Pretty at Home ended with being Pretty In Public!

Though I am often gripped with fear at going out into the covid19 world, I am trying to relax and realize there has to be a modicum of normailization. Yesterday was a groundbreaking day in that journey.

A cis woman friend of mine who respects my desire for distance suggested coming to my house for dinner. I thought that could be fun. She had come over for pizza on my birthday a couple weeks ago, so it wasn't a totally foreign idea. And I was in the mood for the barbecue place up in town. Instead of waiting for her to arrive, I called in the takeout order and got into the car to go pick it up.

In her original invitation, she suggested we get all dressed up like it was dinner at a fancy restaurant. She has met Lorie, so she left it up to me as to which version of my gender identities (genderfluid) I would dress. As I imagined various possibilities, Lorie elbowed her way to the front of the room in a velvet black dress; scoop neck, long sleeve, knee length. I feel SO elegant and feminine in this dress. Add makeup, pearl necklace, stockings, glittery silver sling-back heels (2 inch stilleto), and kimono wrap, and I was feeling grand.

And then I realized that I had committed to picking up the food order. Would I cover up, or go as full-Lorie?

There was a part of me that felt so uncomfortable. I live in Kentucky. It's a civilized area, but I noticed a Huge Trump banner at a house on the way to the restaurant, reminding me of the mix of perspectives in my neighborhood. Would it be a risk to life and limb if they saw Lorie? The brave part of me said I would be fine.

When I called in the order, I was told I would pay for it at an outdoor table, and then they would bring my order to the car. When I pulled up to the food truck, there were two couples in line. As I waited for them to get through the line, 3 more cars pulled up to place their orders. OMG. Would I have to stand in line for 15 minutes? At least there was social distancing to reduce the conversations.

Then I saw someone leading a couple with their order to a table at the other end of the parking lot. Alleluia! I wouldn't have to wait in line. So I drove over the table, parked the car, put my mask on (and sunglasses), and stepped out daintily in my heals, prayed that I wouldn't stumble or wobble, and walked to the table.

The couple with the order was paying for it. I realized I wasn't distancing, so I stepped back. The couple didn't notice me, and walked to their car with their order. The cashier was a young man, maybe college age, with a mask on. We went through the transaction like a normal person would, and I pulled out my credit card from my purse. While I was swiping the card, he asked, "So, what's the special occassion?" I replied, "A friend of mine suggested we dress up and get out of our day-pajamas."

I joyfully walked back to my car enjoying the breeze on my legs and in my hair, the sunshine, the swish of the dress, and sat daintily into my car. A few minutes later they brought out my order, and off I went.

My friend was at the house by the time I got back, and we complimented each other on our ensembles. It was so much fun! We spent the night watching a music concert online, then some Netflix. The whole time I could experience the woman in me experiencing the woman clothes and accessories, and notice each time I passed a mirror that there was a girl in that face, grinning with joy.

Pre-covid19, I would dress out in public with my crossdresser support group about once a week at restaurants, or at least support meetings. It seemed really easy with a group; there is comfort in numbers. It had been 2 months since I had been in public en femme, so this was a pretty big deal. It was a delight! I am so lucky to be able to get out and to even dress at home (I live alone). And I'm glad I pushed myself past my fears to experience the world as Lorie.

Do you have any opportunities to enjoy Pretty At Home? A short jaunt in public?