Oppo, I Have a Big Secret to Tell You...

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 11/09/2014 at 20:40 • Filed to: Coming Out

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If you follow me or have seen me around here, you know I normally go under the name of “Neon - Smart Aficionado”.

You probably are (most likely not) wondering why this guy changed his handle to Miss Mercedes. Well...

Firstly, I’m a pansexual. It’s something I’ve only identified myself as for about six months now. I’ve known for years I was different, I just didn’t know how to describe it.

Secondly, I’ve been doing this for six years now:

I know what you’re prolly thinking, “why are you coming out on Oppo?”

Because, other than Smart Car of America, I’ve been a member of Oppo longer than any other place, and y’all fine people deserve to know the truth.

I’ve felt so liberated since coming out last week that I can’t say I’ve ever been happier about my life than I am right now.

And the acceptance and the love from those around me has brought me to tears numerous times.

Mercedes is an integral part of who I am and for six years, it’s just been a dirty secret. It feels so good that I can actually be myself now. <3

Ever since coming out, I’ve been dressing up half time now, as opposed to being a boy 99% of the time.

Anyway, thanks for reading, I really needed to say this. Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend!!!

Pic of old me for reference:

I own dead car brands only > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 21:12

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Congratulations. Its better to be yourself than be someone else that society expects. Also, what is a pansexual?

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > I own dead car brands only 11/09/2014 at 21:19

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Sexually attracted to all genders, not just (conventional) male or female...which means trans, cis, and all other created genders

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 21:19

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Just keep on keeping one. We're all different here, but all share a love of cars. Congratulations on taking steps in your life to be happier.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 21:21

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Good for you, Mercedes. Do what you do, the people who matter won't mind, and the people who mind won't matter.

PatBateman > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 21:23

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Congratulations, and thank you for feeling comfortable with coming out to us. We Opponauts all come from different backgrounds, and are held together by our love of cars.

I'm certain that I'm not alone when I say that I hope you find happiness in your most comfortable skin now.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 21:25

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congrats! Don't allow society to force you into standards you feel you don't fit in. Oppositelock is full of people of all sorts, and we dont hassle people based on what sort they are. To you, a picture of one of the more notable pansexual characters on community.

fhrblig > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 21:29

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I know how difficult it can be to come out, even with the relative anonymity of the Internet. Oppo has always been very welcoming, stretching back to the Offtopic days. If I hadn't had the outlet here to be myself, I'm not sure I would have ever put myself out there in real life. I'm sure it helped me in finding my partner, and we've been together for well over 6 years now. Good luck on your journey!

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 21:31

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You like cars and you're on here .. I don't care about anything else because you're already cool enough in my book.

Stay strong and do what you do and keep on Oppoing on!

shop-teacher > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 11/09/2014 at 22:10

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Cis? Created genders? Please elaborate for those of us who lead sheltered lives.

Sally O'Broder > shop-teacher 11/09/2014 at 22:14

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"Cisgender" is a term for people whose gender conforms with their assignment at birth.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 22:15

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I'm glad you're comfortable and free to be yourself.

Sally O'Broder > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 22:15

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Hey, welcome to the club! :P

Congratulations on getting through this process!

Biased Plies > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 22:20

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I can't even pretend to understand what you must be going through but I 'm glad you are comfortable enough to share this and embrace who you are. I hope the people around you support you the way they should and make sure not to let anyone get you down.

pdthedeuce > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 22:34

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you rock . end of comment .

desertdog5051 > Mercedes Streeter 11/09/2014 at 23:09

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You look good. Not sure what Pan is but we don't care. Here's to you.

desertdog5051 > desertdog5051 11/09/2014 at 23:22

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Guess that gif got kinjad.

Sally O'Broder > desertdog5051 11/10/2014 at 00:08

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It denotes someone who is attracted to people regardless of configuration, I think.

Sally O'Broder > desertdog5051 11/10/2014 at 00:08

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I'd reply with a kinja'd gif, but that would probably get kinja'd.

Hooker > Mercedes Streeter 11/10/2014 at 08:22

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You still like cars, right? RIGHT? Yeah, that's all that matters. I'm so glad you feel comfortable with the folks here. I just hate that any of this has to be a big secret with a necessary coming out at some point. I feel our society, as a whole, is failing us in that respect. Cheers to you, Mercedes! Thank you for your courage.

