Do CDs have " Compulsive" personalities?

[docrobbysherry]

Both of my parents, sister and I, have had no problems with; drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, cults, etc.

That is, until I began CDing about 12 years ago. Now, it has taken over my life, more or less! I can't give it up, or even stay away from it for very long.:eek:
I'm NOT used to handling compulsions, because I guess I've never HAD ANY before now!

Can anyone relate to this? Is your CDing obsessive/compulsive? Do u have obsessions other than CDing?

How do u control them, so that u can function "normally" in your life? Or, DO THEY cause problems for u?:brolleyes:

[TGMarla]

It gets a little obsessive/compulsive at times, yes. I tend to schedule my day to see if I can fit in any crossdressing time, and if I find that I cannot, it depresses me a little. I try not to let it carry that much importance, but I do feel better, even more normal, when I'm all dressed up en femme. So I tend to dwell on it subliminally and it's always in the back of my mind.

[Sara82]

I unfortunately have always had shopping related compulsions for as long as I can remember. Now that I've finally come to terms with my feminine side, it hasn't gotten any better with my shopping for clothes, makeup, accessories,etc.

Although I've never had any drug related issues, or addictions, but I was fairly addicted to World of Warcraft at a certain point in my wife, which ended up causing a lot of issues with friends and family.

But to somewhat remedy my compulsive shopping, I don't usually carry much money on me, so sometimes I just leave my credit card, and ATM card at home, so if im out and about, ill usually wont get the itch to purchase something on credit. Unfortunately this doesn't prevent me from shopping online :(

[Karren H]

My wife says I obsess over everything and I think she's right.. Maybe not everything but enough.. I like to think of it as my OOTD. Obsession of the Day!! Yeah.. Today its nail polish and finding out who makes Crosby's new one-piece synthetic hockey stick.. So my obsessions aren't limited to just crossdressing!!

And far as compulsive.. I'm to lazy to be compulsive.. Being obsessive is all I can handle.. Hahahaha.

[PaulaJaneThomas]

Do u have compulsions other than CDing?

Breathing. I'm going to give that up if kills me.


How do u control them, so that u can function "normally" in your life? Or, DO THEY cause problems for u?:brolleyes:

No problems here. Expressing my gender is one of my fundamental human rights.

[Ms Mira]

I have a bit of an obsessive personality, but you don't really become better at anything without being a bit obsessive, without thinking about it constantly... Or at least that's how I justify it.

[Jayne Wordan]

I agree with the whole CDing being a compulsive issue but after 18 years of the desire have decided the only way to deal with it is to be honest with yourself and just do it. Reason being, you cant stop it no matter what !!!!!!

[Bridgette T]

I definitely have obsessive traits, but they are not exclusive to cding. HUGE record collection, books, and sometimes just stuff in general.Not really a pack rat, just obsessed by the collection. My mom is this way too, so I imagine it is a genetic predisposition. I am however compulsive about the cding stuff. It definitely does fall into the obsessive/compulsive category for me,(more girl shoes than guys, and I am quite closeted) but I imagine not for everyone.

[deja true]

Well...I don't think I'm tooooo obsessed. I mean, I do have a nice varied selection of both heels and flats.

:D

... and as long as we can moderate our behaviour (even though it's so-o-o-o much fun...) that it doesn't adversely affect our loved ones I don't think we really fit into the real Obsessive/Compulsive category. Now, Impulsiveness ... that's another kettle of fishies entirely!

:)

[borbiusle]

I tend to go into long periods of obsessiveness if I find something I really like, like discovering a new band, new foods, CD'ing, having sex with a chick of a different race, etc. Thankfully, I was blessed with enough willpower to mentally talk myself out of doing some dumb things(drugs, stealing, sleeping with someone's wife etc.) even though it seems like a good idea at the time, even with I'm 100% drunk, that's my saving grace really :D.

[Jannette H]

Some what, or at least I am sometimes. When I'm with my SO in any department store thrift store or what ever I seem want to target my next purchase for me. Even as far as go thru the racks to see what sizes are available. Also I tend to wander off in the ladies department, candy store. The last time I went to pick up my glasses at Pennys. It took me 30min of wandering thru the ladies department, ladies shoes and accessories before picking up my glasses at optical and look at a new pair of ladies frames. I had to what was new and in style and what I would like against what I could afford. I can't help my self I always do this. I believe that's compulsive, isn't it:)

Jannette H

[tricia_uktv]

I think the answer depends on the stage of your life and the stage of your dressing. For me now andv I suspect for the rest of my life, it certainly is a compulsion. Not so earlier though when my compulsion was sport. Oh, and I like a drink or many too.

