"We've Met Before, Sort Of..."

[Carolyn Marie]

I experienced yesterday what was probably the most awkward few moments since i came out at work last spring. It turned out OK, but it was weird.

I had a meeting with my big boss and a team from a development company, but the boss wouldn't tell me who was invited So I walk into his conference room and assembled there were six guys, all but two of whom I had actually met last year, as my former self. I was shocked but tried not to show it. They were pleasant and we all introduced ourselves. I looked at the CEO, and thought about it for a second, and decided I had no choice but to tell him.

So I said, "um, Mr. Jones (not his real name), you and I met last year, about the same project, only then I was called C___.. I've made a few changes since then." I put on my best smile, apologized for the confusion, and waited.

He and his colleagues looked at me, there was a long awkward silence, some clearing of throats, and then Mr. Jones said, "No problem, Miss W____." The guys who knew me from before even told me that they didn't recognize me.

My boss came in, said some nice things about me, and we got down to business. The CEO even had a letter than I wrote him last year with my old name on it. We all laughed a bit, and finished our business, and all the guys were perfect gentlemen and treated me like a lady as we shook hands and departed.

It was definitely awkward, but I've found that a smile and a laugh can do wonders to settle folks down. Another victory for Carolyn.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest CarolynM]

This shows the Carolyn we know love and shows the right attitude by others that you rightly deserved.

Cee xxx

[Guest Mia J]

Thanks Carolyn. I am glad you got through the awkward moment.

Mia

[~Nova~]

I would never have told them.

Everyone has their own thing. Congrats on getting through it with class and style.

[Guest John Chiv]

Carolyn,

I am sure you had your reasons for telling the two guys about Carolyn. A great affirmation that they did not recognize you, and even better that they addressed you as Ms W.

Hugs,

John

[Carolyn Marie]

I would never have told them.

I understand your point of view, Autumn. But it would have made the whole discussion much more complicated. For starters, they would have mentioned having worked with "him" previously, not realizing that I had been him. We would have spent valuable time rehashing stuff I already knew, and they might have even wondered why "he" couldn't have attended the meeting in my place. And then there is the issue of feeling like I was somehow deceiving them. In this case, being up front was for me the better policy, even if it was awkward for a bit.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Carolyn!

Wow! Nice job! An amazing way to handle the situation...and done with such class!

You have obviously brought about a wonderful transformation for yourself!

You exude confidence, happiness and such beauty, both inside and out!

Congratulations on another victory!

You have chosen honesty, integrity, inner peace and joy!

You have intended to be victorious! So be it!

Enjoy life!

In Celebration,

Brad

[Guest Shari]

Hi Carolyn,

It may have felt awkward but you handled it. No biggy right? You have such a confident attitude, how could anyone not respond positively toward you?

Congrats!

Shari

[Carolyn Marie]

(((Brad)))

I don't think we've met before today, Brad, but i like you already. Thank you, kind Sir!

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Risu]

I hope I have your strength, confidence, charm and wit if I ever find myself in a similar situation Carolyn. The way you handled this and the way your coworkers responded both give me a little more hope.

Thank you for sharing. Your stories inspire and touch many.

[Guest Robin Winter]

Yeah, that's something that worries me too. Not necessarilly in relation to work, just...running into people from my past and having them recognize me after I go full time femme. I've thought about moving just so I don't have to worry about that lol.

[~Nova~]

I would never have told them.

I understand your point of view, Autumn. But it would have made the whole discussion much more complicated. For starters, they would have mentioned having worked with "him" previously, not realizing that I had been him. We would have spent valuable time rehashing stuff I already knew, and they might have even wondered why "he" couldn't have attended the meeting in my place. And then there is the issue of feeling like I was somehow deceiving them. In this case, being up front was for me the better policy, even if it was awkward for a bit.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

I fully understand your point and I can appreciate your stance, however, my business is not their business. You are very comfortable telling someone and not feeling like your privacy has been intruded upon. I am not. I know it's probably not even healthy for me to feel the way I do, but I feel the less people know the better.

Then again, I'm classless and crude.

[Guest Robin Winter]

Then again, I'm classless and crude.

Pretty, though.

[Carolyn Marie]

Pretty, though.

Carolyn Marie

[~Nova~]

Shilo,

Funny as it may sound, it's comments like that, which I love and thank you very much for, that keep me from telling anyone. The way men look at me, the sneers from other women...

I don't want to hijack C's thread, but I like people believing I'm all female and I'm not going to out myself unless I absolutely have to.

[Guest Robin Winter]

Oh, I don't blame you Autumn. I probably wouldn't have said anything either.