Mercedes Streeter > I own dead car brands only 11/10/2014 at 10:47

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Thanks! SnapUndersteer is correct. Personally, it's that I can love you regardless of what "powertrain" you're equipped with.

I'm not knowledgeable on "created genders" so don't ask. lol

Mercedes Streeter > desertdog5051 11/10/2014 at 10:48

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I just tell people it's Bi-Sexual but in a much much broader sense. And thanks!!! :)

Mercedes Streeter > Biased Plies 11/10/2014 at 11:04

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This all has taken place since Halloween as well, so there's just so much change happening all at once. The funny thing is that I didn't plan on coming out at all. It kinda started when my best friend saw a picture of me as Mercedes on my phone. I lied and said it was my Halloween costume (a really bad lie), but decided that I'll come clean with everything on that night.

I expected everyone to be accepting (because that's the kind of people I surround myself with) but never have I ever expected them to be super excited about it. :)

It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

Mercedes Streeter > PatBateman 11/10/2014 at 11:07

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That's why I like Oppo! While we all may not agree on cars, it is an amazingly diverse community that's also mostly free from the trolls found on Reddit, YouTube, and similar.

Mercedes Streeter > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 11/10/2014 at 11:07

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Thanks!!! And I'm going to steal that quote :P

Mercedes Streeter > Hooker 11/10/2014 at 11:15

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Hell yeah!! Interestingly enough, this is also why I also don't believe in the "girl car" thing. Cars are as dynamic as our very own personalities. And there's a car for every personality.

I actually don't blame society. It seems to be more widely accepted in modern society than ever before, but is still considered "abnormal". It's especially hard for me since I come from a "traditional" family and nobody is accepting of anything outside of old timey values and morals.

Thanks! :)

Mercedes Streeter > fhrblig 11/10/2014 at 11:34

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The thing that amazes me the most is how I didn't plan on coming out to everyone. It all sprung from a found photo on my phone and the impulse decision to come out to my closest friends on Halloween.

Then a few days before Halloween I found myself texting my old crush, and for reasons I cannot explain (maybe the pot boiled over and I couldn't take it anymore?) I just started telling everyone in my phone's contacts who I really was.

Even a week later today I'm looking back and thinking "What just happened?", but I couldn't be any happier with how it all went down. It also signified the merging of my two identities (Mercedes and Johann) as one...

And thanks! I have a feeling my journey is just beginning, even if it is 6-7 years too late.

Mercedes Streeter > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 11/10/2014 at 11:37

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I love how so few words can mean so much. Thanks!! :D

Hooker > Mercedes Streeter 11/10/2014 at 11:38

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Thankfully, I come from a reasonably modern type family, however, my private life stays private for now. I'm not ready for certain things to be in prime time for me. It's why I admire you so much.

I feel like ancient Romans and the like had relationships with whomever they desired. Acted on their desires and were celebrated for it. Somehow along the way in history, we got so uptight about things. And for what reason? Why do we draw these lines? We are all human. Desire is desire and you are born how you're born. Can't help that.

There is no such thing as a girl car. (well, maybe the New Beetle). I constantly fight this argument vehemently.

Mercedes Streeter > Sally O'Broder 11/10/2014 at 11:42

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Thanks!!!

Though, I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a much larger journey.

And I'm just not going to feed into the below comments...

Mercedes Streeter > I own dead car brands only 11/10/2014 at 11:47

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Much thanks!!!!! Shame it took me this long to figure it out. :(

Eh, in terms of sexuality, identifying terms are more of a generality. For me? It means that I can fall in love with anyone, regardless of what powertrain bits are below.

Of course, that doesn't mean literally "any and everyone", but rather that your "running gear" isn't a huge important factor. (trying to keep it family friendly and somewhat punny lol)

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Mercedes Streeter 11/10/2014 at 12:06

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My pleasure!

Live your life and surrounding yourself with positivity. Everything else falls into place after that.

I'm only 28 and I realize that much is enough for a great life

Mercedes Streeter > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 11/10/2014 at 13:30

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I've always been a blind optimist type, though it was always something I've been too scared to reveal to the world.

I'm excited that I can finally be myself, rather than who I'm "expected" to be.

Mercedes Streeter > Hooker 11/10/2014 at 13:36

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I very proudly drive a smart fortwo, "awful transmission" and all! :D

The problem for me was that my private life began to eat away at my overall happiness. On the surface, there was a smile...Yet deep down inside there was nothing I wanted more than to get what I was hiding for years off my chest.

