you are viewing a single comment's thread.

view the rest of the comments →

[–]wafflegaffWoman. SuperBi. 5 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 0 fun6 insightful - 1 fun -  (4 children)

I think about that regularly. We share a social circle full of progressive spineless people, some of whom I know for sure would try to smear me if she disclosed that I'd offered. For that matter I don't know where her head actually is, I just know she looks burdened regularly. So I'm not even sure it's safe for me to say something. Still thinking about it.

[–]MBMayfair 5 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 0 fun6 insightful - 1 fun -  (3 children)

Sounds like you could use some new friends, friend.

[–]wafflegaffWoman. SuperBi. 4 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 0 fun5 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

I think she needs them more than I do. That's just my most annoying social circle, for reasons. But they are the ones she would disclose to, if she was offended that I showed concern.

There has to be a plausibly-deniable way to show concern that is read as concern but also doesn't inspire some sort of backlash. I hate what a minefield this is.

But she's also an adult and can tell him to take a hike if she doesn't like being in Topsy Turvy Land with him. But I have a bad feeling he's the sole wage earner. So it might not be that simple for her. She's smart, but also tries to keep her head down and get along with people. Someday she'll get over that. Perhaps he'll help her see the need to do so. :-/

Some days, I wonder if "I'm trans now" is just a narcissistic abuser's trap for their partner, since if she dares to leave she's a transphobe and must be rendered unemployed and homeless and vilified.

[–]MBMayfair 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

{sigh} Yeah, if she's that treacherous (as to how easily she could turn on you if you expressed concern over the "wrong" thing), best to be wary. Sometimes friends just have to figure things out on their own, even if it hurts to watch. 🤷‍♀️

[–]wafflegaffWoman. SuperBi. 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Yes. I've had to let a few do their own learning before.