how long

[slamddoger]

did take to grown in confifence to go out as women

[Karren H]

Well I went out when I was 16.... And really not again till I was 53.... So do the math? Lol. Actyally it took me a year of practicing my makeup before I was comfortable with it enough to venture out... daily practice... And after a few times out I realized that it was more an attitude thing... so if you can muster up an attitude that says you belong there, dressed as you are... That's 90% of the battle... In my humble opinion

[tamarav]

I consider every makeup session and wig wearing session as a practice session. Even though I dress pretty much everyday and work as a woman in both beauty salons and a department store, I still view each of those occasions as a challenge. Just an any woman should do, never let the pink fog completely surround you to the point that you become unsafe.

When we get dressed and feel as though there is no challenge, then we may be at the point where we are not being as successful as we could be. Why take things half-hearted? Do the very best job you can. I personally do not like to have all CDs judged by the bearded ladies or the guys in skirts with pantyhose and nothing else. I do not go for the same shock factor value as some. Mine is for me to be comfortable with how I look and act and how I can improve in the future.

I may have mis-read your question and not really answered it, but each time I go out is still a thrill, no matter how much time in between.

One of my friends decided to get to her most comfortable point before going out in public (not to gay bars and such) and she spent a full year in heavy practice. I believe the period of time is up to each person depending on their own definition of what a woman should look and act like.

What was the question again???

[Teri Jean]

From the point I started CDing regularly to the point I was out in public it was about a year and now 2-1/2 years later it is 24-7.

Teri

[sherib]

I've been dressing for years and never had the courage to got out dressed for two reasons. If my wife found out, my 40 plus years of marrage would be over, and if my neighbors say me, I could never live in this community anymore.

[docrobbysherry]

I've been dressing for years and never had the courage to got out dressed for two reasons. If my wife found out, my 40 plus years of marrage would be over, and if my neighbors say me, I could never live in this community anymore.

What Sherib said. Only I can't use the "wife" excuse anymore!:brolleyes:

[Kate Simmons]

Not long. When I finally decided to do it I took the bull by the horns and haven't looked back since. Self assurance is the key no matter which mode it is Hon.:)

[weekend woman]

It didn't take me very long either, maybe a few days shy of 40 years.Once I got up enough courage to go out dressed the first time it constantly became easier.

[Ashley_in_Texas]

36 years old, CDing since about 14, still don't have the nerve to go out.

[vikki2020]

I also started as a teen, and I don't remember how long it took to step out, but it wasn't long. I do remember that the desire to go out was so strong, that it was impossible to deny! Same thing later in life, after I had "retired" for a while. After a few dressing sessions, well, I put my shopping list together, and got all the essentials to take a walk on the wild side once again. I'm so glad that I came back to my senses again!:)

[sherri52]

When my first wife was away on vacation I got brave twice at night. Then not again until after I was single again

[PantyhoseNPumps]

I've only gone out privately..nature n such, I have'nt had the courage in public yet!

[CherylFlint]

From the day I got comfortable with my "look", I'd say about a year. And then add another year for "attitude". And then another year to gain confidence so, all in all, it took me three years to be able to go out now with complete confidence that I can pass.
During those three years my heel height has decreased, my bra cup went down a size, my wig got much longer, my false eyelashes went in the trash bin, my fingernail polish was put away, and I've managed to put together quite a collection of skirts, blouses, jackets, and jewery that actually work well.
I wouldn't trade the journey for anything since it was such a rewarding expeirence in that I can go out and pass because I am TOTALLY comfortable with my look. I ALWAYS wear a mastectomy bra and my silicon breasts that I had fitted at a lingerie store. The bras are expensive (at $50 each) but well worth the comfort, the looks, and knowing that no matter what I do my forms will stay in place.
So my answer is three years, but it was worth it.

[Samantha43]

I went out once when I was in my early 20's, then a few times when I was in my late 30's and a few times in the last year. It's not the thrill for me that I thought it would be. I am never comfortable doing it. I limit myself to going only to CD support meetings and places that are accepting of CD's. I have no desire to be "out".

[slamddoger]

thank you for your answerd. ive leren lot thank agan for your answerd

[AllieSF]

I started dressing about 2 1/2 years ago and went out for the first time about 3 months after starting dressing completely. It was a thrill and I have never had a bad experience since starting. Maybe my courage comes from the fact that I am at that stage in life at my age and after a bout with prostate cancer where what I do for fun and enjoyment is for me and no one else. I am also very fortunate to live in the best place to enjoy all of this, the San Francisco Bay area. So all I needed was that first time out. We are all different and you should only go out when you are ready, but please do not wait too long. You will surely say after your first time out, "Why did I wait so long?". I say a modified version of that, "Why did I take so long to discover this wonderful activity?" Good luck and go for it.

[Ugly Michele]

to long

[sallyjones]

i have been crossdressing since i was about three but did not go out enfemme til i was 36.

[sherri]

Less than a month. As soon as I had acquired an outfit, I was ready to get out amongst 'em. In retrospect, I probably should have waited at least a few weeks until I had gained some makeup skills. I didn't even have a wig my first outing. I cringe whenever I think about it.

Nowadays I tell newbies that they will encounter greater acceptance if they acquire the skills to be presentable before going out. You don't have to be pretty or passable or dress like an old maid, but people do want to see you making an effort to be attractive. That means outfits that are well coordinated, decent makeup, nice hair, a little jewelry, etc. It makes a big difference. But don't put it off indefinitely, waiting on perfection. It's a never-ending process.

[joandher]

C/DRESSING since the age of 5 first time out at 18 to quite places been going out since ,
now too old to care what outher people think,I go out to enjoy myself because life is too short


:hugs: J-JAY

[Terri Andrews]

It has taken more years than I care to think about ,but now that I am out I realise that all I lacked was the confidence .
I still get a little nervous ,but once out it just feels natural .
I Do Enjoy Being A Girl.