A family holiday...

[Amy A]

Hi all,

My parents have suggested taking a holiday with them sometime over the winter months, in a cottage in the countryside. They see it as a way for me to spend a week with them as Amy, so they can get to know me as a woman and I can use the time to build my confidence.

I think it's pretty amazing for them to offer, and I think it could do me a lot of good, but I'm still a bit nervous about it; small English villages don't spring to mind when thinking of trans friendly places, and being myself in front of my parents is a big deal, and once I'm there I'll be there for seven days.

Am I just worrying too much about this? I mean, looking at it in a positive light, how many of us are lucky enough to have parents that are so supportive and eager to help? Perhaps I just need to go with the flow and enjoy the week. After all, I am going to be going full time so I need to get over the stage fright, and this would be time away from my usual stomping grounds to do just that. And anyway, it's a free holiday, right?

[MysticLady]

That's wonderful Amy, I hope you enjoy yourself and have a great time.

[Rianna Humble]

Hi Amy,

I think that it is brilliant news that your parents want to get to know the real you better. It is very sweet of them to suggest a holiday in the countryside.

I wouldn't worry to much about the villagers - to them you will probably be "that strange lot of Londoners" (even if you come from nowhere near London).

I don't think that the average village dweller in this country is any worse than his/her big-town cousin.

You are almost certainly spot on when you urge yourself to go with the flow.

[kimdl93]

It's a great offer by your parents. Your reservations are understandable, but you need to do this, in part to reciprocate for their understanding and generosity and in part to bond with them as the new you.

[Jorja]

Relax and enjoy the time away and the family. Work on the little problems that will arise as they come.

[StephanieC]

What a great opportunity!

[I Am Paula]

What a wonderful way to find out a bit about RLE. If you're going full time anyway, this sounds ideal to get you feet wet. Use the common sense that any GG would. Try to stay with a group. Don't go down the pub at night by yourself! Keep your wits about you. I think you'll be fine. Enjoy, and cheers.

[Janice Ashton]

Hi Amy,

This sounds a wonderful opportunity for you and your parents to begin to adjust to the changing times, I would grasp it with both hands and if it were me the Peak District would be the place to look for a weeks stay beautiful part of the country and lots of places to go see and share with your parents.
Good luck, have a good time in the comfort of your family and most of all enjoy being 'Amy'

[groove67]

if they have asked i say they are reaching out to you as their daughter i say do it i am sure all will be fine. marianne

[Marleena]

Amy I say go for it too! They are very accepting and it's a chance for all of you to become comfortable with it. Yes, I think you are worrying too much.:)

[Ariamythe]

Do it, and then come back here and give us all the details.

[Rachelakld]

Some of us parents just love our children, no matter what, so be honest with them, and just enjoy their company, while they get to know you again.

[Amy A]

Hi all,

Thanks for the encouragement. I have decided that I will go, and whilst it will be daunting it will be a good introduction to RLE for me. There is of course the added motivation of repaying my parents for their support by involving them in my transition, and it would seem wrong to turn them down when they have made a gesture like this, especially when so many trans* people have difficult relationships with their families.

So i've booked the time off, and my parents have booked a cottage in Yorkshire for a week in November. We decided on Yorkshire as it isn't too far to travel but I haven't been in a good while; I tend to go to the Lake or Peak Districts when I want to get out of the city. I am excited, I'm looking forward to shopping in preparation for it, and whilst I think I will be nervous on the run up to it, it's things like this that I have to face head on if I want to build my confidence.

Amy :)

[Rianna Humble]

Yorkshire! :eek:

I didn't know you were going abroad! :hiding:

[Jorja]

No, no, Rianna, you misunderstood. She is going as a broad. ;)