Is it appropriate to ask a coworker about her experiences?
Hey,
sorry in advance for the rambling.
I am in my mid twenties and a few days ago something in me broke down completely and I got quite emotional. I spend the last days sobbing, reading and thinking, and have come to the conclusion that I'm probably a woman (maybe??). I'm honestly confused, scared and long to talk to someone real about it. I have two good male friends but am otherwise pretty lonely and I do not feel ready in the slightest to talk to them.
I have coworker who started transitioning years ago. I don't really know her or she me, besides from seeing each other here and there at work, but she is the only person I can think of to ask how she felt. If she was sure before transitioning. If she knew since she was a child or not.
Are these things appropriate to ask from a basically stranger? I don't wanna rip open any old wounds, make her my therapist nor want to make her feel uncomfortable. I don't even know if any of her answers or things she might tell can actually help me personally or might be reassuring, maybe it's pointless asking, maybe it's a daydream that she could somehow help me, but I'm desperate to talk to someone about it.
How would you react if someone at work approaches you with that? Or asks for a few minutes after work for a personal conversation? Is this a completely crazy and stupid idea? If not, how can I approach her without seeming weird? Please be honest and thank you so much for reading it all.
Edit: Thanks for the reality check