Log in

View Full Version : taking the plunge (long post)



Lorileah
11-14-2011, 01:28 PM
I let go of the edge of the pool this weekend.

I have been lucky all my life in that I have had many friends and lovers who would accompany me when I was dressed and out on the town. I had people I could socialize with when I was in a bar or club or function. People who knew me. A safety net so to speak.

Since I don’t have that anymore and I add the fact that when I am stressed, my feminine side becomes dominant, I had to choose. I am not one to just be content getting dolled up and staying home. It seems a waste of my time. That does not mean that I don’t wear skirts around the house, I just don’t put on make up and often don’t do hair. I don’t have to impress myself and in my head I am who I am anyway. But I needed something. I cannot and will not become a couch potato.

So Saturday morning I thought I would dress up and go out to a local club. I also chickened out several times before I even left the house to go to work. I challenged myself as to why I needed to be out and dressed. I could stay home watch TV, maybe have a glass of wine. Then I told myself, you aren’t dead. You need to enjoy yourself. The weather for November was excellent (60 degrees during the day). Go out see the world what is the worst that can happen? You have a couple drinks at the bar, you watch people, you go home and feel sorry for yourself later.

Saturday afternoon, I pretended to do things. I vacuumed the house, steamed the floor, did some laundry. Watched racing on TV (when I wasn’t napping) and then it was 4 o’clock. Four in the afternoon and I was bored. OK, I said, here’s what you will do. Clean up, put on your make up and if you like what you see, go out. Myself answered “I won’t like it”. To which I replied “well then you can stay home and mope if it does not work.”

An hour later I was fixed. And I liked me. That has been the way it has been for years. I don’t like the male me. I have been told I am handsome, sweet, kind, helpful, sexy and a good lover ( I want to be an excellent lover but I just can’t break that barrier), But I know “me” and I don’t see those things. But when I dress up and get made up I see a different person. Pretty (usually), good shape, nice legs, big smile and well everything I want and want to be. So there I stood in front of the mirror. I liked me again.

OK, so I will drive down to the bar, look around but if there are not any parking places I can just go home. On the drive I thought about all the CDs who dress up and take a drive, thinking that they are being on the edge. I looked around and once again I didn’t see any person looking at ME as I drove or even at the lights. So my advice is go, take that drive, relax, if that is what it takes to get you out and make you feel happy, do it. So anyway, I get to the parking lot and……there are about 10 cars (it’s only 6:30…no one goes out until 8 at least). Oh well, I can’t use the excuse there was no parking. I pull into a spot and make up reasons to take my time to get out. License, credit card, 30$ cash, check make up, check hair, think of going home and hiding under the bed, change mind, decide to go in, open door, close door-it is cooler than I thought, sit there and watch people walk by and not notice me, take a deep breath and…get out of the car and go inside. I walk across the lot and realize that I have the look, the walk, everything I need and although I am tall, I present feminine. I take out my ID and walk in.

Usually there is a door guy who checks IDs but I was too early I guess. I must have looked lost and shocked because across the club a guy calls out “Hey I need to see your ID.” I start to hand it to him and he starts to laugh. “Just kidding, you look marvelous.” I blush and thank him. He hugs me. I head to the bar.

This bar is a “gay” bar but in the last few years it has become a mixed crowd. There were actually more male/female couples than MM or FF.

The bar is cut into the wall so that it can serve the patio outside (where you can smoke) and the dance floor inside. I sit inside where there are three guys talking and watching football. Hey, I like football so I will just sit and watch with them. They look at me, smile and nod then go back to the game. The bartender asks what I want. “Seven and seven” I don’t know why I ordered that. I don’t really care much for whiskey. But that is what I ordered. He brings it back and I pay. Mixed drinks are good for TGs because they come with straws. A beer isn’t very sexy (unless you play with the neck), wine at a bar is presumptuous and the lipstick messes the rim. A mixed drink and a tiny straw, how dainty. The bartender hovers. Now I know that gay men are not interested in crossdressers. I am not masculine at all so I wonder why he hovers. Maybe things have changed and they don’t like us girls here so much any more. I heard that last week when I went to a bar I thought was TG friendly and was told (I was in drab) that they no longer allowed TG’s there because they scared the regular customers (bar must be doing well that they can choose who patronizes the establishment). So I thought, OK one drink, outta here if they didn’t want me. He finally comes over. “How is the drink?” Excellent (It was he didn’t over pour the whiskey so it wasn’t too strong). “Great, I love your look and your necklace.” OK relax he was just admiring you not staring at you. Again, I blush and thank him. Deep breath, this is a friendly place. Try and act feminine and distracted. I look up and across the bar is a guy staring at me. I smile, you know you should always smile it will either piss them off or get them to smile too. He gives me a little finger wave. I wave back. Within minutes he is behind me.

“I just had to tell you, you are gorgeous.” He said. I turned and thanked him again blushing and shy. He asked if I would like accompany him to another bar where they were having a drag show. I declined and he said if I changed my mind come on over.

Wow, this was turning out better than I expected. Three guys, three compliments, three guys who were gentlemen. The bar was starting to get busier now. A couple walked over and asked if the stools next to me were open. I said “have a seat” and they struck up a conversation. One asked me to dance but I have never danced in heels and backwards (new goal now) so I declined and for the next couple hours we just talked. It was nice. They wanted to keep in touch and gave me their number. I don’t know I will use it ever but if I go back to that bar I will at least know someone. :). I was starting to worry now about drinking too much and not eating so I decided to go home, it was 10 o’clock. I know it was early but I was just out testing the water as to if I could be out and alone. So mission accomplished. I hugged my two new friends and said good night. As I was walking I did notice my heels were more wobbly than usual. It was probably just because I was hungry and tired and not the booze….OK it was the booze and there was no way I could have stayed out any longer without a ride home. As I was leaving and going down the stairway two young men offered their hands for me. One told me I looked beautiful. For the last time that evening I blushed and thanked him for the compliment. I got in the car, made sure I could handle the drive home.

