So I've only joined the forum a couple months back as some long-forgotten memories of dressing in my mom's and aunt's things came back to mind with a sense of longing that was a little more than just plain nostalgia. In that time I've managed to cobble-together the beginnings of on outfit/transformation (taking advantage of the "holiday season" LOL). The few short occasions I've had to dress around the house have been therapeutic in a way I never really thought they would be - especially in light of other emotionally draining situations that have been happening in recent months.
My few bouts of dressing have been completely private and hidden from my wife up to this point. The topic itself actually came up once a few weeks ago as she saw me looking over foundation colors while she was browsing something next to the makeup in a store, and it wasn't pretty. But rather than focus on that episode and my denials then, let's fast forward to today.
As wifey was getting dressed for a shindig at work today, she was fretting over having wear some new hose (which she comically referred to as "Hitler's Panty Hose") and some spanx both. She asked from the other room, almost jokingly, if I'd ever wore pantyhose. Normally I would have avoided the question/joke, but I replied nonchalantly "Yes, a few times, mostly while younger". She was quiet for a moment and replied "Really?" I went into more detail, sharing about getting caught and shamed by my grandmother. She asked if I'd worn other stuff, and I admitted to wearing some of mom's bras as well. She thanked me for my honesty, and said I'd have to wear some spanx sometime, though she figured I'd enjoy it and just say "I don't see what you complain so much about!"
Later in the day, after another draining visit with a family member in the hospital, we stopped by a fast food joint for dinner. The girl working the counter was a t-girl we'd seen there before (so passable, I *swore* she was a gg last time). She was very nice and friendly, and her demeanor cheered us both up after what we'd just been through. As we sat down to eat, conversation eventually turned to the girl at the counter. A year ago, she wouldn't have had much nice to say about her, but today she seemed... I don't know... a little more accepting and charitable. In light of this though, as we left the restaurant, she said to me "Honey, if you *do* ever dress up in makeup and everything just promise me you'll stay home and not get a job at a fast food place."
"You got it, baby."
And that's where we are. I'm still figuring out the extent to which I enjoy dressing, and I still prefer keeping it quiet, private (well, aside from all the supportive ladies here) and at home. I don't really ever see it becoming a 24/7 desire for me, but I do catch myself daydreaming from time-to-time about the next opportunity I'll have to dress and feel "prettified".
Apologies if I've rambled, but I just wanted to share and say thank you to everyone who contributes to this community and especially those that have been so welcoming and encouraging to me thus far.