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!!!
Hello Faya,
Thank you for your beautiful story I enjoyed it I do hope you keep in touch with that lady in the shop.
Much love Tammy x
Absolutely a lovely story Faye. Please stay in touch with her and share any new adventures with her.
Her and her mother sound amazing.
Faye
Thank you so very much for the lovely story. I can’t help feeling that this sounds like the beginning of a special friendship, which makes your message so much more appropriate. You’ve combined sage advice with a beautiful story.
Thank-you (and many hugs)
Molly
Really neat story. I especially was struck by your lines about loneliness….I have been there, feeling like I was the only male in the world whose nervous system tingled and jangled at the tug of a bra strap on my shoulder or the feel of slingbacks on my feet. This site is a nice reminder to me that I am not alone.
great story, thanks for sharing, always nice to hear that some ladies can be supportive and encourage our dressing desires.
Faye, what a deeply heartfelt, bittersweet story! Yes, do go back to visit her as often as you can. I see the possibility of a lifelong friendship here. Having a lady friend who accepts your dressing is as priceless a thing as any CDer could want.
Well Faye, I love it! I love stories such as yours, that come round full circle to see where the other party stood. Simply wonderful. I often wonder if many of us have such people in our lives, who know and sympathize but do not say so out loud until way later…?
what a great story and journey back in time. that is great that the lady knew you back then and too bad about the mother not being there to see you again. going shopping for bra or panties or dress, skirt in male clothing is tough to do, the sales person might think its for you but mot sure, i buy things in store and i get a look of that’s for him deal i just ask them if they don’t fit my wife or gf could i exchange for a right size. now in my 50s i dont’t care… Read more »
What a lovely story. So nice that you could have such a conversation with the shopkeeper. All of us should reach out like that to others.
Such a beautiful story and sentiments.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
-Syd