Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 06:33:49 AM

Title: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 06:33:49 AM
Hello everyone, it's been quite some time since I even visited here, but I've had a harsh turn of events. Last year, I was doing well, and by last summer I had set up an appointment for October to have my first visit to the Mazzoni center in Philadelphia.
Financial problems caused me to reschedule and then ultimately cancel that appointment. This February, with my father in laws help, I joined a union in order to make better money, ultimately delaying my transition even more. At that time, I promised my wife I wouldn't start anything until her father retired in five years, which is also when my apprenticeship would be over.
A couple of weeks ago, she found out her parents don't have enough to retire, and her dad will be staying in for 10 years instead of 5. As you can imagine, this hit pretty hard. We just discussed this again yesterday, and while I didn't express my interest in starting 5 years from now, the topic came up and my wife warned me not to do anything to ruin his reputation, as he is known very well.
Hence, she still wants me to wait until he retires. Furthermore, she said I have to think of how our kids will feel after that, when they will be 14 and 11. The whole thing sounds like a never ending list of reasons for me never to transition. I'd be 40 by the time I could even consider getting started, and I've already been waiting 4 years.
On top of that, I ran the idea of getting my ears pierced so I can use some earrings when I go out as Chelsea, which she was not closed off to, but extremely resistant to.
I did not leave her when I first came out. I told her if she stayed, I would wait for us to have a second child. I do not dress in front of the kids. I took the union job for more money, despite the extra travel I do and delaying everything.
Guys, I almost committed suicide 4 years ago because we were at a point where she didn't want me transitioning at all. This morning, the sad truth that she doesn't love me as much as she says dawned on me. She is more concerned for her father's reputation than my mental health. I haven't felt like harming myself for 4 tears until this morning. I'll admit I'm too much of a coward to actually commit suicide, and I know I've got so much to live for, but I've dropped below the point of being strong enough to live a normal life as I've been. Obviously, I want to see a therapist, not to transition but to at least get therapy. I'm at a loss...
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Julia1996 on September 25, 2017, 06:40:56 AM
It sounds like your wife is using everything she can to stop you from transitioning. If you tried suicide you obviously need to transition. As painful as it might be you need to leave your wife and do what you need to do. If you stay with her you wont ever be able to transition. If she's spazzing over piercing your ears do you really think she's ever going to be ok with you doing hrt? You have to think about your own happiness too.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Tammy Jade on September 25, 2017, 07:09:18 AM
There was a topic a few weeks ago about making lists of steps and then working threw them with your partner.

I tend to agree with Julia on this but if you do want to try and make it work and also see what is and isn't ok with your wife a transition list might help.

I would link the original topic it in if I was on my laptop.

Things like:
Pieced Ears
Growing hair out
Under dressing
Shaving
Laser hair removal
Ect

You can put whatever on there really and just work through it together and see which ones you can both agree to. Not all steps are immediately obvious, things like laser hair removal is something most MTF lady's need and it can be done entirely pre transition without anyone being the wiser.

I hope that helps

-Mara


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Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 07:11:23 AM
Well, I didn't attempt, but I very seriously considered it. I'm not sure she'd doing "everything she can" to prevent me, but I'm very severely hurt by her lack of concern for my feelings as compared to her father's. I'm her "#1", but if that's the case, shouldn't my feelings be put first?
I also pointed out that no one needs to know he knew about this prior to getting me in the union, but I have to agree with her that things have a way of getting out, even if I don't say anything.
My insurance doesn't kick in for another few weeks or months, and I can't afford a therapist right now, but I definitely need something.
My biggest problem is I really have no one close to I can talk to, because all of my close friends are also close with her. I don't want anyone choosing sides, even though I know her parents would side with her in a heartbeat.
Title: Sad realization
Post by: Charlie Nicki on September 25, 2017, 07:17:18 AM
It does seem like she's doing what she can to stop you from going further. Which I guess I can understand since this is also hard for her but at the end you are one who has to live with the dysphoria and the suicide thoughts. You have to try and find a balance between what the both of you want, and waiting 10 years seems like way too much if you are ready now.

There's people here on low dose HRT who haven't transitioned socially. Have you thought about that? Might work for a while.


