said that there was something that I felt I had to tell her. That it was something that was important to me and had to be clearly understood before we could marry. I took the plunge and stammered, "I . . . I'm a transvestite." I waited for the roof to cave in. It didn't. She was not familiar with the word. I explained to her what it meant, using infor- mation and explanations from my experience and from articles I had read in TVia. I finished by asking her if there were any questions in her mind about me or about TVism. Her reply convinced me that I was one of the luckiest people in the world. She said that she understood and that it made no difference. After all, she was in love with me, not with what I chose to wear. She said that love was something that wasn't turned on and off like a water faucet. Since that evening my life has improved greatly. I had someone who knew and someone I could turn to for help. It is a wonderful feeling.

My advice for anyone who feels that they must tell another is simple. Be firmly resolved that you are willing to accept their reaction, whether it is positive or negative. Make sure that the situation is proper for what you are about to discuss. Make sure that the other person fully under- stands what TVism is and what it is not.

I hope that this will help you toward finding a better understanding and acceptance of yourself. Remember TVism is not something that is bad. Nothing that gives such joy can be bad.

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"Hello, computer dating service...?"

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