I think most relationships can become stronger because of mutual appreciation of fashion, performance, and makeup, some couples are put to the test when a partner admits they have a passion for cross-dressing. 

I think sharing this secret and communicating well and reassuring you're not about to run off with a man or have a sex change... explaining the positive benefits and gaining some understanding can strengthen a relationship with the shared secret, the shared private joke knowing that you know but they dont know what you know... the They in this case is the unsuspecting Muggles... Non Crossdressing folk.

Dr. Karen Ruskin, a psychotherapist and relationship expert, has counseled numerous heterosexual couples in similar situations.

Ruskin told Insider that a common misconception about men cross-dressing is that it means they are questioning their sexuality or gender identity. For some it can be a case of questioning sexuality and or gender identity but the vast majority don't even consider sexuality or their gender identity until others point things out to them or suggest things.

Davina "I have always dressed since young and it never crossed my mind that my sexuality was in question for dressing like a woman... i love women I'm dressing as a woman for various reasons so Esme asking if i was gay was a WTF? no! moment i had never considered. It becomes a regular question among other t girls when chatting are you gay or bi ? no I'm straight and the other factor I'd never considered was my gender as I'm a man will always be a man I'm ok being a man never thought of wanting to be a woman ever. but others can cajole and question what if you could change for a day, what if you had a magic pill and you could change to a woman and back.. um well that doesn't exist and anyway if i changed to a woman for a day id waste all day feeling up my boobs lol.

Crossdressing can understandably put a strain on a relationship because women may feel inadequate or like there is something "wrong" with their partner for cross-dressing.

But motivations for men who cross-dress are complex as we've discussed on the forum - why do men crossdress? it differs greatly.. 

Whether a man is exploring femininity in a way societal expectations don't allow, dealing with loss, using it for escapism / stress release or simply expressing creativity, Ruskin said that every case is different.

"Cross-dressing allows them that moment to give themselves permission to feel emotions and softness and nurture and love in a soft way because it's deemed as something a woman would do," Ruskin said. "By putting on those clothes, they can tap into that."

Ruskin, who has 25 years of experience as a therapist, said that she has noticed a significant uptick in couples coming in with problems surrounding cross-dressing in the past 5 years.

Ruskin's biggest piece of advice for women who find out their male partners are interested in cross-dressing is to approach the situation with an open mind.

"Really discuss with your man in a non-judgmental [way], be an active listener, caring with curiosity, kindness and compassion, not fear that they're hurting you or that they're sick," Ruskin said. 

While Ruskin said it's fine for a woman to acknowledge that the situation makes her uncomfortable or is incompatible with what she wants in a relationship, it is crucial to understand why a partner has a desire to cross-dress rather than jumping to conclusions.

"They should be able to uncover and discover, giving them a safe space to talk to find out why it might be the case, because it's different for different men."

Nice to see a Dr giving this advice to be open minded.