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Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Julia1996 on September 25, 2017, 07:23:54 AM
It seems like you are her #1 only as long as you remain what she wants you to be. You had it right when you said she doesn't care about your feelings. You are obviously suffering. Like Tammy said, there are things you can start now to help the process along. Hair removal seems like a huge ordeal that takes a while to finish so you could get started on laser or electrolysis. That is if your wife doesn't have a melt down over it.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 07:56:08 AM
Yeah... I was so close to my appointment when things fell apart, and I just keep watching things get further away. She said laser is fine once we can afford it, but I don't understand the earring problem. There's another apprentice who has his ears pierced, but he's younger.
The topic of divorce has come up more frequently in our relationship, but she always wants to act like things are fine. She says it's me and that I don't seem happy, and that I don't seem to enjoy time with the family. I do, I'm just not 100% happy because of my dysphoria.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: JillianC on September 25, 2017, 08:19:30 AM
Your family's reaction to your transition seems selfish to me.  Mine had a similar reaction and blamed me for being selfish.  Their primary concern was how my transition would make THEM look and in your case how it will make your father-in-law look.  When I came out to my mom her reaction to me was "what am I going to tell my friends".  I don't get that.  If they are truly your friends then what I do shouldn't matter to them.  My co-worker has mentioned to me on several occasions that these friends probably know or have someone close to them in the LGBT community you never know what skeletons people hide in their closets.

Sorry, but the situation with your wife sounds difficult at best.  I don't have any advice for that since my decision was to get a divorce.  She, like my mom, is worried about what people will think of her because of my transition.  My thought is why should she care we are divorced so what I do shouldn't reflect on her.  Oh well.

Don't worry about the kids.  Mine were 10 and 8 and have accepted me.  Your still their parent and they will love you no matter what.

tl;dr You won't be happy if you continue to make transition choices based on protecting other people's reputations.  You're postponing your happiness for a person who might or might not be in your life in the future and honestly probably doesn't give a ->-bleeped-<- about your mental well being. 

Best wishes,
Jillian

Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Julia1996 on September 25, 2017, 08:33:55 AM
Quote from: JillianC on September 25, 2017, 08:19:30 AM
Your family's reaction to your transition seems selfish to me.  Mine had a similar reaction and blamed me for being selfish.  Their primary concern was how my transition would make THEM look and in your case how it will make your father-in-law look.  When I came out to my mom her reaction to me was "what am I going to tell my friends".  I don't get that.  If they are truly your friends then what I do shouldn't matter to them.  My co-worker has mentioned to me on several occasions that these friends probably know or have someone close to them in the LGBT community you never know what skeletons people hide in their closets.

Sorry, but the situation with your wife sounds difficult at best.  I don't have any advice for that since my decision was to get a divorce.  She, like my mom, is worried about what people will think of her because of my transition.  My thought is why should she care we are divorced so what I do shouldn't reflect on her.  Oh well.

Don't worry about the kids.  Mine were 10 and 8 and have accepted me.  Your still their parent and they will love you no matter what.

tl;dr You won't be happy if you continue to make transition choices based on protecting other people's reputations.  You're postponing your happiness for a person who might or might not be in your life in the future and honestly probably doesn't give a ->-bleeped-<- about your mental well being. 

