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Natalie went out for the first Valentine's Day ever (well, technically, the day after, but I am counting it) and the first Valentine's Day overall being engaged 🙂 I think the day as a whole was a pretty good success as we had a lot of fun so I felt it would be nice to share with everyone. I do have a photo in my public photos if anyone wants to see my outfit for the day. It was a black dress with white on the top around the collar. The white had black hearts in it. And I got to wear a new coat that I thought looked absolutely lovely and was probably one of the biggest reasons for me feeling as good as I did that day.
We started the day getting ready and we had planned to leave the house around 1:00. We ended up not leaving until closer to 2:00 mostly due to me taking too long to get ready. I got most everything done on time but my partner offered to curl my hair for me and I took her up on that offer. Which took a little bit of time.
Once we got going, we went to The Mall of America to run a couple errands. My partner loves Lush and she wanted to check out this new place called Nectar. She was also hungry so she wanted something to eat. We ended up going to Lush first and got some bath bombs and Nectar second to get some more bath stuff. Then we stopped at Burger Burger for her to get something to eat.
Once that was done, we walked around a little more and I had been on the lookout for a Jewelry store to get a ring resized. There are plenty in the Mall and we stopped at one of the first ones we saw and it wasn't too busy. The ring I wanted resized is one I got on Etsy that I want to wear as an engagement ring. My partner has the one I gave her of course but we both thought it would be fun to have Natalie have en engagement ring as well.
Unfortunately, when the ring arrived, it was slightly too small for my ring finger and rather than return it or get a new one (where I might end up with the same issue again) I just wanted to get my finger sized professionally so it would have a higher chance of fitting correctly.
The gentleman that helped us was the nicest person. He came up to us immediately and treated us very well. When I showed him the ring he fawned over it and complimented it quite a bit. A lot is some salesmanship and simply courtesy for sure (no one wants to hear their ring is ugly!) but it was still appreciated nonetheless. He took the time to measure the ring and measure my finger to ensure the right sizing and made small talk during the entire process.
He did ask for the name and I inquired about showing ID when I pick it up because Natalie doesn't have an ID. He said an ID would be asked for and when I told him my male name he did clarify that as long as the last names match, I shouldn't have an issue. He was super nice about it and I hope I don't have any problems when picking it up. I do plan on going back in as Natalie to pick it up though I am not sure if that might make it more or less of a hassle regarding the ID.
One thing I regret is not complimenting him on his necklace. It looked like a beautiful pearl necklace and, well, with the ease in which he allowed me to just be Natalie, I felt I should offer some compliments in return. And then he wished me a good day by name. I know this is simple politeness and all, but it is still wonderful to hear seemingly uncompromising acceptance. Even if it comes with the caveat of the person giving it being paid to do so.
Anyway, onto the rest of the day: we stopped at Sephora since my partner was looking for some sunscreen but the Mall was super busy, as it always is, and neither of us like standing in line. So we just went to Kohl's and to their Sephora to get what she wanted. The saleslady commented on my purse saying she had once just like it, but bigger. That made me happy not only to have the discussion but also because I just bought it and I think it is my favorite purse so far. I might get some in some other colors.
After this we went to an Italian restaurant we had a reservation for and got seated immediately. The waiter was nice and didn't seem put out by us (me) being there. Again, I realize some of this is just because he wants a good tip but it is still nice to get good service, especially as Natalie. Nothing else really notable about the dinner though. We both thought it was good and the lady who brought my meal to me called me "Dear" but otherwise it was a pretty standard night out.
And, realistically, the entire day was a pretty standard day in terms of comfortability. Which is great. That is exactly what I want. While I noticed some side-eye from people as we walked around the Mall nothing really stood out as concerning. I felt like I was just allowed to be me and it made me feel like I was passing pretty well. I am sure I wasn't but it felt like I was.
My makeup was definitely among the best it has ever been. Maybe it was fully the best and that includes the makeover I got in Chicago at Ulta. I just felt so normal. I wasn't hiding my face and I wasn't shying away from speaking as much. My voice is still my biggest tell even as I try to sound more feminine but I tried to go with the flow and I felt good.
This felt like a big step and a big success for me. I have been out as Natalie plenty of times before this but it almost feels like this was the first time I have ever fully "been" Natalie rather than "going out dressed as Natalie". That is, I don't know if I ever really felt that I was a guy dressed up as a girl. Instead, I felt like a woman all day. It is all internal of course, but that distinction is such a big thing for me.
@nataliecd Really good story Natalie! It's always interesting when at a mall as to what reactions you/we would get from other members of the public. I've always found that a smile helps tremendously, when someone is looking straight at you as you walk by them in a crowd. All of my outings have been on a positive note and it's great to hear that your outing was very positive as well! That always makes for a good normal day of being out to the world! As it should be. It's made even more special by you having the support of your fiancee right there with you! I'm glad you had such a wonderful day with her! Thank you for sharing. Take care! Steffanie
@stanley I don't tend to smile at random people but I almost always feel bad that I don't. Especially as Natalie. One, because it is just polite and two because I agree with you on it helping in general.
Thank you for reading and for the kind words. I hope to have more outings to share in the upcoming few weeks.
@nataliecd Oh Natalie!! It sounds like an amazing day… I’m so happy for you girl… you must be over the moon and excited for your next outing!! Hugs… jo
@nataliecd Congratulations Natalie, that sounds like such a wonderful and fun day!
You look lovely in your picture, and that is such a pretty dress. I hope you continue to be Natalie 🥰
@nataliecd Congrats on a Valentine's Day out! The femme days of all days. I love shopping at the mall dressed. It's so exhilarating being out and about, just a gal. Sales people are fun to talk with. Never boring. I like to rack up my steps, like an odometer, like a slow walking marathon in flats, wedges, or sandals, showing the world the true me. Getting minutes out there, building memories, getting more comfortable, spending more time as me.
@nataliecd I love the write up on your outing Natalie, and I just had to go look at your photo before you went out. No wonder you had a great time. If anyone was looking at you, it was because they saw a pretty woman out and about.
@nataliecd hi what a great outing. your so lucking to have a wonderful partner. love Monique
What a wonderful day out for you. Hope you get to experience it again soon.
XOXO
Suzanne
going out dressed is so much fun. after doing it for a while, you won't even think about yourself being a man out. the woman will come out naturally. everything you do will be like a real woman does. no worrying about what others think. you will find if you are positive everyone will treat you the way you want to be treated. fear is only in your mind. don't let fear keep you from what makes you truly happy.
A lovely day out Natalie and sharing with an accepting partner is doubly so. Your outfit looked wonderful so no surprises you had a great time.
It’s always nice to hear of girls getting out for the first time.
So pleased for you that it was such a lovely day.
Joanna 💕
