therapy a few weeks ago.
I'm very thankful to be living in The Netherlands, which is still considered to be the front runner in trans-care. Even though we are also feeling the effects of the politics of the world right now... But looking on the bright side, she will likely (still) get the care she needs very quickly and relatively easily. So yay!
As for me, I'm happy as long as she's happy. I wouldn't have minded if she never figured out she's a transwoman (although, you know, there were clues haha) but I'm glad she did because I see how happy it makes her! Finally <3
I'm Belle, cis girl, just turned 40, and live together with my beautiful wife and adorably dumb cat in The Netherlands, Europe.
I've already started a topic elsewhere on the forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=254600.0) and was told I could introduce myself here, so here I am!
My wife (43) and I met a good nine years ago and after about a year of courtship got into a relationship. She was still fully going through life as a man back then. She even still fully thought she was a man back then.. It wasn't until about five or six years ago that she started to see that she might be more than just 'a guy liking high heels'.
Only a few months ago she decided that she was in fact fully a woman, so she's working on socially transitioning now, and had her first doctor's appointment for potentially starting hormone therapy a few weeks ago.
I'm very thankful to be living in The Netherlands, which is still considered to be the front runner in trans-care. Even though we are also feeling the effects of the politics of the world right now... But looking on the bright side, she will likely (still) get the care she needs very quickly and relatively easily. So yay!
As for me, I'm happy as long as she's happy. I wouldn't have minded if she never figured out she's a transwoman (although, you know, there were clues haha) but I'm glad she did because I see how happy it makes her! Finally <3
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Lori Dee on July 23, 2026, 07:16:21 PM
Post by: Lori Dee on July 23, 2026, 07:16:21 PM
Hi Belle,
Thank you for that wonderful introduction!
It is so refreshing to read stories from spouses who are accepting and recognize that love matters more than the packaging. There will be ups and downs, but you have the right attitude to get through it all.
Feel free to browse the forums and share your experiences. The Significant Others Forum might be of interest to see what others have been through and how they handled those situations. https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=26.0
We also have a forum called Our Journeys, which is more focused on the journey of transitioning. https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=550.0
Feel free to share these stories with your spouse, as she may benefit too. She is also welcome to register for an account here and participate in the forums if she would like to.
We are very happy to have you here.
Thank you for that wonderful introduction!
It is so refreshing to read stories from spouses who are accepting and recognize that love matters more than the packaging. There will be ups and downs, but you have the right attitude to get through it all.
Feel free to browse the forums and share your experiences. The Significant Others Forum might be of interest to see what others have been through and how they handled those situations. https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=26.0
We also have a forum called Our Journeys, which is more focused on the journey of transitioning. https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=550.0
Feel free to share these stories with your spouse, as she may benefit too. She is also welcome to register for an account here and participate in the forums if she would like to.
We are very happy to have you here.
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Finally Anna on July 24, 2026, 03:25:53 AM
Post by: Finally Anna on July 24, 2026, 03:25:53 AM
Quote from: bellesparkles on July 23, 2026, 07:00:19 PMAs for me, I'm happy as long as she's happy. I wouldn't have minded if she never figured out she's a transwoman (although, you know, there were clues haha) but I'm glad she did because I see how happy it makes her! Finally <3This! This is just fantastic and real love in its purest form. 💕
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Stottie Girl on July 24, 2026, 08:42:02 AM
Post by: Stottie Girl on July 24, 2026, 08:42:02 AM
Hi Belle!
What a lovely introduction! You must love your wife very much, it is amazing you are so supportive, your wife is a lucky lady!
I'm Sarah, 50 just a short ferry ride across the North Sea in Newcastle, England! You are indeeed very lucky to live in the Netherlands it's a wonderful country and the people are so very friendly! Awesome pancakes and stroopwaffles too!
It's lovely to meet you and I look forward to hearing more from you and maybe your wife in due course!
Sarah xx
What a lovely introduction! You must love your wife very much, it is amazing you are so supportive, your wife is a lucky lady!
I'm Sarah, 50 just a short ferry ride across the North Sea in Newcastle, England! You are indeeed very lucky to live in the Netherlands it's a wonderful country and the people are so very friendly! Awesome pancakes and stroopwaffles too!
It's lovely to meet you and I look forward to hearing more from you and maybe your wife in due course!
Sarah xx
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Charlotte Kitty on July 24, 2026, 02:26:47 PM
Post by: Charlotte Kitty on July 24, 2026, 02:26:47 PM
Heyya Belle, I'm Charlotte and lovely to have you here. X
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Rochelle on July 24, 2026, 06:35:44 PM
Post by: Rochelle on July 24, 2026, 06:35:44 PM
Hello and welcome to Susan's Place. We're happy you joined us here. 💚
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Petunia on July 25, 2026, 12:09:58 AM
Post by: Petunia on July 25, 2026, 12:09:58 AM
Hi Belle, thank you for that inspirational introduction.
I from Australia and at 60 have just realised about myself. I'm still not sure exactly where I sit but Susan's place and the wonderful people here are helping me work things out
I from Australia and at 60 have just realised about myself. I'm still not sure exactly where I sit but Susan's place and the wonderful people here are helping me work things out
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Maid Marion on July 25, 2026, 05:28:34 AM
Post by: Maid Marion on July 25, 2026, 05:28:34 AM
Welcome Belle!
It is great to hear from supportive spouses!
Marion
It is great to hear from supportive spouses!
Marion
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Alana Ashleigh on July 26, 2026, 12:34:40 AM
Post by: Alana Ashleigh on July 26, 2026, 12:34:40 AM
Hi Belle!
