I dunno if you should consider it a selfish act on your part to act on such a deep part of who you are.I think that basically,the need to be what you feel so deep in your heart and embrace it is an act of self acceptence.It doesn't come from a desire to injure those you love and care for.If the other aspects of your relationships/interactions are built on strong characteristics and values ...they should be supportive.I think if you choose to embrace this need/desire within....and you reassure others...hey this is still me,I still love you...they will come around.Those who don't...tell them ,I'm sorry you feel that way...but I feel ok with my choice and still care for you.I don't think this is a shallow need/thought/desire you have.It sounds much much deeper than that.Can you see a therapist to assist you in working through the concerns you feel for your friends/families reaction/feelings?I think you have a genuine issue that has always been inside struggling.You need some objective support.Be well and let us know how you are .WO.olf Also Forgive me for the 'tomboy' mention....I think I was walking thru possible ways to explain my interpretation of what I read,and had I looked closer ,I would have noticed that your feelings run much deeper than that.