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I write this in the midst of trying to sort out several thoughts and emotions. I'm elated to share my news, and yet a little hesitant because I sympathize with so many of you. This isn't me bragging; I want to share my experience as I am sure that I'm not the only one who's had a similar experience. I want to provide others the encouragement they might need to talk to their SO's about their crossdressing.
Like many of you reading this, I started crossdressing at a very young age. I don't know the exact age, but do know it was pre-puberty. I'm not sure as to exactly why I started, but my best guess is that I found female clothes to be very pretty and wanted to emulate all of the other beautiful girls out there. This went off and on while I grew up until I moved out of my parent's house. Once I moved out, I did not have any items of my own to wear. When I was dating, I would occasionally sneak around and put on a pair of my girlfriend's panties, but that was about it in regards to my dressing.
Then I met my wife. The fact that I like to wear women's clothing never came up while we were dating. It was something I struggled to deal with personally, and I didn't know how to handle it. I grew up in a small town surrounded by some extremely judgmental people; I wasn't sure how it would be perceived. However, one night after going out and having a few drinks, I brought her back to my place. I don't remember exactly how it unfolded, but I remember picking up her dress and her telling me to put it on. That night was some of the best "fun" we've had.
I also mentioned to her that I was curious about trying on a bra. Over the course of the following months, I began wearing her panties when in bed together. One day in my dresser, I found that she had put a bra there for me. This later led to both of us wearing lingerie. Even though I was super excited about how this had progressed, and even after purchasing some of my own items, we still hadn't really discussed the topic thoroughly.
These activities continued after we got married. However, one night while we were at home having some drinks, I'd gotten dressed in a bra, panties, thigh highs and a dress that I had purchased. After having some drinks, I brought up the topic of my desire to wear women's clothing and shared with her some of my history. This changed things severely in our relationship.
In short, my wife said she was "okay" with it, but asked that I take things slow; to ease her into it as she wasn't 100% certain she could be on board. In the years following, I received a crazy amount of mixed signals from her. There were times that she would purchase me panties, and times where she seemed unfazed by my dressing while in bed, and times where she seemed very cold and repulsed by the idea. I even went through the phase of telling her that I would stop and never do it again. If you read about crossdressers, you know that this isn't possible.
Needless to say, my urge to wear feminine clothing never left. I began wearing again, but this time much more secretly, after she went to sleep. I was always nervous about her coming downstairs and catching me. I wasn't sure how either of us would react. I wanted to talk to her about my crossdressing, but feared that it would lead to divorce and end my marriage to the best person I have ever met. This caused a lot of anxiety, which lead to depression, anger, and other issues.
I knew I was dealing with these things, but I didn't realize how directly tied to my crossdressing they were. It came to a point where I called a counselor as a last ditch effort, knowing my marriage was failing as a result of all the side-effects. I finally had enough; I was extremely depressed about things and asked my wife if we could talk.
We went for a nice long walk as we like to do when we need to hash things out. We discussed everything, except crossdressing, and I felt much better when we got home. However, I still felt as if I had unfinished business. As we stood in the kitchen, I told her that I needed to talk to her about something else that evening. I didn't want to talk extensively about it then, due to other people being in the house. With the few short words I gave her, she knew exactly what I wanted to talk about. She immediately gave me some very kind words, reassuring me that she loved me for who I was and was going to support me. What she said brought tears to my eyes. I felt like the weight was starting to lift off of my shoulders.
That night, we talked for about three hours. There were several things I needed to say, to explain, and to ask about. My wife also had her share of things to say and ask. I couldn't be happier with the result of our conversation. My wife told me that she wants me to be able to feel 100% comfortable with myself and fully supports me wearing feminine clothing. I no longer have to be secretive about it. She is totally acceptable to walking around the corner and seeing me in a dress and heels.
My wife did request that I take things slow, allowing her to get used to some aspects of my crossdressing. We agreed that if she wants to take a step back, she will say something, and I won't dress at that time. However, she said becoming more passable or even going out together is a possibility down the road. She also agreed to help me find my correct sizes and to shop with me both online and in stores. She currently sells some of her clothes online that she no longer wears. She gave me the okay to go through them and pick out items that I like and want to keep for myself.
I'm still on cloud nine and couldn't be happier. I can't believe how much lighter and less burdened I feel. It's made me realize how much of that anxiety, depression, anger and other issues were directly related to my crossdressing. Now that I've had that conversation with my wife, I'm able to be more open about my dressing, and we can talk about it anytime. I can ask her a style question or inquire about something she does while getting ready.
All of those negative side-effects have subsided and are mostly gone. I can't tell you how many blogs, forums, and posts I read from people who stated that in order for crossdressing to work in a relationship, you must have open communication with your SO. I withheld mine far longer than I should have as I was nervous to bring it up. Now, I wish that I would have brought it up sooner.
I hope this can be another positive story encouraging others to open up and have that communication with their SO.