Best wishes,
Jillian

That seems like a common reaction among family. When I came out as trans my dad was hugging me and telling me it was ok and not to cry. My mom said she was the one who should be crying and what were her friends going to think. It's amazing to me that anyone can only be worried about how it will make them look. We have to endure medication, therapy, painful surgery, public scorn and we risk having someone kill us for trying to be who we are. But we are the selfish ones! That makes me so mad!
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 08:37:44 AM
A very valid point. Actually, very few people have been resistant to my transition. Friends, my parents, my brother, even some members of her extended family. But her parents have been very resistant, even encouraging her to leave me when I came out.
I completely agree with you Julia, I know I shouldn't be sacrificing my happiness for others. The hardest part to consider is possible divorce. I know it sounds like a stereotype, but I never wanted to get divorced when I was younger. I guess I have nothing to worry about anymore. My biggest problem is that she "doesn't want to share the kids". Aka she wants full custody. That's why SHE won't leave.
I guess the inevitable is that I need to have a straight honest conversation. I feel like therapy should be first. And I feel even worse for my parents, because they are always there for their grandkids, and if we get divorced IDK what will happen. I just want to cry right now. This whole ordeal, just so my FIL gets to keep his reputation. And what would it matter anyway? If I do it after he retires, doesn't his reputation get ruined anyway?
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 09:06:50 AM
I'm really sorry, it isn't all as bad as it sounds. Day to day, we're very happy with one another. We get along, we have shared interests, she allows me to dress around her. It doesn't even bother her when I haven't shaved my face and I'm in a skirt and have my bra on. We even considered letting me bottom this weekend (didn't want to TMI with details).
I don't want to have her seem like the ultimate evil. But there's only so much I can take.
I just don't know who to talk to about this. I suppose I could try our pastor, because he knows pretty much everything about us. Even about me. It's just that once I go to talk to someone, poop is sure to hit the fan quick.
The timing isn't great either. My mom is going for her second half of treatment for breast cancer, finishing in December. If something goes sour with us, I'm not sure how it will affect her. She's missed all of us alot because she wasn't allowed to be around the boys as often.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Julia1996 on September 25, 2017, 09:11:53 AM
I can understand you not wanting to divorce and I'm sure you love your wife and Don't want to lose her. But there are 2 ways you could lose her. 1. Divorce her and try to stay on friendly terms with her. Or, 2. Wake up when your a 50 year old man with your dysphoria raging and realize you didn't become who you are because of her and start to hate the sight of her. It's not unreasonable to think that can happen. My uncle was the most resistant to me transitioning out of all my family. He tried everything he could think of to try and talk my dad out of letting me transition. I never liked him very much but after he kept trying to block my transition I totally can't stand him and don't care if I ever see him again.

I also really don't understand the whole idea of ruining your FIL's reputation.  How does your being trans affect his reputation? Was he supposed to make sure you weren't trans before you married his daughter? He didn't marry you, she did. The reputation thing is something else I never understood. That was something my mom tried to use with my dad. She told him to think about his reputation. He's a police officer. He told her that was stupid and that he wasn't transitioning, I was. As far as I know my being trans had no effect on his reputation. His friends are all accepting of me and have always been nice to me. He had one friend who had a problem with me but he cut that one loose.

And your right, if there was going to be any effect on your FIL's reputation it will happen after he retires as much as it would happen now. I'm sorry but the whole reputation thing seems like more straws your wife is clutching to prevent your transition.
Title: Sad realization
Post by: elkie-t on September 25, 2017, 09:22:30 AM
If I were in your heels, I'd not ask for permission. I'll inform her on my immediate plans as well as uncertainty of what my next plans would be _and_ the fact that you won't ask her permission for those next steps either if you choose to proceed.

If she's not ok with those plans of yours, she's free to seek other accommodations than living with you. It will be her choice and if it is, you cannot do anything about it anyway.

Now, don't blame her for putting her father or children before you. As long as you put somebody else's comfort in front of your needs, that person can let other people's priorities put first. To some women, husbands are only tools to provide comfortable life, and if they bring problems - then maybe they aren't worth to keep around. But it's your choice if you accept such attitude or not.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 09:23:02 AM
I suppose the problem stands that our union is very anti- LGBT. Not a week goes by without something negative being said. I tolerate it, but the trans people in the military topic didn't get any positive feedback at my job. I don't speak up for fear someone might suspect something, though that might just be paranoia.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 09:27:01 AM
Quote from: elkie-t on September 25, 2017, 09:22:30 AM
If I were in your heels, I'd not ask for permission. I'll inform her on my immediate plans as well as uncertainty of what my next plans would be _and_ the fact that you won't ask her permission for those next steps either if you choose to proceed.

If she's not ok with those plans of yours, she's free to seek other accommodations than living with you. It will be her choice and if it is, you cannot do anything about it anyway.

Now, don't blame her for putting her father or children before you. As long as you put somebody else's comfort in front of your needs, that person can let other people's priorities put first. To some women, husbands are only tools to provide comfortable life, and if they bring problems - then maybe they aren't worth to keep around. But it's your choice if you accept such attitude or not.

Sadly, it isn't that simple. I know some people have done it, but I don't want to lose her or my boys. I already told her if that's what I wanted, I would have done so already, and that's the truth. Also, there's money involved, which is always a problem. We owe her parents some money, and my parents a lot more.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: KathyLauren on September 25, 2017, 09:28:37 AM
Quote from: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 08:37:44 AM
I guess the inevitable is that I need to have a straight honest conversation.
I agree, you do need to talk about it.  It seems to me that this should be a major talking point:
Quote from: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 07:56:08 AMShe says it's me and that I don't seem happy, and that I don't seem to enjoy time with the family.
Tell her that she is right that you are unhappy.  And that the reason is because she won't let you transition.

The fear of divorce is real and reasonable.  But it is about balancing risks.  As long as the consequences of divorce seem worse than the consequences of not transitioning, nothing will change.  When continuing the dysphoria is worse than divorce, then you will be able to move.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: elkie-t on September 25, 2017, 09:28:48 AM
Quote from: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 09:23:02 AM
I suppose the problem stands that our union is very anti- LGBT. Not a week goes by without something negative being said. I tolerate it, but the trans people in the military topic didn't get any positive feedback at my job. I don't speak up for fear someone might suspect something, though that might just be paranoia.

Some people say stuff from ignorance, because they don't personally know anyone. And I am not sure if union bosses can actually be anti-LGBT these days and not provide you same protections as other members? If that's the case, I'd think hard if I want to support that union with my money.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: LaRell on September 25, 2017, 09:30:31 AM
I'm really sorry you are dealing with this!  It is not a fun place to be in for sure!  I too am married.  And initially went through a lot of resistence to the whole thing simply because it was somewhat new to my wife, and the idea of her marrying the man of her dreams and then finding out he is actually a she, kind of caused a little bit of a rift between us.  However, she is actually my biggest supporter now, and takes me shopping and things, and is actually uncomfortable when I am wearing "boy" clothes now. 

  But yes.  I do know that has got to be a very hopeless and sad feeling to know what you need and want to do, but to be met with so much resistance.  No fun to deal with at all!  Your mental well being absolutely depends on your ability to live the real you and be happy.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: elkie-t on September 25, 2017, 09:32:57 AM
I also found out that if I speak for transgender rights even in a very macho environment, adding that I'm a voting libertarian and 'mind your own business' kind of person (also gun-toting, and very fiscally conservative and generally go well with any conservative crowd), I only get respect from those guys for having my own opinion and guts to speak it up.


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Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 09:41:57 AM
Elkie , fortunately I work in new Jersey, so there are still protections in place to prevent me from being fired for it. That aside, I'm still planning on finishing out my apprenticeship before anything starts, so I can build my own reputation first.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 25, 2017, 10:10:23 AM
Opinion question.
My wife constantly says that she doesn't know if she could live anymore if something happened to our boys. Me either.
Is it a low blow to tell her that is also how I feel about never getting to transition?
I have tried comparing it to her wanting to lose weight, but she says she could get by with her body if she had to.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Sarah_P on September 25, 2017, 11:50:55 AM
I don't see that as a low blow, since it's the truth.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Julia1996 on September 25, 2017, 12:03:12 PM
It's not a low blow. Maybe if you tell her that it will help her understand just how strongly you feel about transitioning.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 27, 2017, 06:25:22 AM
I ain't remember if I mentioned earlier in this thread that my mom is going through the second stage of her breast cancer treatments, but those end in December. Would it be in bad taste to wait until those are over to talk to my wife about all of this? If things get sour, I don't want my mom to get upset. Also, I think I should speak to them about the situation first, just so they know what's going on.
Thoughts?
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: SadieBlake on September 27, 2017, 08:19:54 AM
Chelsea, sorry to hear about the transphobia you're dealing with, both from wife and in your union. 5 years sounded OK especially as you were OK with it, 10 just sounds hard, especially if transition at work will expose you to more phobic reactions.

You certainly could undertake low dose or maybe even transition dose HRT. Of course a problem with transition dose could be that if it improves things as much for you as most of us then male-fail would become a conflict. I could have continued to pass as male forever -- in fact I still do get taken for male in spite of whatever I wear.