[Jaclyn NM]

I believe that I am definitely obsessive- compulsive about everything, including my crossdressing. I am very neat and organized, and any kind of clutter simply drives me crazy, which is kind of crazy, because my wife is a pack-rat, and very unorganized, and yet we've been married for 36 years. I guess opposites to attract.

[Joni T]

Since I can't walk down the street with my rifle and take target practice at every whim, cd'ing is my outlet source. Yes, my femme side is definately more of a compulsive buyer than my male side.

[Kate Simmons]

Not necessarily RS but we do tend to be more organized than a lot of guys.:heehee:

[Greymancd]

I have an obsessive personality. I was always obsessed with sex, but many more things like when I am reading a good book I cannot put it down. I play video games and I get hooked on them also I even dream about them. I like to do genealogy research and I can spend hours and hours on that also so it seems no matter what I do that I love I am obsessive and I guess cding would fit right in there. My wife can confirm all this also so it is not just me.

[Rachaelb64]

Compulsive..........mmm........use to be, but not now i just go with the flow.

For example I use to have the complsion to be on time were ever I was going, I was the first person at every party! lol but now it not such a big deal if I'm late then so what I'm late, the only thing I do try to be on time for is work

But these day I'm more laid back and easy going, not suck up my own arse all time :D

[Frédérique]

Do CDs have " Compulsive" personalities?


I’m a bit compulsive in that I worry a lot about the slightest little thing, plus I’m a perfectionist, especially with my artwork. The more I try to ensure that things will look just right, the less actually gets made or done. This perfectionism creeps over into my crossdressing, but, since perfection is an unobtainable goal in that realm, I can just relax and enjoy the show…

[annecwesley]

A counselor I went to hold that (at least in my case) crossdressing is an OCD. I think it is, I think alot about dressing. I make special time for it, I shop alot (and I've become very fussy) I want to look and feel just so. My wife relates to my dressing on those terms.

[Teri Jean]

I wouldn't call it compulsive but for me it is anal retentive. If I do something it is usually done to the best I can. Whether it is wood carving, tying flies, building a woodstrip canoe, or expressing my female side of my life; I do it with a passion and conviction. As I move to transitioning the passion has been tempored witha softer love of myself and more tolerance of the journey.

Teri

[laura.lapinski]

Yes, I do think it can be common among CDer's (Not saying all CD). It doesn't have to be full blown OCD, but it may fall into what is called the Obsessive Compulsive spectrum.

[PrettyFlowingGown]

I have a tidy-ness compulsive disorder. My unit is always perfect and everything is in its place where it belongs. I cant leave for work without everything where its supposed to be. My sink has to be empty and everything washed, etc.
I do go through compulsive shopping stages too.
I dont have any others. I've been sober nearly 4 years after a long battle with alchohol though.

[Jonianne]

.......How do u control them, so that u can function "normally" in your life? Or, DO THEY cause problems for u?:brolleyes:

Hi Doc. I think one of the best ways to help gain some control, is to find some volunteer work and immerse yourself into others who are in need. I havn't done any recently, but I have helped with edgeble slows, parapaligics and tutoring at a women's shelter in the past. I got an enormous sense of satisfaction in working with others and that certainly helps bring things back into perspective and keeping a balance.

Another is being involved in another activity. I took up artistic roller skating (figure circles and dance) some years ago and that has been a passion of mine. I wish I could devote more time and money into that sport. I would gladly put 10 times more the amount into skating than cd'ing.

[Tina2]

My desires to dress definately feel obsessive and compulsive.

[sterling12]

Doc, didn't you kind of answer your own question? You said no History of compulsive disorders in your family. No hand washers, no habitual masturbators, no ritualistic behavior? And yourself only becomes engrossed with dressing activity over the last dozen years. Problems like compulsive behavior seem to run in some families, you family doesn't seem to be effected.

There are those people in The Psychiatric Community that would love to label all transgendered behavior as "compulsive." Remember, that's treatable, and also BILLABLE! I don't think we can find any credible literature that says that any measurable results have been obtained, by treating transgendered individuals with methods used for compulsive behavior.

Personally, I refuse to acknowledge that I have any sort of psychiatric problem. I don't need "treatment!" I think that Joanie is sum and part of my whole being, I just have an "extra partner" in my journey through life.

(Now, it's been at least three minutes since I started this message; I need to get to the sink right damn quick, and wash all my guilt away!)

Peace and Love, Joanie

[ArleneRaquel]

My only compulsion is be be " Arlene Marie McCarthy " 24/7 and to treat all people fairly. :hugs:

[allisonrn06]

It gets a little obsessive/compulsive at times, yes. I tend to schedule my day to see if I can fit in any crossdressing time, and if I find that I cannot, it depresses me a little.

