Be patient with your wife
Kath,
Oh, how I know what you may be feeling, thinking and going through. Over the past two months, there were a few times where it appeared to be an appropriate time to discuss my crossdressing with my wife, but for different reasons I didn't. In hindsight, because things have turned out for the good, I can't say whether it was for the better or not. Only you can decide.
Basically, that's what this all boils down to be...a decision between you and your wife. You both need to find that comfort zone/level at which both of you can accept one another's position, views, and behaviours. AND, I can say this...it will require some change(s) for both you. AND, once you reach this agreement, just know that it isn't final and everlasting. In many ways, I also will be on the alert for a change of direction.
As for changes, for you, it may mean you have to cut back on how much, when, or what you do when you dress in order to give her more time to come to terms with your crossdressing. And be honest and truthful...don't respond to conditions you know you can't fulfill. If she asks if you're still crossdressing, respond that you're a crossdresser (or transvestite), have been one all of your life, and this condition/behaviour will never go away. As someone shared with me earlier...tell her..."you're not one IN A million but one OF millions of males who crossdress"...and make sure she understands the difference. So, you will need to own up to the fact that you were not truthful when she asked if you still crossdressed and that you're now asking for her forgiveness. Basically, you need to address all of the fears that she may have.
For her, she needs to understand and accept the fact that you're still the same person she married...with some enhancements. She also needs to clearly acknowledge that your crossdressing will never go away. From what you've written it appears that may have been an expectation on her part. Emphasize that you're the father of your two children and they need both parents throughout their lives. Work on as many positives for staying together and, as you stay together, you both will change and evolve.
Also, you can do things that will be to both your benefits...more so for you. Don't push your crossdressing on her...if she feels uncomfortable, then back off.
What happened between my wife and I recently has been good for both of us. It was painful...that's for sure but we are both making changes and not taking things for granted. Especially for me, I have always wondered why and for what reasons spouses accept and later reverse themselves. You're not the only one who has been thru this reversal. I'm sure many of those that have experienced it will share their experiences.
For me, I know I'm lucky at least for the time being. Right now, I'm dedicated to change and learn whatever it is about myself and my crossdressing, but most especially, I'm willing to make changes where it concerns with my wife. I want our marriage to last; I want to teach her more about my crossdressing but not force feed her.
I think the one great thing that transpired regarding my crossdressing is how we've been able to laugh about it. Once she mentioned that she didn't have a black full slip...so I went and bought her one. When I gave it to her, I commented..."that is one benefit of being married to a transvestite...we're not afraid of purchasing lingerie". A few weeks ago, she told me she had a new name (affectation) for me...goldie...as in goldilocks.
So, Kath, don't despair too much...focus on the positives, focus on your wife's needs, focus on where you want your marriage to go. For the time being, don't focus on what you want and your "rights" as a crossdresser. Become the loving husband your wife married 11 years ago.
Good luck!
Paula J.
RE: Getting Caught by wife
Paula,
I didn't tell my wife until we had been married for about two years. Even then I din't tell her everything. I told her that I really liked to wear nylon or satin panties. (I didn't know about the ecstacy of wearing silk panties than) She was shocked and acted much like your wife. I just kept telling her that I loved her and was not "Gay". I said I was turned on by the panties and that was to her benefit. She finally agreed that I could wear them at home only, and never around our child. I agreed, though with my fingers crossed. As far as she knew, I did only wear panties at home. I kept a lot of my femme clothes in the trunk of my car and always dressed when out of town on business. I usually went out to dinner wearing ladies slacks, a blouse, and of course a garter belt, panties, stockings,and a pair of ladies shoes. I don't try to pass, just wear feminine clothing. BTW, I have many compliments on my silk blouses that I usually wear.
My wife never said another word to me about the panties, except to tell me that I could keep my panties in her lingerie drawer. I did do that and had as many as a dozen pair in there. She did complain once that my panties were prettier than hers. I told her she could wear some of mine, since we wore the same size. she did, but than wanted some of her own like mine. So we went shopping and bought matching panties.
As I said at the beginning, we had been married two years when I first told her. That was 48 years ago, and we frequently wore matching panties up until she passed away on Feb, 20th of this year, just 5 months shy of our 50th anniversary. So keep your faith, things can work out. It is a shock to a lady to find out her macho husband likes feminine clothing, but once she sees that you mean no harm to her in any way she will most likely be more accepting. Just be sure to let her know that she is first and foremost in your thoughts at all times, no matter what you are wearing.
I wear panties almost all the time now, and other female clothing a good deal of the time. All my jeans are feminine and tailored to make me look even more feminine while wearing them. I can wear a lot of my wife's things and feel close to her when I do.
You will be in my prayers, Paula.
Silky Stephanie