The other thing you could think of is once you've been accepted into your union, is that reasonably portable? All hourly work where I am is union and they're a pretty accepting bunch on average far as I can tell.

Hugs,

S
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 27, 2017, 08:40:36 AM
Sadie, I'm not sure I understand your last paragraph. What do you mean by portable?
Also, any opinions on timing of this talk I need to have with my wife, mostly concerning my mom's current treatments?
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: SadieBlake on September 27, 2017, 10:57:54 AM
I mean if your union is a national (or even if it's not), can you step into membership in a different area of the country that would be more accepting?

As for timing, I'd think wait until after other big stuff has cleared, yes. I'd also say don't ever put what you need as a trade. You, your family can all be healthy without anyone needing to give up anything. Compromise, sure but exchanging your health for anything else doesn't ring true for me.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Chloe on September 27, 2017, 10:59:15 AM
ChelseaAnn a lot of objections you mention (to transistioning) sound familar, went through myself.

Quick read quick observation -> your wife sounds very controlling. If you value your kids (I do, now have custody!) stop doing ANYTHING around her that she can one day USE AGAINST YOU!

My father was "Exec Vice-President" of the 'union job' I worked for . . Union and 'her father's reputation' isn't everything but exercise restraintt!!!
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 27, 2017, 11:13:42 AM
Unfortunately, my union is in control of new York, New Jersey, Maryland, and some parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Moving out of it would require major relocation.
Her dad already knows everything about me, her parents didn't/ don't deal with it well. Honestly, I don't "do" things around my wife she can use against me. I mean, I have a temper sometimes, but there isn't anything I'd say would be used against me in the future.
As for being careful around her dad, I am. I'm not really scared of him. He's got too much to lose by doing anything to me.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: echo7 on September 27, 2017, 11:34:34 AM
It seems to me that your wife loves being married to a husband; to a man.

But if you're not really a man but a woman inside, then that's kind of a problem, isn't it?

I think you already know what you need to do.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 27, 2017, 01:57:59 PM
She's actually very supportive, and like I said earlier, she isn't bad. It's just this issue with her father that recently came up. We were fully ready for me to start my transition last October. Just had money problems and needed a really good paying job.
I think she's honestly scared of her dad. But I'm tired of having to consider other people's feelings. Not to put anything on her, but my mom got her cancer diagnosis and no one even questioned getting her treatment, so why do I have to suffer just so someone else is happy?
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Sarah77 on September 27, 2017, 02:46:42 PM
My opinion is that theonlypeople you should truly consider the impact of transition on is your partner and childre..with children top of the list.

You have done the right thing and negotiated a timeframe which has now changed.

If you are suicidal, transition. I wish you all the very best.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 30, 2017, 06:19:29 AM
OK, so an update. I had planned on waiting to have this conversation in the new year, after my mom finished her treatments. However, my wife and I got into a rather heated argument and it came up. It went not so well, but turned out OK in the end.
A lot of things made me angry, as I compared the fact that my mother received treatment without question, but that apparently meant I was jealous.... I also asked my wife if she'd rather explain to our children why I was a girl or why I had killed myself, and she immediately took that as me threatening to kill myself so she would stay with me, which was completely not the case at all.
We finally manged to isolate the issue of her dad and how this all would affect him. She never gave me an answer as to why her Father's reputation was more important than my mental well being. However, I did tell her I could wait the five years as I originally stated. So we agreed upon that in 5 years, waiting for my father in law would not be a factor. Other factors, such as finances, would still be in play though. I don't imagine that being a problem, since I'll be making 45 an hour by that point.
Thanks for all the help everyone. I'm going to continue to push the earrings issue, and hopefully get that done by my birthday in March.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: JoanneB on September 30, 2017, 07:39:59 AM
It seems to me your wife was "buying time" in hoping that using her dad to get you into the union will eventually lead to you realizing, as she hoped, that the whole trans thing was just a phase. Just as you, she would love to see her life stay as it is, you stay as you are. You two both in your home, with happy smiling kids. Big family gatherings. Life is good.  Not exactly what she can picture as the spouse of an MTF.

You need to ask yourself "Which Pain is Worse?" as does your wife.

