When we were children, one of the most frustrating moments was when we asked our parents why we couldn't do something, only to be given the answer "because". If we tried to say "but why?", we were told either "just because" or "because I said so". But sometimes, because is the only possible answer to the question "why". Crossdressing might be a case in point. Why is always a double question. Are we asking about the cause or the effect. When people ask "why do you crossdress" are they wanting you to explain the inner workings of the mind and brain that makes us be crossdressers, or are they asking us what we derive out of crossdressing that brings us fulfillment, satisfaction or pleasure?
There are numerous theories about the causes of crossdressing, but do we really know which ones might or might not apply to us? Or do we simply accept the most logical sounding one and assume that it must be the cause of our crossdressing. On the other hand, most of us can itemize the effect upon us of our crossdressing because we sense and feel the impact. But how do we articulate the effect to others, who have no basis for evaluating such effects, if they are not themselves crossdressers. Further, when we try to explain where we stand on that spectrum between crossdressing and transitioning, and what term should be used to describe us, are we basing the answer on cause or effect?
Whenever people enquire about the "why" of one of my other interests, such as model railroading, it is almost a given that they are enquiring about effect and not cause. I am never in the awkward position of having to explain what aspect of my psyche, my mind or my personality (i.e. my brain) causes me to be a model railroader. Why I do it can always be described by the various forms of satisfaction that I derive from it. The same is true of almost all my activities.
Cause is of importance in scientific matters and may or may not outweigh the effects. However, with science we are usually dealing with factors that can be quantified or itemized or observed. Human behaviour is extremely subjective and not so easily analyzed. The "why's" are very blurry at best. And that is why I have decided that henceforth, whenever anyone wants to know why I crossdress, the answer is going to be "because". If they persist it will become "just because" and if that is not sufficient it will be "because I said so".
Veronica