RieneD, I think you bring out some very good points about cross gendered behavior. And I think I could possibly use some gender counseling because of the feelings I have.
All along i've been conditioned from birth that men do certain things and women do others. When I was very young I was conditioned to believe that as a man, I had to get my hands greasy and dirty doing what were considered male activities. I envied, and never got to experience the softer feminine things. I envied the things that women could do like polishing their nails or getting their hair done, or being fitted for a bridesmaid's dress for a wedding and being part of the party. I longed for the shopping trip to buy women's clothing and enjoy seeing myself in a mirror. That in itself might mean, as you suggest, that I would need gender counseling and decide where to go from there.
Today I can make the best of it. I now realize that I hate the idea of doing chores normally relegated to men. I realize the divorced mother has to mow the lawn or paint the ceiling. I've done all of that.
Today though i'me finding the joy of softer things whether I'm dressed or not. Dressing as a woman only reinforces for me the role I wish to be. I like the changes now.
My wife and I discussed some of this today. We both cooperate in those chores usually reserved for one gender. But I love and embrace the idea that I can feel truly "right" doing the softer feminine things and let some guy do the harder things. Maybe we do become weaker as we get older but I'm still capable. However given a choice, I enjoy being the woman. I love what I'm doing.
Cheryl
