25 and coming to terms

[Guest Seanna]

Hi, everyone, my name is Shea. I am 25 and have been struggling with this for quite a while now. I first talked to my wife about my feelings a few years ago and have done so multiple times since, but I've always gone back into hiding out of fear of losing her. This is the first time I've been able to actually take a positive step toward figuring out myself and my future (now I just need to get the courage to call the therapist who I meticulously researched and have already added to my phone contacts). I don't want to say too much now because none of my family knows yet and I have a relative who is quite possibly on this site, since she is also trans (I haven't even found the courage to talk to her yet!) Hopefully I can figure myself out soon, then talk to my family and I'll be back to give you all my full back-story (it's been quite a ride). Looking forward to getting to know you all!

-Shea

[JJ]

Hi Shea

Welcome to Laura's! You've found a great place to be yourself and explore your feelings.

We aren't therapists, but we will be happy to share our opinions and experiences with you. Please feel free to post as much as you want in any forum whether asking questions, expressing opinions or sharing experiences. We are a PG-13 moderated site. You will have access to the PM system and profiles after 5 posts.
If you have not already done so, please read the "Terms and Conditions" page, the link to it can be found near the lower right of most any Forum page. Due to the special nature of Laura's it isn't the standard T & C but something you really need to read to make it easier for everyone. Thanks.

I enjoyed your introduction and look forward to your posts!

Johnny

[Charlize]

Welcome to Laura's Shea. I hope to get to know you better. You are certainly not alone and please feel free to ask for help as you might find this a very bumpy road. We all share here and try to help each other to move along our paths.

Hope to hget to know you better.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Guest Gypsyfeenix]

Welcome Shea!

I hope that you find some direction and support here. This a great place for both, as you can see by the lovely people above me

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to the Playground, Shea. Like you, I came here first, and found the path forward as I learned and gained confidence and heard other people's stories. Your path may lead in an entirely different direction. But the journey starts with that first step, and now its begun for you.

Please look around and post in any thread in any forum that interests you. We'll do our best to answer all your questions. We have a lot of resources and links on the site as well.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Seanna]

Thank you so much for your kind words, everyone! I've been dealing with this for awhile and have poked around the site a few times over the last year or two, so I am already familiar with (and greatly appreciate) the Terms and Conditions. I know that this will be a difficult road and look forward to your support.

-Shea

[Guest miss kindheart]

Hi Shea,
<<< hug >>>
Welcome to Laura's Playground.
Please feel free to come over and chat sometime.
The Chat room does require another registration that is separate from from your forums one.
Please read the chat room rules before coming in, and expect a short interview with one of the chat room moderators.
One of the things that they will ask you is if you read the rules.
We all look forward to seeing you.
vanna

[Guest Hannah]

Hi, Shea. It's nice to meet you. You're just a few years younger than me. It took me many years to gain the courage to talk openly to others about what I was feeling and to work through the issues I'd developed that hid my gender problems -- you are further ahead than I was at 25, I think. I wish you luck in finding yourself, Shea.

And I just want to say, from my experience, being open about my feelings has strengthened my relationships with those I care about. Perhaps I've been exceltionally lucky. But I hope you can be lucky, too. Until then be gentle with yourself -- you are already doing hard things, Shea. Best of luck to you, sweetie! *hugs*

[Guest marissa anastasia1]

Dear Shea,

We are looking forward to getting to know you as well...I needn't tell you what you already know about the delicate situation you're in and you have the benefit of the collective wisdom of people just like yourself who have also been in very similar if not identical circumstances. It is our pleasure to have you with us and please feel free to discuss your situation here.

Warm Regards and Love,

Marissa Anastasia aka Rissa