Hope nobody minds another coming out story, but I can't help wanting to share.

A little over a month ago - it was my birthday actually - I finally summoned the courage to share my 'sordid little secret' with my wonderful partner of 21 years. I was full of dread at what the outcome might be, mostly because I had kept this from her for so long and that she might see it as a betrayal of trust, but I had reached a point where because of other stuff that's been going on, I had to spill the beans for my own sanity!

I was terrified! Telling this woman I have loved for so long, who trusted me implicitly, that I had been keeping a secret from her, and that for the last four years while she had been at work, I had been sneaking around dressing up in women's clothes... I'm sure so many of you can relate.

However, I couldn't have dreamt that her reaction would be so positive... although my opening line "I need to tell you something" was perhaps not the best way to start as she looked a little mortified herself. None of the awful things I had feared happened. She comforted me and let me know that she understood why I had never told her, but said she wished I had done so sooner - "imagine the fun we could have had during lockdown!" She had questions of course - am I gay? (no). Do I want to be a woman? (no). Do I have clothes (yes). Do I wear heels? (yes) etc. and she still does. I've pointed her to this forum and hope she will join and maybe give her perspective and so on. Anyway, she quickly made me go and dress and show her what she was getting in 'Partner v.2'

I arrived back downstairs a few minutes later in a fairly representative-of-me, all-black outfit full of nerves, not sure what reaction I would receive, but she was (I think) relieved that I dressed quite tastefully and complimented me on my appearance. To say that I was relieved is an understatement! The rest of that day was spent online shopping!

Anyway, longer story slightly shorter, far from damaging our relationship, it has strengthened our love and we are now closer than ever, She has noted that I am now always happy, smiling even, more relaxed and don't snap at her any more. It's true - I feel so very happy now that I don't have that extra secret burden to lug around and even bad stuff is bearable. I consider myself very lucky indeed to have such a wonderful, beautiful, loving woman in my life.

Sick bags are available upon request! 😁