Acting like a dude becomes grating, awkward and stilted once you know you're not actually a dude.

I've really only been coming to terms with this for like a week and I already feel this. I can't imagine its going to get better as time goes on. I took a first step, and sent a message to a long time friend last night, but they haven't responded back, probably busy or whatever.

I haven't spoken to them in a minute, and maybe not the best opener lmao, but they're close enough i don't think it matters.

Really I'm just trying to cope with how family and coworkers will react. Pretty much everyone in my family has no real understanding of, or will to understand transgendered people. They're willing to participate in it socially for politeness, but thats about it.

Most (but not all) of the cis-men I work with are the same, at least the straight ones. I think the handful of younger women we have working here would be cool. Some of the older ones are probably going to be assholes about it.