Bea,
Looks like we are the same age. My back story when young in the 1950’s until like 1963 the neighbor kids were all girls (3) my age so we played daily mostly at their homes. I put on my 1st pair of panties when one of my friends and I were playing in her bedroom about 4-5 years of age. So we ended up switching each other underwear she wore mine and I wore her panties.
As far back as I can remember I felt I should had been a girl. Puberty was terrible for me, I have issues that my body did fit what my brain was saying. Ie I should have been a girl. Did get married to a wonderful woman. We been married 43 years had 2 kids.
She does accept, but does not understand fully. Does not want the issue to get out to the general public.
Yes, still have the issues concerning why I have a male body. But that the cards I was given /dealt.
I undress daily, she will wash, fold my things etc. See me wearing panties, leggings, some clothing not an issue. But does not like my bras or forms. So I basically respect that, she is my soul mate and her sole mate. But bra acceptance might change as I am a large 42 A-Cup /small 42 b-cub naturally now. So if i get much larger the bra will become a need to wear.
I am retired now, always would loved to been able to go full time. Truthfully always had the desire to have the surgeries, but would not have surgeries if I would lose my wife. So guess I have to been a lesbian, no desire to be with men.