Hi all,
Yesterday I posted (under "You're Never Too Old") about coming out to some of my neighbors. It took a long time to get there, but I had finally decided that I had enough hiding or sneaking around, that I was comfortable as I'll ever be in my own skin, and that it was time to just come out and show them who I am. Or at least the part they didn't know about.
Yesterday went well. Today, I added two more. Both women - one, a single newly retired woman next door, the other, a young mother and wife whom together with here husband and daughter we socialize with - were very nice and supportive. After the initial surprise, both said that if that is what made me happy, seeing me dressed as a woman was all the same to them. No drama, no sirens, no long, drawn-out discussion. Just simple acceptance, which I felt was sincere and not just humoring me. I didn't expect any invitations to paint our toenails together, but the freedom to simply be me. I treasure this more than any gold.
Not everyone may have the same experience, your mileage may vary, but all this time, I was afraid of rejection, of ridicule, of discomfort and awkwardness. But a lot of it turned out to be in my head. I realize I have the luxury of great, very chill neighbors, but I simply told them about my journey as it were, and that yes, sometimes I like to go out wearing a dress, wig and makeup and present as a woman. And then we talked about paving driveways for the Spring, whether my sons were coming to visit during the summer, and how my work was going in the city.
My conclusion is that if you really have good relations not just as neighbors, but even as friends, it should be ok. Confidence, faith, and trust were key.