Since coming out (and being Mercedes at least half time), everyone says they can tell I feel so much better and that they haven't seen me this happy in years. For some of them, since they met me. My bestie even gave me makeup advice and is taking me shopping. lol

My only real regret is not coming out sooner.

Mercedes Streeter > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 11/10/2014 at 13:38

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We only hassle you if you drive an undesirable car!! :P jk

But thanks!! I've always been a supporter of people living how they want, regardless of silly standards, yet I kept my real self locked away to conform.

Call me crazy, that person looks familiar, but I can't put a name to it!?!?!?

Mercedes Streeter > pdthedeuce 11/10/2014 at 13:40

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A true, "nuff' said" moment, thank you! :)

Mercedes Streeter > shop-teacher 11/10/2014 at 13:41

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Still working out all the kinks (still have to tell my super "traditional" mother) but I'm more comfortable now than as far as I can remember! I'm glad too. :)

Mercedes Streeter > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 11/10/2014 at 13:44

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That's the thing I also find so interesting about car culture. Everyone from all walks of life come together for the same love. Thanks!!!! :D

Sally O'Broder > Mercedes Streeter 11/10/2014 at 13:55

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Eh, dug into the comment history; some kind of angry troll. I predict the ban is inevitable.

Have you checked out ROYGBIV yet? It's a Jezebel subdomain. Kat runs it, ran it before they picked her up for Jalopnik more.

Hooker > Mercedes Streeter 11/10/2014 at 13:56

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Words to live by. Nothing wrong with a smart. Small, parks easily, rear engine/drive. Where can you go wrong?

I have my own demons to slay from years past. I think once I get passed that, I'll be happier. It's a process, you know? I'm so glad people in your life are embracing you so much. As they should.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Mercedes Streeter 11/10/2014 at 16:33

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Dean Pelton from community, aka names Jim Rash.

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 11/10/2014 at 20:55

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Good for you! If you're happy, then that's the most important part!

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 11/11/2014 at 10:47

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Thanks!!! :)

I haven't been this happy in years...Like I can't even remember the last time. I can't even describe it!

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 11/11/2014 at 17:12

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Glad to hear it :)

It must feel great being able to actually be yourself, I admire you for what you did.

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 11/11/2014 at 18:03

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Thanks!!! :)

It's unbelievable. Even more so that I didn't even plan to do it and it all kinda just...happened...I'm still waking up in the morning thinking "what the hell did I do?" but honestly, I'm glad it all went down.

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 11/11/2014 at 18:10

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Ah, I totally get that feeling!

Remind me of when I got my first tat. At first I had no idea what I had just done, sort of a stage of disbelief/Did I really just do that? And then after a couple of days, I realized that I had really wanted it all along.

Best of luck to you though, I hope everything works out great :)

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 11/11/2014 at 19:48

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Yep! That's kinda sorta how I feel! My only regret is waiting nearly 7 years to come out with it. Holding in a secret eats away at you over time. Eventually, the pot will have to boil over.

Thanks! I'm still venturing into the unknown, but so far, so good. :)

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 11/11/2014 at 19:55

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Agreeeeed x10! Sometimes you've got to hold on to your secrets, but sometimes it's only good, and super relieving to get it out :)

Remember, you've always got a reserved seat on the OPPO train :]

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 11/12/2014 at 10:43

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Indeed! The only people who don't know are my co-workers and my immediate family. The logistics of transitioning at work would be paramount (IMO - not worth it) and I'm telling the latter when I move out (I'm 21 going on 22; should be getting life together around now anyway). I tested the waters with my parents by bringing up the subject in general, and they have a very negative opinion on it...so they'll most definitely be the last to know.

Though, I communicate in the online realm every day and often even meet these people in real life, so I felt it was definitely necessary. :)

And you really learn who your true friends are when you reveal something huge about yourself. <3

And like I said, this entire article/thread is the very reason why Oppo and Smart Car of America remain my favourite communities on the net. :3

Auto Guy > Mercedes Streeter 11/12/2014 at 13:36

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Rock on.

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 11/12/2014 at 15:48

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Good to hear, Sorry that your parents aren't sold on the idea yet. But there has to be a point where your parents accept you for who you are, and that you are your own person :)

And it's true, when somebody knows everything about you and stays your friend, that's always how to differentiate true friends from fake ones :)

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 11/12/2014 at 16:50

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Exactly! Like when I told them that I do not wish to be a doctor, they were super disappointed in me at first, but maybe a week later they were on board with me getting into Computer Science.

