Till now, I have purposely abstained from this thread, but, watching an being drawn in to it.
I am in the unfortunate position of being too scared to kill the relationship...
1) I knew who I was as a kid, but tried to conform, and succeeded despite fighting my demons
2) I got married, it was the "right" thing to do at that time (over 40 years now)
3) I had kids...that is what marriage was all about
4) I worked hard and provided for my family, had to put my desires, wishes and demons to the back of my head
5) I had grandkids, more complexity the family was expanding, desperately hanging on
6) Started HRT 12 years ago, assuming I would tell all and transition in a year, a year, a year...
Now here I am, can't fight myself anymore... but knowing my wife's trust in me and my families trust will be destroyed I have also now ensured that financially there are no debts and a home over my wife's head forever.
Apart from securing a new job, I am now ready to take that final step, am I scared, hell yeah, will I ever recover, no probably not, will I enjoy being who I know I am. hell yeah
Will I miss my wife, kids and grandkids, assuming the worst, more than you could ever imagine, I spend as much time as I can with them... feeling like a cheater consistently.
Am I sane... definitely, and I always wish I could turn back the clock... but what's done is done... luckily I have managed the pain, anguish and pretence of being male since I can remember, I think in some respects I have been lucky to be able to do that, but on the other hand I would not be in this awful position I am now if I had not managed it so well...
But I am looking forward to being at total peace and comfort with who I am after so many years... so that's a massive bonus... and hey my worst fears may not eventuate, right?
L Katy