People are good.

[I Am Paula]

I posted before Christmas that I had a huge holiday semi formal to go to. At that one, well over half the guests had known me as Paul. It was quite the coming out, but my biggest surprise was that almost no one mentioned my transsexuality! The only two comments were that I looked very comfortable in my new shell, and a good friend asking how I learned to act so ladylike (answer: Just stop acting like a man).
This past week, I got two more party invites, where I really didn't know more than a small handful of guests. They were my sister's invitations, and when she said her sister would be in town, was told to bring me along. So I really was a stranger, and this was quite a trial! I was completely shocked, and amazed. No long, disapproving looks, backhanded comments, or WTF's. Every single person treated me as Paula, fellow party guest. It was as if I had always been a woman, and no one thought ,or cared differently. I made some new friends, and felt as welcome as old slippers.
Once again I was reminded that people are basically good.

As a P.S. To a lot of my family this was my first Christmas as my real self. They showered me with gifts. The female side all said how much more fun it was to shop for me this year! In previous years I had to go return all the male stuff I got, and pick out new gifts.

I just know this is going to been a good year coming, and I hope you all had a great Christmas, or whatever your holiday.

[kimdl93]

Congratulations on being so well accepted for the person you are. I have to think that the response reflects two things...the great friends and family you have, and the underlying fact that a you're a really great person who brings out the same in others.

[I Am Paula]

Thank you Kim. In the thank you emails I'm sending out right now, I have come to realize this may well have been the happiest time of my life.

[mary something]

Happy Holidays Paula! Cheers to the best year of your life :)

[TeresaL]

It's so refreshing to hear a good story during a time that can be so sad for many who did nothing wrong. Congratulations for overcoming and receiving one of the greatest, if not THE greatest gift we can have. Family and friend acceptance.

[Nicole Erin]

I am not surprised that things went well.
Once we really get into the role of living as women (for us MTF), people just don't mind. If they have comments or whatever, they usually keep it to themselves or whatever. People gossip but really, we don't get it anymore than anyone else.
We are the "third" gender. These days, it just isn't a big deal.
People treat others as they have been treated.

Now that you have been initiated into the real world, your TS'ness won't be an issue. I am at that point and life goes on.

[AllieSF]

Paula,

First, a thank you to you for your wonderful posts as you live your life and continue down your personal path. Your stories truly are revealing, mostly happy, minimum drama and hopefully inspiring for those finding and trying to follow their own paths.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Something tells me that your attitude will make 2014 a very special and comforting year for you.

[Rachel Smith]

Yes Paula they are. I have found since coming out most people don't care and the ones I work with that I think do just don't talk to me, se la vie. As Nicole said life goes on.

[Leah Lynn]

Paula, that is so neat! I'm planning to come out in about a year from now, hopefully before Christmas, and I hope I can receive half the acceptance you've been given. 2014 will truly be a great year for you!

Hugs,

Leah

[Cindy J Angel]

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY girl there is hope all of us thank you for your kind words love cindy