[AnnieBL]

Another aspect of my gender dysphoria occurred to me this morning. It came together as I was thinking about you girls and how my interactions with you on this board have become an important facet of my life lately.

I've never been a particularly social person; introverted and a bit shy by nature, I guess. So, it surprised me that I was enjoying my discussions and banter with you folks so much. So I was asking myself -- Why is that?

I think I have an answer. When it comes to group social interactions, I tend to be anxious a lot. I'm especially that way in groups of men, and I often find ways of avoiding getting into men-only situations (aside from work, of course, which is no longer relevant for me). In a mixed sex social situation, I'll find myself being pulled into the women's circle. No anxiety for me there. I feel at home talking to women (as long as there are no sexual overtones present).

So here I am engaged in conversation with what on the surface appears to be a group of men (men with breasts well hidden ) and find it a comfortable place to be. Then, I realize, that nothing has changed at all. I'm still my old self seeking out the company of girls!

Hugs all around,

Clara Kay

Clara, you do have a genius for hitting things on the head. Only point of divergence for me is that I'm not too good even here at the back-chat. Too serious minded by far - but perhaps I'll learn.
I've always wondered why I've always been so allergic to the most common re-rendering of my actual given first name - but may be it has something to do with my gender identity: now of course my dick seems to have been permanently retired. And why was I always so insistent that my beloved hand-me-down teddy bear was female (Mrs too, but I can't recollect ever imagining a husband in the fantasy land she inhabited). And as for hugs, why are both myself and my wife so uncomfortable with social bodily contacts with people with whom we don't have a special relationship? (Present company would be a special relationship)