Some help with a friend.

[blagaagalb]

I personally don't identify as Therian, whilst I believe I have a non-human soul, I don't think I've done the self-searching to identify myself as Therian.

What I've come for is: One of my best friends identifies as a Therian Cat, he's only told me, and I respect his choice. However, I decided this would be the easiest place to ask a few questions that may be too personal to him, or that I'm too shy to ask.

Because I'm the only person who knows, he seems to let his Therian side show when he's with me. Is this what is described as M-Shifting?

When showing his Therian-Side, he is a lot more playful, whilst I find this fun and healthy for him, and whilst I interact, is there any sort of precaution I should take as to not offending him? For example, I'm worried that though he enjoys playing, he might think because I know, that I'm treating him differently. I try to keep a balance between playing and not being OTT, but if anyone has some tips I'd be greatful.

Thanks for anyone who answers, and I apologize if I've said something stupid or ignorant, I'm really trying hard to understand. :)

[stinky_hyena]

I personally don't identify as Therian, whilst I believe I have a non-human soul, I don't think I've done the self-searching to identify myself as Therian.

What I've come for is: One of my best friends identifies as a Therian Cat, he's only told me, and I respect his choice. However, I decided this would be the easiest place to ask a few questions that may be too personal to him, or that I'm too shy to ask.

Because I'm the only person who knows, he seems to let his Therian side show when he's with me. Is this what is described as M-Shifting?

When showing his Therian-Side, he is a lot more playful, whilst I find this fun and healthy for him, and whilst I interact, is there any sort of precaution I should take as to not offending him? For example, I'm worried that though he enjoys playing, he might think because I know, that I'm treating him differently. I try to keep a balance between playing and not being OTT, but if anyone has some tips I'd be greatful.

Thanks for anyone who answers, and I apologize if I've said something stupid or ignorant, I'm really trying hard to understand. :)

Your Therian friend's behavior could be that they are
m-shifting conciously, or unconciously because they are comfortable in confiding that part of themselves with you, yes.

Hopefully as your friend, he will know you well enough to know that you don't purposefully try to offend him whether he is expressing his Therian nature, or not.
If you have your doubts about him knowing, you could always be up front to him sometime, and let him know you accept him as a friend however he is, and just wanted to let him know this because you care, and are concerned about accidently bruising his feelings somehow, sometimes.

That's all the advice I can think to offer up, hope it helps!

[blagaagalb]

Thanks, it's been very helpful. :-)

[stinky_hyena]

Thanks, it's been very helpful. :-)

Cool. No problem, anytime. TTFN. :D