I had been a customer since my late teens; I bought my first bra there. Over the years, I became a regular customer, secretly purchasing various items for Faye’s “hidden” wardrobe. Back then, the owner, Mrs. Thompson was in her late 60’s. That was 50 years ago; I was 16 and believing that I was the only boy who wanted to wear a dress.
Mrs. Thompson had a daughter, Sophie, who often assisted her mother on weekends. Returning to the area after all of this time, I discover that not only is the shop still trading, but the woman in her 70’s behind the counter is the daughter. I have so many memories going through my mind. Here I am standing in the store, looking around, dressed in my finery and now 66 years of age. Where did those 50 years go?
“May I help you?” The words brought me out of my dreamy trance. I told her I was just viewing, and then mentioned that I used to shop here many years past. Her eyebrows arched as she seemed to be sifting through her memories of past customers. “You won’t recall me, I know,” I told her. I explained that I looked different then. The light of day hit her and she looked at me for what seemed ages before clasping my hands and saying, “ The young man who used to come in here, buy, and then disappear with his purchases until the next time.
She stepped back and looked me over, clasping a hand to her mouth before saying, “You look so stylish. If only my mother could see you now. She always guessed you were buying things for yourself; her heart went out to you.”
I felt that her acceptance of me was genuine; we chatted between other customers. She begged me to return before closing time, which I did. She lived over the shop, and we chatted about so much, her mother, people we each knew, where I lived now, and how my life has been.
We parted reluctantly; she’d never married and I sensed her loneliness. I could relate as I was once alone, believing I was the only one destined to be lonely growing old. Sometimes life can turn for the better; I wouldn’t have believed it so, but it did for me.
I will go back to visit her. She is lonely, but one isn’t forced to be lonely. Sometimes we choose to make ourselves lonely. I joined Crossdresser Heaven and found friends, encouragement, and many acceptances that I thought weren’t possible.
I hope this helps someone else, possibly someone who is young who believes their life will be full of loneliness and rejection. Pick up that pen, write your own story, and don’t let anyone else hold the pen and write it for you!!!
More Articles by Faye
Faye
Latest posts by Faye (see all)
- Old Customer, New Face - March 12, 2019
THat article is a big argument in favor of in-person shopping, as opposed to on-line shopping. I know I feel more comfortable ordering clothing and accessories online, but I have to admit, there is a great deal to be said for the truly friendly interpersonal relationships that can develop when shopping in person, particularly if you are a loyal customer to one particular shop.
Wonderful story!
Faye,
What a lovely story and what a lovely heart you have.
Your last paragraph moved me.
Sami
Faye,
What a lovely, heart warming story!! Thank you so much for sharing. I found myself becoming choked up, as your story reminded me of those many saleswomen who either knew for a fact (or suspected) who I was really buying for. Now I deeply regret my not having gone back and established the sort of connection you have (potentially). I can’t help but pray that you and she are able to strike up a lasting friendship. Clearly, she’s someone worth knowing.
Thank you again!
What a lovely story of unconditional acceptance and respect. How blessed you are to be able to reconnect and stay in touch with someone who understands and empathizes with you.
Hugs and love,
Rosalind
Lovely story and the fact that she remembered you after such a long time is truly wonderful!