Watson

Family members telling me they “always felt” my decision to transition was a mistake. I ask “why didn’t you say anything back then?” They reply “we didn’t want to upset you.” Please, upset me. If you have concerns about someone you love – talk to them about it. It might help.

It's tough to know how much to push back without getting cut out entirely. I did as much as I felt I could at the time: ask questions, insist on better answers, try to keep lines of communication open. But I regret that I didn't push back harder.

Such heartbreaking replies. So many who feel they didn’t push back enough. I’ve never stepped back and considered the pain my family must've felt watching me make such an obvious mistake. If nothing else I thank you for putting into perspective how they must have felt back then.

It's hard because you love the person dearly and you don't know how to get through to them. You don't want to hurt them and you don't want to lose them and you don't want to make it impossible for them to come back to you in the future.

This is where the mental health professionals should be stepping in to help – by helping the dysphoric individual come to terms with and, eventually, love and accept themselves as they are. unfortunately, the doctors are failing us.

I admit I haven't voiced my concerns to my niece. I'm not applauding her, but I'm not bold enough to talk to her. She posts threatening messages on FB saying that anyone who doesn't use the correct pronouns will be cut off. I've talked to my sister (her mom); that was hard enough

It's not an easy conversation to have. Especially if she's far gone enough to be posting threats of disownment on Facebook. If I may, how old is she?

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