I enjoy wearing women’s underwear and nightdresses behind my girlfriend’s back

DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN I’m home alone, I enjoy wearing women’s underwear and nightdresses.

I’d love to be honest about this with my new girlfriend, but I’m worried I’ll frighten her off.

I’m 49 and have cross-dressed for years in secret.

My girlfriend, who I’ve dated for two months, is 38. We met in the office, where I wear suits.

She has absolutely no clue about my fetish for dressing in silky knickers and camisoles. Nobody does.

I’ve only ever told one partner, and she couldn’t handle it.

She said I must be gay or trans – which I’m not – and dumped me.

I’m scared this will happen again, but I’m sick of living a lie.

Are there some women who will accept a man who likes to wear women’s clothes?

DEIDRE SAYS: Some women are accepting of a man’s need to cross-dress.

Perhaps you should let the relationship develop more first, so you have built up more trust.

It would help if you could talk to an expert first, someone who understands the issues involved and can reassure you.

Contact beaumontsociety.org.uk (01582 412 220), it’s an organisation that offers understanding, advice and self-help tips.

My Cross-dressing support pack also has useful information.