My wife and I found ways to balance the conflicting needs and wants each of us have, as well the needs and wants of "The Us". She has seen how much personal growth I achieved by taking on the Trans-Beast for real. I am no longer that always angry, sometimes depressed, and more, person I was. I am far better of a person today then I was 8 years ago. She needed to compromise some too. TBH - HRT was not something she wanted for me, but she also saw that it would help me and us. Her "husband" having nicer boobs then her does not thrill her at all.

After a lot of our difficult, open and honest discussions, she knows how tenuous my life is and the difficult balancing act I have. So far the "Good" days far outnumber the "Bad" days for the GD. In a perfect I would go full-time in an instant. Today, it is a Want and not a Need. We both know if/when it is a Need, we'll have to sort out how to make it happen, and perhaps for us both.

There are no guarantees in life except death and taxes. Going full-time or even GCS, you still have the "Do-Over" option. Me? I like options, even if they can smoke my head
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: HappyMoni on September 30, 2017, 08:00:56 AM
Quote from: ChelseaAnn on September 30, 2017, 06:19:29 AM
OK, so an update. I had planned on waiting to have this conversation in the new year, after my mom finished her treatments. However, my wife and I got into a rather heated argument and it came up. It went not so well, but turned out OK in the end.
A lot of things made me angry, as I compared the fact that my mother received treatment without question, but that apparently meant I was jealous.... I also asked my wife if she'd rather explain to our children why I was a girl or why I had killed myself, and she immediately took that as me threatening to kill myself so she would stay with me, which was completely not the case at all.
We finally manged to isolate the issue of her dad and how this all would affect him. She never gave me an answer as to why her Father's reputation was more important than my mental well being. However, I did tell her I could wait the five years as I originally stated. So we agreed upon that in 5 years, waiting for my father in law would not be a factor. Other factors, such as finances, would still be in play though. I don't imagine that being a problem, since I'll be making 45 an hour by that point.
Thanks for all the help everyone. I'm going to continue to push the earrings issue, and hopefully get that done by my birthday in March.
Chelsea,
I don't want to be negative here but from everything you said  it sounds like if you wait another 5 years, there will be another reason you have to wait 5 more. I don't have a great solution for you as I know you fear losing your kids. I do think it sounds like you are doing all of the compromising. I would hate for you to get 5 or 10 years down the road and find out you have been played. I guess what I am saying is try to be realistic with what is going on. I would be thinking a lot of how honest she is being with you.  It does seem like when you say one thing, she takes it as being something else. Is that lack of understanding or manipulation? My partner is my best friend. We work  together to find  solutions and we don't manipulate each other. Let me be clear, I am not saying she does. It is me saying, don't lie to yourself about what is going on. You should be respectful to the people close to you, but you deserve to be happy too, and not stifle everything you want.
Moni
Chelsea, you are an adult, if you want your ears pierced, go do it. No one guesses 'trans' when a 'man' pierces ears, well, not since the 60's anyway.
Moni
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Sylvia on September 30, 2017, 08:26:21 AM
As a SO I think Joanne's advice is good. You have to ask yourself which pain is worse, - losing your wife and family, or staying a man? My situation is a bit different as my partner has never considered complete transition (maybe hormones, for the mental aspect), but his dysphoria (which he hasn't had diagnosed yet, so not even sure if that is what he has) is not debilitating. He's not suicidal. Never has been. He is still at the stage of 'exploring his feminine side'. Doesn't want to be referred to as a she. Doesn't want a femme name. Likes his 'male parts'. He has 2 pierced ears - always had one, but recently got the other one done. It never bothered me. I bought him a pair of earrings for Christmas last year. And I have never had any problems with men wearing make up, even though he only ever uses the tiniest amount.

What has helped us was making a wishlist - at the moment I have only done mine (still waiting for his) and he went through with a 'yes/no/never/maybe/maybe one day' for each thing. He is happy to compromise as long as I 'allow' him to do certain things to make him happy. At the moment this is wearing women's underwear and some 'unisex' clothing, and him shaving his body hair (I don't like hairy men anyway, so it doesn't worry me).

I am aware that things can change, and the boundaries can get moved in the future. If you are happy to wait the 5 years that is fine, but maybe your wife could compromise on a few things in the meantime? Like the earrings? It really isn't unusual for men to have 2 earring these days.

