You made a serious concession to your mom -- "I won't wear a skirt at your house" . . . [t]his was a decade ago. Having given your word, you have kept it for a significant time. (Enough to demonstrate that you remembered and meant what you said.)
That's called integrity, and you have it. You know that you're not trying to hurt your mom, or the rest of your family. Sooner or later, if they don't totally close their hearts and eyes, they will have to acknowledge these things.
More importantly: it's your life you are living. Not your mom's, not your brother's, but your own. Either your mom will realize this at some point, or else disavow you. The best way for you to assist her to this realization is to keep living the way you have been, balancing stubborn unwillingness to yield yourself with doses of compassion.
That balance is not easy, and is often painful. You've found it so far, the way you describe things. Keep on keeping on -- we're behind and with you all the way!
(no subject)
You made a serious concession to your mom -- "I won't wear a skirt at your house" . . . [t]his was a decade ago. Having given your word, you have kept it for a significant time. (Enough to demonstrate that you remembered and meant what you said.)
That's called integrity, and you have it. You know that you're not trying to hurt your mom, or the rest of your family. Sooner or later, if they don't totally close their hearts and eyes, they will have to acknowledge these things.
More importantly: it's your life you are living. Not your mom's, not your brother's, but your own. Either your mom will realize this at some point, or else disavow you. The best way for you to assist her to this realization is to keep living the way you have been, balancing stubborn unwillingness to yield yourself with doses of compassion.
That balance is not easy, and is often painful. You've found it so far, the way you describe things. Keep on keeping on -- we're behind and with you all the way!