I have a girlfriend. She is the best girlfriend in the world and my best friend in the whole world.

BUT! Here lies the problem. I want to talk to her about this, but I am afraid. I'm afraid of how she will react. I am pretty sure if I break it lightly, she will be okay. She's always telling me that I'm masculine and that I make her feel safe. She thinks I am attractive and loves my body. Admittedly, acceptance and compliments like this make me feel good, however it's also heartbreaking. To think that I could possibly drastically change my body, that she loves, in order to make me happy. It's such a catch 22!

Have any of you ever dealt with this before? What did you do and how did it turn out? I would love to hear some stories.

On a side note, I had my hair straightened. I like it. I think it'll make me look more feminine. I will take pictures (with makeup) when I get a spare minute and upload. I can't decide whether I like it more or less than curly hair. Hmmmm....

Love,
Karlee.x

Dearie, you'd know your gf best.
It's kinda hard to give some remote diagnoses on that.

Yet if she likes you now how you are, she likes you as a girly male, my best guess.
THAT DOES NOT MEAN SHE WILL ALSO LIKE YOU WITH BREASTS AND DRESSED AS A FEMALE.
Very likely she will not.

That is my best guess here. There are exceptions, but they few and far in between.

Now the question to you:
- What is more important to become who you are?
- Or to become an "extension" of a significant other?

Not easy, I know!
Axelle

That's all so true. I've coped for 19 years, love all my family and friends. Is it worth loosing all of them (or maybe just some) over this? I don't know what I feel anymore...its as if I have suppressed the feelings to stop myself from continuing.  So many variables to it.

Like Axelle said, you would know best when to talk to her. However, nothing will change who you are, so you will eventually need to anyways if you want to maintain the relationship.

I told my best friend about two weeks ago. Was I scared? Absolutely. But, everything turned out very well, and we even had a more in-depth conversation about hormones etc. yesterday.

Just be sure that when you feel the time is right, to try to stay relaxed and be as straight forward as you can. Think about what you're going to say ahead of time, but try not to get wrapped up on possible responses.

Best of luck to you!

*edit*

And think of it this way, you have an opportunity here to start your life over. Sure, it can be scary, but what are you worrying about? What others think? It's a difficult thought, but now is the time to be selfish. You only live life once, and live it to the fullest. Not doing anything about being transgendered will only make matters worse for you in the future. For me, I've pitfalled numerous times because of the gender dysphoria. I know my parents would rather see me living a happy successful life, as myself, compared to a failed miserable one where I try to please everyone else.