Alana
Alana
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Emily LeGoth on July 27, 2026, 12:20:11 AM
Post by: Emily LeGoth on July 27, 2026, 12:20:11 AM
Hi Belle, and welcome!
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Gina P on July 28, 2026, 06:57:59 AM
Post by: Gina P on July 28, 2026, 06:57:59 AM
Welcome Belle,
It's so refreshing to hear of a spouse that is supportive. You are a breath of fresh air. Good luck to you and your spouse as the two of you begin the journey together.
It's so refreshing to hear of a spouse that is supportive. You are a breath of fresh air. Good luck to you and your spouse as the two of you begin the journey together.
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Ciara on August 04, 2026, 11:40:22 AM
Post by: Ciara on August 04, 2026, 11:40:22 AM
Hi Belle,
It's lovely to meet you. Your wife is so blessed to have your love and support.
Welcome ❤️.
Ciara.
It's lovely to meet you. Your wife is so blessed to have your love and support.
Welcome ❤️.
Ciara.
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: bellesparkles on August 04, 2026, 03:04:53 PM
Post by: bellesparkles on August 04, 2026, 03:04:53 PM
Thank you so much everyone!
It saddens me to see how unusual it is for a spouse /loved one to be unconditionally supportive, and feel extra lucky to have our relationship be unaffected by my wife's gender. I wish everyone could have this, and be their best selves without risk <3
It saddens me to see how unusual it is for a spouse /loved one to be unconditionally supportive, and feel extra lucky to have our relationship be unaffected by my wife's gender. I wish everyone could have this, and be their best selves without risk <3
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Finally Anna on August 04, 2026, 03:56:54 PM
Post by: Finally Anna on August 04, 2026, 03:56:54 PM
Belle, in my mind you are the definition of the absolute best kind of wife that a transitioning person can have. 💕
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Stottie Girl on August 04, 2026, 05:11:08 PM
Post by: Stottie Girl on August 04, 2026, 05:11:08 PM
Quote from: Finally Anna on August 04, 2026, 03:56:54 PMBelle, in my mind you are the definition of the absolute best kind of wife that a transitioning person can have. 💕Seconded! It is heartening to know there are beautiful, understanding, loving souls like you out there Belle!
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Pugs4life on August 18, 2026, 06:33:30 PM
Post by: Pugs4life on August 18, 2026, 06:33:30 PM
@bellesparkles
Hi Belle,
It is an absolute privilege to meet you! I, too, am a significant other. I am wondering how you came to be so supportive and accepting with your wife? I want to get there so badly. I appreciate any input/advice you may have.
Again, it's such a pleasure to meet you!
With love,
Amy
Hi Belle,
It is an absolute privilege to meet you! I, too, am a significant other. I am wondering how you came to be so supportive and accepting with your wife? I want to get there so badly. I appreciate any input/advice you may have.
Again, it's such a pleasure to meet you!
With love,
Amy
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Robyn Zola on August 19, 2026, 02:44:18 PM
Post by: Robyn Zola on August 19, 2026, 02:44:18 PM
Hi Belle, so great how you support your wife. Hey, we're neighbors!
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: bellesparkles on August 26, 2026, 10:57:55 PM
Post by: bellesparkles on August 26, 2026, 10:57:55 PM
Quote from: Pugs4life on August 18, 2026, 06:33:30 PM@bellesparkles
Hi Belle,
It is an absolute privilege to meet you! I, too, am a significant other. I am wondering how you came to be so supportive and accepting with your wife? I want to get there so badly. I appreciate any input/advice you may have.
Again, it's such a pleasure to meet you!
With love,
Amy
Sweet Amy, thank you for your kind response. I'm afraid I might not be of much help though, because I've never experienced the difficulties most other SO's have.
Even though my spouse was fully male/man when we got together, I saw all the little steps she made towards happiness were very feminine. So I think I recognized her transness before she even fully realized it herself. That made it very gradual and thus easy for me to deal with. I can imagine it's much more of a surprise when you don't have a clue and then suddenly are presented with this huge change out of nowhere.
The thought I think helps no matter what circumstance, is that it makes her happy.
At the time I didn't notice how dull and sad she was. Neither did she. But now I see her euphoria and realize she was never truly happy. Living through this delight with her brings me great joy.
I hope you can find the joy in your SO's journey as well.
Please feel free to reach out if you need support!
Ps, I love pugs too :)
Title: Re: Greetings from across the pond
Post by: Mariah on August 26, 2026, 11:50:27 PM
Post by: Mariah on August 26, 2026, 11:50:27 PM
I can definitely relate to that considering my spouse transition about 9 months after we got married. There really is a difference for sure after our spouse's transition. I'm happy for both you. I know for my spouse and I in many ways her transition brought us even closer together. Hugs
Mariah
Mariah
Quote from: bellesparkles on August 26, 2026, 10:57:55 PMSweet Amy, thank you for your kind response. I'm afraid I might not be of much help though, because I've never experienced the difficulties most other SO's have.
Even though my spouse was fully male/man when we got together, I saw all the little steps she made towards happiness were very feminine. So I think I recognized her transness before she even fully realized it herself. That made it very gradual and thus easy for me to deal with. I can imagine it's much more of a surprise when you don't have a clue and then suddenly are presented with this huge change out of nowhere.
The thought I think helps no matter what circumstance, is that it makes her happy.
At the time I didn't notice how dull and sad she was. Neither did she. But now I see her euphoria and realize she was never truly happy. Living through this delight with her brings me great joy.
I hope you can find the joy in your SO's journey as well.
Please feel free to reach out if you need support!
Ps, I love pugs too :)