This will be something much bigger, so I'm definitely being more careful with coming out with it!!! :O

Turned out, the friends I thought were my best friends are that but so much more. :)

George McNally > Mercedes Streeter 11/12/2014 at 17:17

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It's all good as far as I'm concerned.

We all share a love of cars and I think it's pretty cool that no matter what we all drive- I never see another member blagging on another member because of what we drive.....same goes for sexual orientation as far as I'm concerned :-)

Mercedes Streeter > George McNally 11/12/2014 at 18:33

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And that's why I love Oppo!!!! And the only idiots you run into on the FP are just burners and YouTube commenters that figured out how to make an account. xD

Thanks!!! :)

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 11/12/2014 at 18:48

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It'll just take a while for them to warm up to the idea probably :)

Agreed about friends though, if somebody sticks with you through everything, They're more than just friends.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Mercedes Streeter 11/12/2014 at 21:44

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Though many people still don't accept that even bisexuality exists... regardless, (belated) congratulations!

Mercedes Streeter > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/13/2014 at 11:27

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Belated or not, thanks!!! I'm still delivering the news to other places so it's still just as fresh on my mind as it was on Halloween.

And true! Society is catching up...but at a snail's pace...

505Turbeaux > Mercedes Streeter 11/17/2014 at 15:42

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Good, I applaud your decision, and sorry I missed this last week when it was posted!

the biggest disservice you can do to yourself is to deny who you are, or to deny yourself happiness because of what is perceived as a social norm. I hope ALL of Oppo stands behind you in this.

Mercedes Streeter > 505Turbeaux 11/17/2014 at 16:29

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Thanks!! And it's okay, Oppo has A LOT of content so things are easy to miss. :)

And you are so right! My only regret is not coming out sooner with it. Can't say I've ever been happier. This weekend was particularly fun with dress shopping! :D

And Oppo has been so supportive that it's mindblowing!!

505Turbeaux > Mercedes Streeter 11/17/2014 at 16:37

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one of the reasons I love this place. the diversity and open mindedness - especially for a car community - is amazing. I say alot of weird things on here and have never really been judged for it in a negative way. 505 is straight as an arrow these days, but I have been down many roads in the past as far as loving people. And I don't feel weird in the least putting that out there on this forum. Call it experimenting at a young age, but that is how it was. Very few people in my own life even know that besides my girlfriend and one of my exes, few of my close friends. All good.

Mercedes Streeter > 505Turbeaux 11/17/2014 at 17:37

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I've always had a feeling Oppo is different. Especially when one could say something about an unpopular car and not start a flame war; even get genuine questions and responses. Shoot, I've even seen some really interesting stuff in Oppo (guys wanting to ask a girl out, relationship questions, etc.) and bam, Oppo is always there unlike anywhere else I've seen on the net!

And now that I'm actually getting used to letting my true self show, I'm not afraid to tell people about it. As another Opponaut in here already said:

"Do what you do; the people who matter don't mind, and the people who mind don't matter."

I'm now holding that quote close... :)

Coty > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 00:12

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Hell yeah. Good on you.

Mercedes Streeter > Coty 11/18/2014 at 01:04

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Thanks! I'm loving every second of it. <3

Coty > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 01:07

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That's awesome. I identify solely as a guy and as straight but seeing people happy however they identify, or don't, makes me happy too.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 09:50

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I just saw this in the recommended stories on the left. I'm almost glad I saw it nearly 10 days late. Why?

Because not only do I get to support you but I also get to feel proud of how my fellow OPPOnauts reacted - by surrounding you with support. I'm glad that this community is welcoming you the way they should, with open arms.

I'm glad you're living the life you want to live - that's all that matters :)

Mercedes Streeter > Coty 11/18/2014 at 10:51

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Same here! Even before this year when I identified as straight and kept my other self hidden from those I know, I've always been supportive of everyone in their journeys through life. There's no point in all the hatred surrounding people who live outside of their culture's norms.

Coty > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 10:57

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Exactly. I never got it. Just let people do what they want.

As long as they don't wanna buy GM products. That's where I draw the line. ;)

Mercedes Streeter > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 11/18/2014 at 10:59

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Aww, thanks!!! I'm still blown away that even 10+ days later, people are still stopping by with kind words of advice and support! I mean, I've always liked Oppo, but now it'll hold a special place in my heart. <3

I've finally shaken off that urge to want to cry about all of this, don't bring it back!!! :)

And to think, had my friend not seen a picture of Mercedes, the real me would still be a secret today...

