u/AngryBard9

I never thought I would have a real chance at any sort of relationship until adulthood. I’m a pretty feminine transmasc teen who lives in the Deep South. I can’t be out because my mother and I live with my grandmother and she would likely make our lives a living hell if she know. She also knows almost everyone in town, so there would be no escaping it. I really just thought I was SOL unless I wanted to date a girl (as I reasoned it would be easier to brake the news to a girl who thought she was in a lesbian relationship than it would be to break the news to a boy who thought he was jn a straight relationship). The thing is, girls rarely appeal to me, so I just figured I’d have to wait on dating.

Then I met my boyfriend. We met on discord because we’re part of the same fan project together. He’s so charming and funny and nice, and he knew me as a guy from the start. The whole project knows about our relationship and they clown on us about it all the time (all in good fun, of course), but he and I couldn’t care less. We’re cheesy and bashful and flirty and everything else I thought I’d have to wait for. Him and my mom have been chill from the start, and he’s nothing but kind. He thinks I’m handsome and shows off pictures of me to his friends. I can see I’ve started rambling but I just wanted to share my success in living a part of my life I didn’t think I had access to. I know not everyone understands LDRs but I am so thrilled I don’t know what to do with myself. If you don’t understand, please be kind if you plan on sharing with the class. Thanks :)

I’m not sure if this belongs here, but I feel like you guys of all people would know. My LDR partner(15m) and I(15ftm) are pretty fresh and it’s obvious that he’s not got the best home life. I’ve been through moderately heavy trauma but due to the nature of that trauma I really can’t remember anything from that time. And so I’m not sure about the best way to go about supporting my partner without blurting something ultimately useless. The last thing I want to do is say something like the posts I see on here.

I really like him and want to ease his burden, if only a little. But there’s nothing I can do but listen and it’s not like I can (nor do I want to) force him into talking. I only hear snippets of what goes on at home but I don’t want to hobble my progress by saying something stupid and unhelpful. So what are the best ways to respond to the small bits of trauma he does share? How do I ensure a safe and nonjudgmental space for him? Thank you all for reading. I am sorry if this is the wrong sub for this, just please be kind in redirecting me. :)