Figuring things out
Yesterday afternoon, I was feeling really lousy. I had come home from therapy.. and it hadn't gone that well. We hadn't really done anything or talked about important issues. So I was disappointed and frustrated. I called my dad, and after half an hour, I felt so much better.
We talked for a bit about braces.. I told him I still wasn't sure whether it was worth it or not to get them. We talked about the pros and the cons, and what we could do about it.. so at the moment, the plan is to stick with it for another week or two. Then Dad will come in and we'll discuss with the dentist how things go, and if I back out at any point, is it "too late." At that point, I suppose, is when I'll decide if I want to go through with them or not. And I like that solution.
I also told him about my discontentment with not talking about the guys. Since my friend who I used to talk about it with isn't really a friend anymore, I haven't had anyone in real life to talk to. (And you guys on LJ are wonderful, you really are. But there's a difference, you know?) What we thought of together is that- I really want them to be part of who I am to the world- as easy to talk about as what I look like, as part of me as my personality. And, while that's not always going to be possible, he said that I'm welcome to talk to him about it when I need to. Not guaranteeing he'll understand everything I say, but he's willing to listen.
What I think we're going to do with this is- with Dad, start off as I would with a new friend and telling them about myself- start with little things, like "so-and-so thinks this", or letting them come out around him more as themselves and seeing if he notices. (Though maybe not telling him.. we'll see.) Then, when he gets more comfortable with it/used to it, say more in-depth things, and have the guys not feel too secretive- not feel worried about letting him know that they're not me.
With peers, we'll pick one or two friends who we plan on being close to, and telling them about it, a little at a time. One of our current best friends is going to be free all spring break, so that'll be good for bringing it up. We've already told one person, but we're communicating with them minimally and not sure if it'll increase.
So here's where we are. Two big issues, both in a relatively good place. I feel satisfied. We'll probably post again tonight with less deep stuff, like birthday things and today's surprises. We'll see you later. :)
We talked for a bit about braces.. I told him I still wasn't sure whether it was worth it or not to get them. We talked about the pros and the cons, and what we could do about it.. so at the moment, the plan is to stick with it for another week or two. Then Dad will come in and we'll discuss with the dentist how things go, and if I back out at any point, is it "too late." At that point, I suppose, is when I'll decide if I want to go through with them or not. And I like that solution.
I also told him about my discontentment with not talking about the guys. Since my friend who I used to talk about it with isn't really a friend anymore, I haven't had anyone in real life to talk to. (And you guys on LJ are wonderful, you really are. But there's a difference, you know?) What we thought of together is that- I really want them to be part of who I am to the world- as easy to talk about as what I look like, as part of me as my personality. And, while that's not always going to be possible, he said that I'm welcome to talk to him about it when I need to. Not guaranteeing he'll understand everything I say, but he's willing to listen.
What I think we're going to do with this is- with Dad, start off as I would with a new friend and telling them about myself- start with little things, like "so-and-so thinks this", or letting them come out around him more as themselves and seeing if he notices. (Though maybe not telling him.. we'll see.) Then, when he gets more comfortable with it/used to it, say more in-depth things, and have the guys not feel too secretive- not feel worried about letting him know that they're not me.
With peers, we'll pick one or two friends who we plan on being close to, and telling them about it, a little at a time. One of our current best friends is going to be free all spring break, so that'll be good for bringing it up. We've already told one person, but we're communicating with them minimally and not sure if it'll increase.
So here's where we are. Two big issues, both in a relatively good place. I feel satisfied. We'll probably post again tonight with less deep stuff, like birthday things and today's surprises. We'll see you later. :)