[Marina Kits]

***Abridged quote***

If anyone is reading this who is still not sure of their situation, or wants to try and bargain their GD away, THAT IS A MISTAKE. Talk to therapist that specializes in this, talk to people here and elsewhere. Find out what you need to find out. It can be scary as hell, but you will only regret it later if you wait years on this.

- Jaded Jade

Humm, I have to second this. Many of you will recall it wasn't that long ago I lamented that this GD thing is not a choice and also not something I'd sign up for if given the option. I find myself having an out-of-body experience now asking myself what the hell are you thinking Kari? Because as of late, I think I might actually keep my GD if my creator gave me the choice today. Why? Because as I look back at my life, the new me is much preferable to the old. I like the emotional, sensitive side of me. I like being "weaker emotionally" and in need of more love than most. l like to express myself in unique fashion and color, to be free of sexual addictions and able to understand others emotions and feelings better. I'm less irritable and have a lot more patience with my wife, kids, friends and acquaintances. There are no secrets in my marriage anymore and our emotional intimacy has never been deeper. I'm no longer constantly on guard trying to protect the false image of myself I created and maintained for 40 years. My gender "issues" drove me to attain a proper body mass index to look more feminine but causing several axillary benefits as well. I understand now why I never fit in with the guys and didn't match the girls but knowing and accepting that has freed me from the prison I used to be in. ...I'm just better now that I've accepted myself, love myself and love my gender identity (note the lack of Dysphoria!). ...I'm better BECAUSE of my "GID" now that I have EMBRACED my true identity!

...So, as Jade said, don't stuff who you are! Don't deny it. Get help from a professional OR WRITE LIKE CRAZY HERE! It's what I did. Writing is therapeutic, you can remain anonymous, the feedback is, for the most part, very helpful and it's all FREE! If you're observing (lurking) this forum, take a big breath and step out of the shadows.