Andrea, welcome to the forum. Thanks for sharing your story. It rings a tone in all of us. But hey, your are right in your thoughts. Don't lose your soul. I am in a conservative area also. I have grown my hair long and have earrings. Get mam'd a lot as that's what they see. I am retired and have a tad more freedom than you. But wow, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is hard on us as we seem driven to do this. We are not those comfortable men who are comfortable in their skin. We are far different and although it seems bleak, I would say we are gifted. You have a woman that accepts you, but can you love her like a man and then have her support on this. It is possible, and we have to be manly with our women. Don't try to fit in the world. I beat to a different drum all of my life and was pretty successful yet knew I was far different.
Yeah, sometimes it can be so bad we want to cry. Cheer up buddy. better days are ahead. Take good care of that woman and talk a lot to her about it all, she will appreciate that and as crazy as it is, she is still with you. so if you put your stuff away for a bit. Be a man to her and communicate everything over time and she may be good for you. There is in fact true love. It took me a lifetime, but my SO does truly love me. Never thought it could happen. Just know you are different and appreciate the fact we we will not go into the dark as a cold timid soul that knows neither victory or defeat. Ole Teddy said that and it rings true.