Mercedes Streeter > Coty 11/18/2014 at 11:10

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Indeed, sad that there has to be a "movement" for equality. :(

*Gasp* I like certain (oddball) vehicles from the General!!! *Gasp*

Coty > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 11:15

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I like so few of them I can't actually think of one at the moment.

VWs and Fords are the mainstays here.

Mercedes Streeter > Coty 11/18/2014 at 11:28

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I see what you did there! :D

Can't argue with VW and Ford, both are great! Mine are Mercedes-Benz and VAG as a whole.

Coty > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 11:30

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You've seen the Benz I had right? I might be getting it back.

Mercedes Streeter > Coty 11/18/2014 at 12:07

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I have not seen it!!! :(

Coty > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 12:12

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Mercedes Streeter > Coty 11/18/2014 at 13:48

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Classy!! What happened to it?

Coty > Mercedes Streeter 11/18/2014 at 14:19

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But like I said, I might be getting it back.

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/26/2014 at 17:54

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Just saw this in the sidebar. Good on you, man (lady?). Gotta be happy with who you are.

Mercedes Streeter > Tohru 11/26/2014 at 17:56

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Haha it's okay! How I identify myself depends on what "mode" I'm in, which might soon be full-time as Mercedes (my expectations are different from the reality). And you're so right!!!! Thanks! <3

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/26/2014 at 18:00

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If it's not too personal (and really I'm just curious), are you going to be doing HRT then?

Mercedes Streeter > Tohru 11/26/2014 at 18:07

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No it's not at all!!! See here's the thing about that. I'm certain that I will eventually be doing HRT eventually. But I want to give myself some more time just to make sure the feelings I'm feeling now are genuine. :)

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/26/2014 at 18:13

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Fair enough. Like I said, ya gotta be happy with yourself. After all, you're always stuck with you.

Just don't go off to Jezebel and ditch all of us. Even if they have the ROYGBIV sub-blog for LGBTQAOMGWTFBBQ+.

Mercedes Streeter > Tohru 11/26/2014 at 18:25

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Eh, I'm not a big fan of Jez at all lol. Jalopnik and SCoA are where my heart is at! <3

For the other stuff, I have a huge support group of friends and a handful of awesome people on SCoA (Smart Car of America) who have gone through similar experiences and have always been there for me.

Though I shall admit, sometimes I visit Jez articles to giggle at the stupidity. :)

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/26/2014 at 18:30

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You gotta watch out for them, they're sneaky. One day you're laughing at the ridiculousness of some of their articles, and BAM suddenly you're posting on GroupThink about how everyone on Jalopnik is a bunch of man-children grunting at their cars and farting on each other. Which is an *entirely* unfair characterization, by the way... sometimes we grunt at each other too.

Also, I guess I didn't realize that was that common that other folks in the Smart club were going through it too. When I was looking at getting a Smart they certainly didn't mention HRT as part of the roadside maintenance plan.

Mercedes Streeter > Tohru 11/26/2014 at 18:36

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Yeah, who do those guys think they are!! Getting all hot and bothered over that 707 BHP Hellcat. That lovely exhaust note, the rock bottom price, those wheels...and did I mention that noise? Oh that top speed...

What were we talking about? xD

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/26/2014 at 18:44

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Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/26/2014 at 18:54

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If this was pre-Kinja the mods would be saying to take that dirty talk to private messages.

Mercedes Streeter > Tohru 11/26/2014 at 20:18

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Wait...there are private messages? I only commented on FP articles before Kinja took over.

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/26/2014 at 20:28

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There used to be. They got axed when we switched from 5.0hno to 6.noooooo, with 6.noooooo being the first version of Kinja.

Mercedes Streeter > Tohru 11/27/2014 at 13:30

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And I vaguely remember Kinja 1.0 being somewhat stable too. Like I was able to easily write out articles (mine was the first Kinja article featured on the FP) and communicate with others.

Now Kinja is...Kinja...

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 11/27/2014 at 13:41

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shhh, Kinja always sucked. Never admit there's anything good about it, it will just encourage them.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, by the way.

ukatokpleaseexistforever > 505Turbeaux 11/24/2017 at 09:10

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I was the same. Things came out during never have I ever.. I mean how fun would the game be if no one told the truth! Way to go  Miss Mercedes  smart Car Girl !!