The Obvious Question

I see lots of similarities in myself here...When I'm dressed, I am a whole different person. A bit free of the everyday life worries and stress - in fact it is a huge de-stresser for me...I can be whoever I want!:) But I do need those long periods of just being a guy out in the world, too...It's scary to think that I would need to change my whole life after 40 something years to be Michelle...:( So she stays in the closet for now and comes out every opportunity I have...I've been doing this myself for years and finally, I am ready to meet a like-minded or open-minded person to explore my feminine side with...Still under wraps and in the closet but at least not alone; hopefully:)

I bet you feel like a woman there!

Jo Jo you have descibed me to a T

I've been transitioning for the last year and a quarter.
Yes I'm trans. I'm on hormones etc
But the work I do requires that often I need to wear something I don't care if it gets destroyed . So i don't present that openly at work as the apparel I have which I don't care about is left over male items. I have for quite sometime been considering a career change but actually like what I do. (Usually) even though it beats the crap out of me sometimes.
So I've simply been looking at wardrobe additions that will allow me some less han flattering work clothes that I don't mind if they get greasy, rusty, torn, etc
I just wish they where as cheep as male apparel.
Also there's the pocket issue so that limits the selection also.
But I fully understand that sometimes you just want to look nice and heals won't work for your job.
On a side note. I did see a pair of high heeled open toe timberlands a while back if that helps.
Wondering if steel toe is an option?

I have the same feelings when I dress and Leah comes out I feel relaxed and I have the issue with heels have trouble doing things around the house but they look and feel so good I just can’t take the off also we are very lucky men that have wife’s that not only accept us but encourage us

Yes, it’s been over a month for me sense my daughter came home from college and my son never leaves the house. I fantasize all day that I’m wearing my outfits. Wife and I are gunna have to start taking “us” weekends together. Got one scheduled for January.

Hi JoJo, thank you for a great article! I agree you are fortunate. My wife would not allow Brielle access to the bedroom and my decision to transition was the last in a long line of conflicts that is ending our marriage this winter, after over 41 years. It's funny, I was always like others when it came to heels. Never had any shoes that had less than a 4" stiletto. But this last year, maybe it is that I am transitioning, but I now wear lower heels and have my new favorite shoes - gladiator sandals with a back zip. If I could wear them year-round I would, but Pittsburgh in -5 temperatures won't allow it, even indoors! (giggle).

Some of us need the heels to soften the leg line, but I found I actually walk more feminine in them. It's easier to lead with the thigh and add a bit of wiggle. Or maybe it's just beginning to live en femme more and more, idk.

Hugs,

Brie

I totally understand your reluctance to remove female garb. For you it is heels, for me a bra. The last thing I remove after days out as Rhonda is my nail polish. I wait until the very last minute to do this, and sometimes that proves awkward, as I forget I have polish on before needing to meet someone or perhaps remove clothes for a massage or whatever. I now leave toenail polish on for all such things, even when going to the beach or dipping into a jacuzzi. I have started wondering lately as to whether I can manage to continue wearing female garb if/when assigned to assisted living quarters where others may dress me, and I would be visible to caretakers and other residents, and visiting friends and family.

Taking off any item of clothing or makeup is always difficult for me.

I cannot speak personally to your desire to transition. I personally enjoy being able to express both my feminine and masculine sides, although my choice would be to wear female garb whenever possible without causing issues. I would say that I believe your thoughts of transition have come later than most with whom I have been acquainted. Most who transition believe they were born female and relate stories of knowing this almost as soon as they develop self-awareness and memories... age 6 or earlier is typical. Crossdressers typically find themselves irresistably attracted to female garb or makeup circa age 12-13. There is a broad range and mileage varies, but age 9 is, I think, on the late side for a biological male to first identify as female and on the early side for one to become irresistably attracted to female attire, although a great many crossdressers do have earlier experiences crossdressing.

You are extremely blessed to have such a supportive wife, especially one who I gather is accepting of your thoughts to transition!

Hi there! I loved the article. I too work in the trades while I do underdress almost daily ( especially with the cold) I know I can't transition yet for my work. The men there have continually made vulgar comments on anyone transitioning or gay for that matter. I've been teased a lot too and I am not "out of the closet" My wife knows about it all but made me choose. There is no middle ground though I wear a bra once in awhile around her (I always wear panties) I am glad everything is working out for you!

Yes, I am always reluctant to take off my female things, I always want to leave them on longer. Yes to the other questions too, Catharine smiles and is happy. Male me isn't like that. Thank you for the article. Congratulations on having such a wonderful wife.

Dear Jo jo ,
   You said “  it is not a case of wanting to but more a need to dress, “ And “  (I wouldn’t dream of concreting while wearing a nice dress LOL) “ , Well that hits so very wonderfully close to home ! 
Thank you

Hi Jo Jo. Great article and yes, I am that sucker for heals, unloading a full car on a steep slope in the rain in 4” heals wondering if any sane women would be doing this … but i took to heals like a duck to water. I confess there are times I take my wig off when I am changing … sometimes I think I am a cross changer … part of the learning i guess … and I get this incomplete feeling. Not sure on being laid to rest … open or closed casket - lol. Jokes aside I am curious about the effect on one’s personality, I am grappling with this. I would say it does effect me but is it the cross dressing that changes the personality or the change in personality that affects the cross dressing. I liked your thought on “it’s a need” not “a want” - thanks.

Hi JoJo,
I am retired now, but I am can't seem to do any 'good' housework in drab, what I do is kind of half assed, but when I am dressed I do a fantastic job! It just feels right. I don't think wearing a dress while pouring concrete would be a good thing, and especially not while wearing heels!

It's amazing that I don't feel complete when not wearing something female on a daily basis. My socks are female under wear are female my gloves are female. It's a better day when these are apart of my day.