Can CDing make you a better person? Like anything else, it becomes a matter of perspective. I used to think it was a curse and an annoyance that got in the way of my life and my family but seemed to be a necessary "evil" for me to keep going, so I tolerated it over the years, going through purges, dressing in secret, etc. None of this, however, really worked and I always ended up being frustrated in one way or another.
It wasn't until I finally accepted it in myself that things began to change for the better, although that may have to be somewhat qulaified because I paid a hefty price by losing my family to get where I am today. If I hadn't pursued things though, I'd still be spinning my wheels and would never have resolved it. What I had to do was more or less live it as much as possible to find out just why it was so important to do this and find out what my real options were.
Initially, there was the giddiness and being on cloud nine and being tickled pink for being able to really fully express my femme self. I was able to go out and socialize and have a good time regardless of others knowing who I was and being accepted by them for who I was was great as I never put up any pretenses really. What I soon found out however was that the femme stuff was just the tip of the iceberg and my real strong suit was getting to know and caring about people and accepting them for who they are as well.
I will say that when I was out there as Sal, I felt a confidence that I never felt as Rich because as a guy, I was always pretty much of a withdrawn introvert. Now that I have balanced things, that has bled over into my life as Rich, so I am always the same outgoing and fun loving person that I am as Sal. I would have missed all of this had I remained a "stick in the mud" as Rich and never explored who I really was. All in all, the whole experience has helped me to realize my full potential as a person. I took something potentially negative and turned it around into something positive. I'm wondering if anyone elso has had a similar experience.