You're a very lucky person
great rad, glad your wife is very understanding and accommodating. Sad that far too many spouses/SO are Not accepting or willing to be a part of it.
Happy you both got it figured out and are ok now !
As we all know, a working relationship between the CD and her wife or girlfriend is absolutely vital, if that relationship is to last. Once we get past the marriage issues, cross dressing can be fun. I have been married to the same woman for 44 years, and I made her aware of my cross dressing early on. It took a few years to work things out, because there were virtually no resources for a married couple to consult back then. Moreover, virtually all clinical psychologists did not have a clue. It was all "gender dysphoria" to them, and they caused far more harm than good, back then.
My point? I have a supportive wife, and we firmly believe it is our obligation to give back to those couples who are still struggling to understand cross dressing. Toward that end, we are active members of Tri-ESS and the local chapter, Sigma Epsilon, here in Atlanta. My wife attends support meetings, along with me. She is always available to speak with any spouse or girlfriend who is trying to understand her man's cross dressing fascination. We also participate in public outreach events. If we are out in public together, and I am cross dressed, she is always quick to speak up that she is the wife and her husband's (me) cross dressing is quite normal. Any public event is always an opportunity for the both of us to educate the public,
Times are changing, and things are improving for the better. We are blessed with many resources today. Please take advantage of them!
In the meantime, pull on that pair of lace frilly panties, a sexy bra, show a little cleavage, put on that pretty dress or skirt, slip on the heels or pretty sandals, and get out there and strut your stuff, all you pretty ladies of CDH!
Hugs,
Peggy Sue in Atlanta, GA
Jessica,
Thank you so much for sharing your story!!!
Honesty really is the best!
Jessica,
I am very happy for you both !
That's wonderful !
great read than k you for sharing
This story is Sooo similar to mine--However it was my wife Alice who figured out that I had a strong desire to dress & be fem--I had been wearing panties since I was a young teen but never went further unless the woman wanted to-- But somehow Alice seemed to know more than I did about me & step by step she first introduced dressing into our sexlife-little by little (she was having Fun with it) & built up my confidence erasing my fears --(I think it helped that within the first few months dating we got into swinging)-she had heard though mutual friends that I had been into swinging in the past & wanted to try it) & she jumped in with both feet--This "Church Lady" could'nt get enough "Swinging" --she would tell people she was going to spend time with her boyfriend--but most thought she was joking for a long time--She did'nt look the part- She recently died of heart failure -she knew she was dying & being the selfless person she allways was made me promise 3 things--Try & keep the house---take care of the dogs -& to keep working on my transformation to female--- the dogs are easy but the other 2 are not but--I am giving it all my best---We had 25 plus good yrs & I sure wish we had more- Jane London Ontario
Jessica -thanks for sharing your heartwarming story. I didn’t tell my ex about my dressing before marriage-not because I was lying but because I truly thought the need/desire to dress would go away now that I was married. Needless to say that was my naivety speaking and she found about Cyn a year I tot the marriage and almost left. We had some good years and some not so good and she finally decided she couldn’t stay after another 12 years. (There were other reasons for our divorce too but the dressing was definitely a big part). So I won’t make that mistake again should I be fortunate enough to find another life partner;I will be open about Cyn from the beginning for she is what makes me the person I am and she is NOT going to be banished again.
Cyn
Very similar story...wow does it sound familiar. My first wife could not handle it...we ended up divorced. My wife now though..100 percent supportive! I told her before we got married. It's a part of me...take it or leave me...no more lies.
Wonderful, heartfelt description! All the best for you and your wife.
Thanks for sharing your story. Coming out to your wife or SO can Be difficult and risky. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you, but you’ve done it!! I’m so very happy for you and your wife. I suspect your wife will soon (if not already) enjoy the wellness CD’ing brings to you and her. Have fun. Z
Jessica, Thanks for sharing this part of your story. I am glad that you had your "amazing conversation" and that life going forward is much more hopeful. In your story, you mention going to see a counselor. I fully endorse do this. In my own experience, going to a counselor who is both understanding and supportive has been incredible. She has given me a sense that I have worth and that the shame which has been present to lesser and greater degrees over the years has begun to go away. I have felt much more empowered and I am glad to say that my wife and I have had some very good conversations as well. Thank you for sharing.
That really good for you both Jessica, much healthier than keeping secrets. I am also blessed with an understanding wife. She's happy for me to be dressed at home, just not too keen on me in a wig around the house. We've both started going to a local support group where I can be fully dressed and she can chat to other SOs (not that we particularly needed support, just a nice social thing).
We are so much closer as well now and have more in common and more to chat about than before. We go clothes and jewellery shopping together. It has greatly improved our relationship. I am also much calmer as I am being truer to myself and not hiding a big part of me.
Obviously you need to tread very carefully with this, but the benefits to both in a relationship can be very great.