RICK, MICHELLE & DAX
Rick (28) - Michelle’s Boyfriend
Michelle (39)
Dax (41) - Michelle’s Ex
Irvine, California
A Modern Modern Family
Michelle and Dax met back in their early 20s and their connection was instant from the very beginning. When they originally met, Dax was known as David. At the beginning of the relationship Dax's insecurities surrounding his gender identity had not yet come to the surface. It wasn’t until a few years in that Michelle began to notice Dax’s insecurities with her body presenting in male form. Dax was extremely uncomfortable in her own skin and it slowly created a lot of tension and anxiety in their relationship. Their physical intimacy diminished and was part of the reason that their relationship began to deteriorate. Michelle and Dax were compatible on almost every level except that fact that their desire for sex did not align.
Despite their uncertainties, Michelle and Dax remained together for nearly six years and even lived together. Dax even wanted to get engaged to Michelle but the frustrations of their sexual compatibility put it on hold. Michelle had felt rejected for too long and the relationship had taken a toll on her mentally. Michelle says losing Dax was like losing a soulmate, and everyone in their lives were shocked at their break up.
Dax ended up getting a job offer in Utah and Michelle ended up moving away to Massachusetts. But the distance didn’t last long. Not long after the friends moved away from each other Dax flew to Massachusetts to pick her up in a U-Haul and drive her across the country to live with her in Utah. Michelle and Dax ended up living together again from 2015 until 2018.
It was during this time that Dax began her transition from male to female and opened the door for Michelle to see all of Dax. Dax was finally able to accept herself and her identity, so she began dating again and eventually got engaged to a woman named Kira. Michelle ended up moving back to California so that Dax and Kira’s relationship could progress without getting in the way. Unfortunately, the relationship with Kira didn’t last, and Michelle and Dax are still as close as ever. Despite the distance they talk everyday, Zoom, Facetime and text. What’s even more exciting is that Dax is planning to move to California very soon so be close to her “soulmate!”
Meanwhile in California, Michelle was able to meet a great guy named Rick (28) through work. Rick was currently in a relationship when the two met eyes at the office, but as soon as he was single Michelle pounced and sparked a conversation with her cute co-worker. The two hit it off immediately and are enjoying a beautiful relationship. Michelle finally has someone new who can fill the romantic role in her life.
At 39, Michelle says her “biological clock” is ticking and she is ready to have a baby of her own. Rick being only 28 is not quite sure if he is ready to have kids. Dax, prior to her transition, froze her sperm so that one day she could have kids. She wanted to have the option to have children in the future, and when she underwent hormone therapy, the therapy rendered her sterile. Now, Dax has offered to donate her sperm so that her best friend could have a baby of her own. Dax and Michelle are currently meeting with IVF clinics to look into the possibility that Michelle can get pregnant. Additionally, Dax is making plans to move to Southern California to be closer to Michelle and for them to take this journey together. Although Dax doesn’t feel like she needs to be an active parent in the day to day raising of the baby, Dax will be more of a “God-parent” who will be there for Michelle and be part of the baby’s life. Additionally, Dax does well financially so she will be a big part of the stability of the baby’s future.
Dax is pushing to move in with Michelle and for them to live together. It just makes sense for so many reasons. They are the best of friends. They get along so well. They’ll be there together for the baby. However, Michelle feels torn between Dax and Rick. Rick is taking care of his sister and his mother, while focusing on his career. Dax isn’t at a place in his life where he is quite ready to have children. He refuses to be the person to deny Michelle of her dreams, but leaves Michelle and Rick’s relationship in a precarious place. Will Rick really be able to stick around when Michelle’s ex moves close to them? Or move IN with his girlfriend? And will Rick be able to make a romantic relationship work with Michelle as she starts a journey of motherhood with a baby that isn’t his? That’s a lot to ask of one person. Michelle loves Rick and wants their relationship to work out. To Michelle, Rick fills a romantic and physical aspect of her needs and Dax fills all of her other needs. But will everyone’s needs really be taken care of in this very non-traditional scenario?