This 2 Patterns of Behavior Happens When You Realize You are Transgender.
Dr. Z shares two patterns she's seen repeatedly in trans and nonbinary adults after they realize their gender identity. Understanding these patterns helps you grasp why you're experiencing what you're experiencing—and helps partners understand what's happening.
Pattern 1: Floodgates open. You can't get enough gender-related things—social transition, feminizing/masculinizing, starting transition elements. If on hormones, incredibly impatient for changes. Planning surgeries, can't wait for consultations. A combination of not feeling you're doing enough while doing too much simultaneously. Why? Your gender identity has been kept on a tight leash throughout development. Now floodgates opened, that part of yourself is starved and hungry—like being kept from water, then suddenly having access and drinking insatiably. Natural and normal, but pace yourself.
Pattern 2: Gates shut tighter. Opposite of group one—resistance comes up hard. You've realized something about yourself, but are freaked out, scared, and terrified. Your ego (mental image of who you are) hates change. The more uncomfortable you are with change generally, the higher your resistance. You see the water but can't believe it's there or trust what it represents, so you keep away.
Watch to find out why group two needs to massage resistance before regret accumulates.
