When I was at university I'd often end up chatting for ages with various women, either one-on-one, or in groups. For me it was just a social thing - nothing sexual to it. Admittedly, from to time I did feel some attraction but even then I'd always try to be friends first rather than come onto them romantically or sexually (which of course killed any chance of a sexual relationship later on). Unlike plenty of guys at university I certainly didn't have a reputation as a womaniser or a lothario...

Even so, plenty of people seemed to take pity on me for not having a girlfriend. Every time I was friendly with a woman, plenty of people would start gossiping wondering if I had a thing for her. It got pretty boring, to be honest. And it is something that has followed me around ever since. Some years ago at work, I discovered that a female colleague was convinced I had a crush on another female co-worker - just because she'd noticed me chatting with that woman - and that she had told her as much. I was rather appalled, not because this co-worker wasn't someone worth having a crush on (apart from the fact she was, y'know, married) I just didn't view our friendship sexually.

Now that I've transitioned I feel a lot more at ease about being able to be friendly with women without people reading anything into it. How has it been for others - whether going from male to female or female to male?

before i fully committed to full-time , i was quite a pretty boy (thats what i am told LOL), and i was (and still am) very friendly , i had no problem talking to girls/boys ... but there were few girls tried to ask me out, gave me roses on V-day , which was fine to me , but i didnt go out with them because i liked boys LOL .. so I had no problem with people gossiping behind my back about this kind of stuffs ..



but yes, after transitioning & became a girl, lots more easier in life 

I was the same way in college Grace. I was always the one that would talk with the girls and always became friends with them. Nothing sexual just friends. I also got the gossip and questions when I would be with a girl and we would be talking. For me there was no sexual interests. I feel like I was just trying to be part of there circle and I felt more comfortable being friends with women than I did with men. I am still that way even though I haven't transitioned. I am sure it will feel like validation once I start transition. I think I will feel complete and like I belong.

For me its like everything i say or do is more seriously. Im kind to someone then it easily seams like im very kind and opposite.