Commencement

[Byllie]

I'm a college prof, and what others call graduation, we call commencement. Why? Because it's the beginning of the rest of a student's life.

Last night, as we were snuggling in for bed, my wife asked why I was wearing clear nailpolish. She also said, "I here for you." With that, I came out to her.

I talked of how my CD interersts have grown significantly in the last few months, but that I can trace it all back to early childhood (10 or 11) when I tried out my Mom's makeup in the bathroom. I grew up in NYC, and in the area I lived any man who wore women's clothing was gay, a queer, a faggot. Can anyone not be surprised that I've surpressed these urges to crossdress through the years?

I knew I wasn't gay; men did not sexcually arouse me, while the image of a buxom woman in a bikini did and still does get my interest. It was only with the release of Trans America, and my reading a lot about CD and such online that I've come to realize I'm not crazy.

But I've been here before, thinking there must be something seriously wrong with me. Both my daughter and I had Tourette's Syndrome, a condition which causes the person to exhibit tics. Some are muscular and some are vocal. I have the forrmer, while my daughter has shown both. When I was a kid, our GP told my parents, "Oh he's just nervous. He'll calm down." And I did, as TS tends to wax and wane. When our daughter showed symptoms, wee took her to a specialist in TS. At our last session, he looked at us and said, "I believe you daughter has TS." Then he looked at me at said, "And so do you." With that, years of feeling crazy were wiped away. I had TS. I was mentally stable. I just ticked.

It's the same with CD. I'm just a crossdresser. I enjoy expressing my feminine side by dressing and posing as a woman. I'm not crazy.:love:

[Maureen Henley]

It's always a joy to read someone's story of coming to terms with his(her)self, and coming out to a partner. However, you didn't say how your wife took all of this. I suspect, that, since you didn't mention it, it was neither horrible or wonderful. It would be good to hear the rest of the story.

Free advice being worth what one pays for it, here's some. Pay a great deal of attention to her needes, and don't go wild, as so many of us have after coming out.

Affectionatly,

Maureen

P.S. "Commencement" was an excellent choice of title for your post. MEH

[Wenda]

:) A wonderful story! I am assuming that it went well. We are happy for you!This forum has helped me be comfortable with dressing and enjoy it as well.

[Eugenie]

Hi Alexa,

Very interesting link you make with Tourette's Syndrome. I had never thought about it. Perhaps this could be discussed in the section about Depression/mental Health.

There is indeed some irresistible drives for many of us to "dress" which resemble Tourette's Syndrome drives to some acts or verbal expressions. There are differences too. Anyhow, very interestin topic.

:love:

Eugenie

[Byllie]

Thanks to all for the comments. Since my last post, my wife has had a brief crying spell, after which we went out to one our favorite nature spots for some one-on-one time. I also emailed her links to various spousal help, including a CD spouse bill of rights. She said what I sent her made her feel " ... better, a lot better." We're taking it one day at a time. I love her way too much to do anything to jeapordize our relationship. She said she just needs time to assess her own feelings, but my sense is that she is stillo supportive of my needs, as I am of hers. We've been through alot, the past ten years or so, both dealing with chronic Lyme Disease. She's on IV treatment (at home) and I'm on mega doses of oralo meds. It's a load of fun (tongue firmly planted in cheek). I'll post here every so often to give you an update on our progress. Again, thanks for the continuing support!:love: