Being Sensitive and CDing

[Sally2005]

I've been wondering about something. Many times we say CDers felt like they never fit in or were different in some way from other kids when growing up. We are also, on average apparently more intelligent than most people. I was wondering, if a lot of people who CD are also very sensitive?

As a kid did you hate bumps and lumps in your socks? Do you hate the labels on the back of your shirt that rub on your neck?

Were you very intuitive or have a strong 6th sense? Can you look at someone and know exactly how they are feeling?

I sports were you evaluating too much to really join in and just have fun? Like being overwhelmed by the number of kids running around and being scared to join the pack and kick the ball because you didn't know what might happen?

I'm asking because I just realized my young daughter seems to be very sensitive (some might call it shy) and I was the same growing up. I had to work very hard to fit in socially and still it is a challenge some times....mostly fear of what I think others feel, I think. CDing and going out and about has actually helped me. I wonder, though...is CDing a mechanism to either escape or release our sensitivities? ...anyone think it is related? or not at at all (I'm wondering if the not feeling like we fit in when we were growing up was due to hyper sensitivity vs desire to CD).

[Miranda09]

An interesting question Sally and one that there probably is no single answer. For me, I've always been a sensitive sort, being more emotional than most of the guys I hung around with, yet I always got in the middle of things when playing baseball or football or just doing what kids do. I am also very shy around people I don't know, then open up when that comfort zone is reached. For me, I do think that dressing up is an effective release of my emotions and is beginning to allow me that release when I'm not dressed up. I've always had a tendency, for example, to get emotional at certain points movies, yet I never let it show....that would show weakness! Something guys are taught in today's society. So, maybe my CDing is part of my trying to understand my emotional state and to not be afraid of it. :)

[DianneRoberts]

Many times I am too sensitive. Cried watching a movie the other day.

Also sensitive in that I realize if I go out that everybody that sees me will be "put off". I would be the only one that would feel good and if I upset more than one person and I was the only one to feel good then the bad outweighs the good and I should stay in the closet.

:2c:

[Melfina]

Yes, I've found myself to be more sensitive, not only towards myself, but of others as well.

I think that the vast majority of people have it in them to be as such, but different cultures and most notably gender roles tend to be the biggest inhibitors. It would seem that those of us who are CD's or TG's tend to be able to express that sensitivity more easily than others. We're not allowing ourselves to be as restricted by the boundaries of what is socially acceptable as others might be.

It's a shame that such feelings are still viewed as needing a certain amount of repression in this day and age, but it does appear to be changing slowly. Think of how much better the world be if people attempted to be more open and understanding. One does not need to be agreeable with everything, but a healthy respect for that which is different still goes a long way. Dare to dream. :daydreaming:

[Sarah Doepner]

Yes, I am sensitive on both external and internal issues. My feelings used to get hurt very, very easily and I still have problems watching some emotional movies. In the family I am much more concerned about how we need to treat everyone than my wife is. When she discovered my crossdressing several years ago she decided that it was part of the explanation for my behavior. She believes it's all part of the same package, the dressing and the sensitive nature.

The other side of equation is a tendency to be a bit rougher and scruffier when in male mode. I guess I'm not ready to call myself an integrated personality. I need to work on it because I really do like my softer, more concerned side.

[Karren H]

Not really... Or not more sensative than the average guy in a dress...

[Carly D.]

I'm a loner by my own admission and truth is I had and still have very few friends.. when I was younger I played by my self more often.. mostly it was because I was a loner but I made my friends up.. when I dressed and still dress up I guess I am inviting my favorite friend to come visit.. my fem side.. I never considered it to be a female part of me, nor did I want to be a girl.. I just like the way the clothes feel..


as far as sensitivity towards clothing is concerned I did feel the tag on my t shirts (annoying things they were) and now when I wear my fem clothing I can tell when something is amiss.. the other day I put my bra on in the car and it didn't feel right.. turns out there was a twist in it so I had to re do the bra "install" as it were..

[Dana Lane]

I love being nice and clean and soft. In my late teens/early 20s I used to manicure my nails almost every day. I hated to get dirty or smell bad. I dressed in Androgynous clothes and hair styles for the most part. I can cry when I see or think about something touching. And yes, I think I am very sensitive.

[Alice B]

I guess maybe I'm different. I did not start dressing until almost 60. I was a jock my entire life, have 2 degrees in Physical Education and always worked in very "manly" jobs. But, I've always been a good people observer and can easily guess how others feel and note minor changes in clothing, hair, weight and emotions of women and others I know. I've always had these capabilities, but what finally brought out the female side of me remains a mystery, but has strengthen these capabilities..

[Jessica Who]

I would say that I am both emotionally and physically sensitive. I can definitely be easily hurt by a seemingly benign comment, and also cry at movies and television shows.

Physically, a mild punch or nudge can really sting me for a while, and in sports I used to frequently get injured.

[Joni Marie Cruz]

I don't know about sensitive, but I can't go out if I have any stains on my clothes. Oh, wait. That's not sensitive, it's just neurotic.

Hugs...Joni Marie

[Gabrielle Hermosa]

As a kid did you hate bumps and lumps in your socks? Do you hate the labels on the back of your shirt that rub on your neck?

Totally!


Were you very intuitive or have a strong 6th sense? Can you look at someone and know exactly how they are feeling?

Sometimes, but I never really associated it with a "6th" sense - just the ability to read expressions and recognize patterns in the behavior of others.


I sports were you evaluating too much to really join in and just have fun? Like being overwhelmed by the number of kids running around and being scared to join the pack and kick the ball because you didn't know what might happen?

I was never really good at sports - not coordinated enough, and lacked interest. So I'd say, no - I did not evaluate much, though I did feel overwhelmed by the other kids. I've always had a hard time being around too many people.


I wonder, though...is CDing a mechanism to either escape or release our sensitivities? ...anyone think it is related? or not at at all (I'm wondering if the not feeling like we fit in when we were growing up was due to hyper sensitivity vs desire to CD).

It is not a mechanism for me to escape my sensitivities. If anything, it brings out my extreme emotional sensitivity to a high extent. Earlier this year I actually had to seek therapy to help deal with that, which went very well, btw. :)

I don't think cding is directly related to one's sensitivity level although one who is more sensitive may be more likely to also be a cd (statistically). I say that on the basis that women tend to be more sensitive or open with their feelings, and I think that our feminine side may also be similar in that respect.

[Joanne Curl]

There maybe something to this. I was always "the sensitive one". I played sports and did male things but I was always "sensitive". I was the one who got hurt feelings and tried to be the peacemaker. I would rather hug someone then shake their hand and I've always been concerned about other people's feelings. Is this the common trait of a cross dresser? I don't think so but I do think that, from what I've observed, is cross dressers are more "sensitive" then the average guy.

[LisaM]

Sally,

That is a funny question. When I was about 4 or 5 my mother asked me and my brothers what we wanted for Xmas. I told her I wanted a Barbie doll and my brothers started laughing while my mother smiled and told me that Barbies are for girls not boys. I immediately started crying and ran under a table. My mother then came over and said "You have always been so sensitive that I always thought you should have been a girl".