I think a lot of people in our lives have a hard time with us being trans because they simply just don't have a clue what it means or feels like to be trans, they think we can learn to be happy with ourselves and our bodies or that we're just not gender conforming in a traditional sense but "That doesn't mean you're not a girl/boy" I think a lot of the time, at least with the people I interact with, they don't even know what gender dysphoria is or that we have it. My Nan will ask why I'm paranoid about my hips showing, why I wear way oversized clothes and tons of layers even when I'm hot. But how brutal can we be when we tell them? How can you be honest without being alienating? like "Because I hate this body so much I can't even acknowledge it's presence without becoming so angry and depressed I can't function" sounds kind of harsh, but maybe some people just need to hear it blunt like that. Maybe not that blunt though... I don't even know 

You put into words thoughts I often have.

I think trying to get people to understand is a non-starter, it's not something you can understand unless you are trans. Acceptance is all I ask for.

I've actually had good luck trying to get people to understand. Here's what I do (assume you're talking to a woman, e.g. Works the opposite for a man):

QuoteSuppose you woke up one day and instead of your female body, you found yourself with a smelly, hairy, muscular male body. Suddenly everyone expected you to act macho and wear only male clothes. All your female friends avoided you or were suspicious that you were coming onto them while the guys all wanted to make you their buddy.

How quickly would you want to fix all that so you could go back to living as a woman?

Quote from: Darkflame on March 08, 2013, 04:01:53 AM
How can you be honest without being alienating?

Honesty doesn't alienate, offend or shame. It is the only thing that can be used to help people, some of which won't, can't or don't understand. Those people you have to let go until they can embrace you again.

Honesty is what spreads the truth. Unadulterated. Honesty stands head and shoulders above all else and can withstand the most torrential abuse ad misunderstanding.

If people can't accept your honesty, you'll have to cast them off, otherwise they will drag you down.

Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa huggs
Catherine