out trans people like to try to convince closeted/repressed trans people who are in a position to transition, to transition as soon as possible, by saying "i badly regret not starting earlier". i don't think it's a very effective argument on its own. most closeted/repressed trans people have heard the same thing numerous times, they're deathly aware of it, they're already wracked with the regret of not transitioning today, every single day. simply telling them that the regret never leaves you doesn't have any convincing power. it might only make them feel even more hopeless or guilty. to draw from my honest personal experience, i would instead tell them:
"eventually—maybe slowly, and not always all the time, but surely—you'll notice that the regret of not starting earlier is drowned out by the joy and contentness of finally feeling truer to yourself. you won't have to live stuck permanently ruminating on past what-could-have-beens anymore, you'll be able to live in the present as yourself."