Me too, Marla. :hugs:

[deja true]

Think Jonianne makes a very good point here.

When dressing or any other activity becomes so much a part of our lives that we tend to exclude the concerns of others or ignore anyone or anything else that needs our attention, then our behaviour might fit into the category of OCD.

Otherwise, if we're still connected to the rest of the world somehow and know that there are some things more important than our own urges and self satisfaction, then we're still on the (somewhat) normal side of the fence.

Sure the Pink Fog may get to us occassionally for periods of time, but if we're able to come through it and deal with the cares and issues of others for the most part, then we're doin' okay.

;)

[RiverdanceGirl]

I have OCD , compulsive checking . A psychic friend of mine told me that my OCD is caused by my gender issues . She believes in reincarnation and that I am usually female and have a female soul .

[katieblush]

Both of my parents, sister and I, have had no problems with; drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, cults, etc.

That is, until I began CDing about 12 years ago. Now, it has taken over my life, more or less! I can't give it up, or even stay away from it for very long.:eek:
I'm NOT used to handling compulsions, because I guess I've never HAD ANY before now!

Can anyone relate to this? Is your CDing obsessive/compulsive? Do u have obsessions other than CDing?

How do u control them, so that u can function "normally" in your life? Or, DO THEY cause problems for u?:brolleyes:

Earlier this year i took some hormone pills for about 2 months,now i would not have done this a few years back i think turning 40 gave me a crisis,you know some guys buy motorbikes etc, not me i started hormones not a wise choice i know but well i did it.Now i do not know if these pills are the cause but my emotions are well lets say very tearful in any stress situation now,and i usually dress fem regularly but now its everyday.

"How do u control them, so that u can function "normally"

Thats a hard one to answer,but as of this year personally for me i am going with the flow.:heehee:

[occdresser]

no absolutly not!

[sherri52]

Yes it is compulsive. I have to do it and find time to dress or check out clothes all day long. I wear dangle earings until someone comes in, and wear heels in drab for two hours after I open my store. I do take them off if I see someone. I like the thrill as well.

[AndroRemi]

While I do have obsessive compulsive personality disorder, I would have to say that cross dressing itself is not caused by being obsessive/compulsive, nor can it give you an O/C disorder. You probably practice it in an O/C way, I know I certainly do (then again, the same could be said for everything that I do), but I think it is more of a question of why you cross dress as to whether or not it can become an obsession. I cross dress because I want people to see me and immediately think 'woman,' and I think that in order to pull that off, you have to be very dedicated (which would be where obsession can come into play) or just naturally very lucky with your figure.

[Jocelyn Quivers]

Yes at least for this CD, this was recently pointed out to me by several friends yesterday. I was in male mode and they were commenting on how obessed I get on certain things. When it comes to CDing my femme side is even more super hyper obsessed to the point that it makes my male side seem tame by comparison.

[Gunda]

I'm definately not OCD when it comes to organization. I'm actually quite a slob in that department. My living quarters often look like a bomb went off in them. I am a major collector of things though. In addition to clothes - which are comparatively few given that I am in the closet as yet - I have dozens of firearms, hundreds of books on historical and artistic subjects, and dozens of growing items of militaria.

Not a hoarder just want to amass more interesting, tangible things related to my interests. I know I won't get to take any of it with me when I shed my mortal coil but I just have the urge to collect and I love the thrill of the hunt. In some ways I subliminally equate possession as a sign of knowledge or mastery in a given area too.

Best,
Gunda

[karennjcd]

I don't want to think of it as OCD per se, because that suggests that our crossdressing is a disorder. We all know it's not.

But are we obsessive and compulsive? Sure we are. I'll speak for myself... having to get every single color of shoe that exists (all right, I don't have orange but you get the picture), having shoes to match any outfit I might have, a closet and many drawer full of womens garments, and I could go on and on, but that would be even more obsessive! :devil:

[Satrana]

Yes the dressing behavior can become obsessive, but there is no evidence CDs are any more compulsive than anyone else. For example your CDing has a strong sexual component. Well sex is meant to be a compulsive behavior so you are reacting in a normal fashion. This would only be a problem if you are in a relationship and your SO wanted that sexual focus to be on her (not all SOs do).

One thing CDing has taught me is to stay well away from that guilt trap of wanting to fit in and be "normal". This is a mirage and you would find yourself less happy if you tried to reach for this imaginary target.

I presume your thoughts are veering this way because your CDing is a solitary pursuit and you are feeling lonely and believe that CDing hinders friendships/relationships? Well there are solutions to these types of feelings without the need to believe in mirages.

[urmilaaa2008]

My belief is, being compulsive or obsessive is not gender specific and mostly depends on your genes. Hence Cding doesnot make u compulsive.