That is, wife (43) and daughter (12). Told them I was re-evaluating myself and who I wanted to be, and that I wanted to try being “cuter” (didn’t quite have the courage to go further), and that perhaps men’s clothing didn’t suit me.
The wife was mostly “yeah, right” – seemed happy that I was trying to improve myself but seems to think it’s just a phase (maybe it is? idk).
But my daughter was right on board! Came up with a load of outfit and makeup suggestions, and proposed going to an anime convention together, dressed up. I asked her if she’d think it was weird for me to go about dressed as a gothic lolita, and the response was “no, I think it’d be cute.”
So next step is maybe cute anime girl cosplay at home, with an ally!
I’m literally shaking with … excitement? fear? relief? I have no idea. Ohgodohgodohgod what am I doing…
So happy for you!! It’s amazing that your daughter is so enthusiastically supportive of your journey in self discovery :) that support is invaluable. It sounds like you have some great ideas on ways you can explore your gender and examine your gender feelings in an environment that feels safe with support from your family.
Processing your gender as you explore it is hard, and I can understand how it can be hard for spouses as well. However, your wife should be patient and understanding with you, and when you tell her that this is a serious thing for you and you need her genuine support through this. It’s not fair to you to get the “Yeah right” treatment about this. It will take time for her to process, that’s fair. But she shouldn’t diminish your feelings through this. I hope she lends you full support in whatever you choose to do, even in the event of going to a con in full Gothic Lolita 😊 which btw sounds absolutely amazing haha. My exploration of gender was very quiet and at home and normative. I only started really expressing myself through fashion and presentation a lot this year.
Thanks for the kind words. To be fair I framed it more as “I’m thinking about trying this out” rather than “I’m gonna be a girl now”, but here’s hoping she comes around.