Being able to forge a new relationship with them after a few years apart. To get to know and understand them as flawed people rather than imperfect parents, and them in turn learning to respect and trust me as an adult.
And being able to take as long baths as I want without any disruptions.
But is it “Good god. You all.” or “Good god, y’all.”?
I bought myself a new name on impulse.
I had been joking about considering taking that name on and off for years, but didn’t expect the name change approval papers to show up a couple of weeks after a bender.
Turns out joking about stuff for a long time can just rewire your brain, and I’m actually really happy with my new name.
To be the artery to your vein:
It’s better the ask and sound ignorant, than say nothing and remain so.
It’s only as awkward as you and the other person makes it, and you sound like you made it pretty awkward for yourself before even giving the other person a chance to be non-awkward about it.
The way I see it: If it’s something the person can fix immediately, like a downed zipper or food in their teeth or visible booger, tell them (discreetly) immediately. If it’s not fixable at the time, don’t draw attention to it.
And I dont know how “oh, you seem to have a zipper malfunction” could ever be seen as trying to hit on someone, so you’d likely have been fine if you hadn’t blown it out of proportion.
Additionally: if you start waffling about and overexplaing, youll make it awkward for yhe other person, if you just mention it casually like you’d mention the weather they won’t feel like its a big deal for you to have seen it. I would appreciate it at least, rather than notice by myself and wonder how many people have seen my underwear or visible booger during the day.
Carrots will not grant you the ability to see in the dark, but have many other benefits. Remember to stock up on carrots when able.
A woman doesn’t have to be feminine, there are plenty of masc and butch women. Would you feel more comfortable with short hair? There are also other options. Would you feel more comfortable thinking of yourself as a man (men can also be feminine or masculine), or neither, or both?
I didn’t feel comfortable calling myself a woman, but not crossing any gender boundary, I just always preferred “girl”. I didn’t feel mature enough to be a woman until I kinda forced myself to claim that title. With enough use I now feel comfortable referring to myself as a woman.
Titles and gender can be hard. You are allowed to experiment until you find the expression and terminology that suits you. But also, its okay to feel ridiculous, you can grow into feeling comfortable with whichever terminology you want.
You might not be fearless, few of us are, but you can be brave. Being brave means doing things that scare you.
Everything is difficult when you’ve never done it. Everything gets easier with practice and experience.
We are in charge of our own lives, and we can change how we behave and approach the world.
Those three things are what led me to go from sitting in my room never interacting with my neighbours, to seemingly outgoing, stopping to speak with people on the street, suggesting activities with colleagues etc. It’s still not natural to me and i must decide to do it every time, but it’s easy and not as scary now that I’m used to it.
One big caveat though: I didn’t start this evolution until I moved out from a repressive situation. I didn’t even consider that I could. Being repressed and oppressed makes you lose sight of yourself, your strength, your opportunities and possibilities for growth - your potential.
But you HAVE potential, and you CAN start this journey right now: Say something about the weather to a cashier. Ask someone at the bus stop where they got their scarf. Ask a stranger at the store if they recommend chunky or smooth peanut butter. Practice small social interactions outside of your home.
Do the scary thing because you know you need it and you know practice is the only way to learn. Be scared and brave.
Being older makes it easier to care less, but only if you practice caring less when you’re younger. It doesn’t happen if you don’t want it and don’t work towards it.