Wishing you all the best.

S
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Julia1996 on September 30, 2017, 08:42:11 AM
Here's the thing, I don't know how old you are but you need to realize that five years is five more years testosterone ravages you. And you also need to realize that it's not just five years. In five years you're not going to just wake up and poof, you will be female. In five years you will be STARTING your transition. There is counseling, hair removal unless you do it now, voice therapy, possible FFS and BA and finally SRS. And it takes at least 2-3 years for good results from hrt. If you really rush everything you're looking at 3 years. More realistically you're looking at five years from transition to SRS. That's TEN more years until you finally become yourself.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: JoanneB on September 30, 2017, 08:51:32 AM
Quote from: HappyMoni on September 30, 2017, 08:00:56 AMNo one guesses 'trans' when a 'man' pierces ears, well, not since the 60's anyway.
Those of us that grew up in the age of dinosaurs KNOW that is exactly what others think  :o
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: HappyMoni on September 30, 2017, 12:12:17 PM
Quote from: JoanneB on September 30, 2017, 08:51:32 AM
Those of us that grew up in the age of dinosaurs KNOW that is exactly what others think  :o
You are  right Joanne. Back then, showing anything (feminine) was social suicide, or at least the perception of certain doom. These days, in many places, thankfully it has relaxed. I would imagine that not only do you worry about the views of friends and family Chelsea, but you have to do the internal battle that you have been told all your life that any girl stuff isn't allowable for you. That can be very  hard to get past. I used to walk as male as possible so no one would 'know.' Of course that was all in my head. To this day, I have a hard time with my voice because of the internal voice saying, "Don't talk that way." I'm full time over a year and I find I still restrict myself. I hope you can find the things you can do to make yourself more comfortable while you are in limbo.
Moni
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: KathyLauren on September 30, 2017, 01:47:19 PM
Quote from: HappyMoni on September 30, 2017, 08:00:56 AM
I don't want to be negative here but from everything you said  it sounds like if you wait another 5 years, there will be another reason you have to wait 5 more.
Yes, this.  To your wife, "5 years" probably means "not now, and not ever if I have anything to say about it."  I think you need to turn that 5 years into a date.  Mark it on the calendar: September 2022, you can start transitioning.  If your wife will commit to a date, you will have reason to hope.  If she won't, she means no.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: ChelseaAnn on September 30, 2017, 08:37:56 PM
Thanks for the additional assistance everyone.
First, I do understand that my transition won't actually start until 5 years from now,  and in fine with that.
Second, the factors that I am talking about that could further delay me aren't from her, but financial, political,  etc. I for one won't let people get in my way anymore,  and I made that painfully clear to her when we were discussing/arguing.
Lastly, as I said before, she isn't as bad as this situation is putting out. She is allowing me to do laser once we can afford it. She is very supportive with dressing and allowing me to have girl time out. I was even allowed to gobtoba bridal shower instead of her (for a mutual friend).
Don't forget, as much as some of our family views us as being selfish even though we always aren't,  we have to remember the same is true for them.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: Kylo on September 30, 2017, 09:00:55 PM
So you have to waste your life just so someone (who?) won't possibly think badly of someone else? Sounds like a poor deal to me.
Title: Re: Sad realization
Post by: HappyMoni on September 30, 2017, 10:48:55 PM
Quote from: ChelseaAnn on September 30, 2017, 08:37:56 PM
Thanks for the additional assistance everyone.
First, I do understand that my transition won't actually start until 5 years from now,  and in fine with that.
Second, the factors that I am talking about that could further delay me aren't from her, but financial, political,  etc. I for one won't let people get in my way anymore,  and I made that painfully clear to her when we were discussing/arguing.
Lastly, as I said before, she isn't as bad as this situation is putting out. She is allowing me to do laser once we can afford it. She is very supportive with dressing and allowing me to have girl time out. I was even allowed to gobtoba bridal shower instead of her (for a mutual friend).
Don't forget, as much as some of our family views us as being selfish even though we always aren't,  we have to remember the same is true for them.
Maybe you make it sound bad when you say, "She will allow me to ..." rather than, "We agreed to ..."