I floated home filled with happiness. I had grown, I had stepped away from the pool edge. I had become a new person, now with more confidence and self assurance. I had socialized and met new people and I was not abused or mistreated in anyway. It was a good night. I now am ready to start swimming and not just hanging on to the rim. That diving board however is a little intimidating still.

kimdl93
11-14-2011, 01:47 PM
Lori, that's great! I'm so glad you coaxed yourself back into the pool and swam out to the deep end!

Shelly Preston
11-14-2011, 01:48 PM
Wow Lorileah, that sounds like a wonderful evening to me

Yes you may have had an uncertain start, but what a finish all those compliments :)

Sometimes you just have to realise those guys were right you do look great

The diving board is not quite so high anymore ;)

suchacutie
11-14-2011, 01:56 PM
Congratulations Lorileah!!! You clearly expunged a few mental demons and I'm sure the next time will be one of more anticipation and less trepidation!

tina

AllieSF
11-14-2011, 02:03 PM
Great story. I know that feeling of going out alone when that is not your style. You basically had the same experiences that I did when I started flying solo. I prefer company, but have learned that I can create my own company once I arrive and get settled in nice and comfy wherever I am at. Your getting out and living your life is great therapy. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

marlaNYC
11-14-2011, 02:36 PM
omg, what a wonderfully written tale. i especially loved your whole 'making excuses not to' section - it read like i was talking to myself! thanks so much for such a bright post

Karren H
11-14-2011, 02:39 PM
What an awesome night....

jillleanne
11-14-2011, 03:11 PM
Now isn't swimming so much more fun? Congrats girl.

Marleena
11-14-2011, 03:13 PM
What a wonderful story (again) Lorileah! Can I be you for a night? :)

StarrOfDelite
11-14-2011, 03:17 PM
Great story, and well written. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

ReineD
11-14-2011, 03:25 PM
I'm so glad you had a good time, Lori (and yes, you are beautiful) :), but I thought you had abandoned the closet years ago? Is going out a new experience for you?

abigailf
11-14-2011, 03:33 PM
What a wonderful and inspiring story. I am so happy for you. You put a smile on my face that's for sure.

Lorileah
11-14-2011, 03:50 PM
I'm so glad you had a good time, Lori (and yes, you are beautiful) :), but I thought you had abandoned the closet years ago? Is going out a new experience for you?

Going out alone is Reine. I always have traveled in packs. I have been out and about for 15 plus years, just not without a wingman...uh woman...nut. Even in drab mode I don't go to bars and such alone.

vikki2020
11-14-2011, 04:00 PM
Great story, Lorileah! Glad you decided to "dive in"! It does sound like a nice place, and I bet you'll be going back! I know how you felt, in the parking lot-- I always have to go out alone, and this summer, I made my first trips into "mainstream"places. First was a chain bar--a "Bar Louie",if you know it. More of a sports bar that not. Then a Casino, that just opened. I sat out in the lot for a few minutes also, getting up my nerve, and making sure the make-up looked ok! lol!I am Sooooo glad I went in,though. Nothing much to talk about, just a girl, in the crowd!

*Vanessa*
11-14-2011, 04:02 PM
.
wow - nice read Lori, congrats

It's a no brainer on the complements however, you are very attractive

S. Lisa Smith
11-14-2011, 04:28 PM
Wow, sounds like a wonderful evening!

Longing2be-Trisha
11-14-2011, 04:29 PM
Wow Lori that is a great story!

Hugs

TGMarla
11-14-2011, 04:40 PM
How very excellent, Lorileah! What a fantastic testimonial for getting out and about! I'm very glad for you. And boy, do you ever nail it on the train of thought we all go through when doing these kinds of things.

"Mary"
11-14-2011, 05:15 PM
That's so great Lori, I wish I could just get up and go out like that. There's no keeping the genie in the bottle now. Thanks for sharing.

DonniDarkness
11-14-2011, 05:31 PM
Fantastic story Lori

Funny how we put so much thought into going out, and for some reason we intimidate ourselves into excuses....then at the last second we let go of the edge, knowing the whole time that we can swim beautifully

Keep swimming Lori.

-Donni-

Marcella
11-14-2011, 05:36 PM
That's why I joined this site, for fabulous stories like that. Made me feel happy, and envious lol, to read it.
I'm sure it gives us all heart to know you were so well recieved. Congrats Lorileah.

Marcella

chelseababy
11-14-2011, 05:42 PM
What an amazing story :)

Keep it up!

crystal99
11-14-2011, 05:55 PM
Saturday afternoon, I pretended to do things. I vacuumed the house, steamed the floor, did some laundry. Watched racing on TV (when I wasn’t napping) and then it was 4 o’clock. Four in the afternoon and I was bored. OK, I said, here’s what you will do. Clean up, put on your make up and if you like what you see, go out. Myself answered “I won’t like it”. To which I replied “well then you can stay home and mope if it does not work.”



I really loved this story from start to finish but this bit stuck out and rang true to myself as i'm sure it must for most of us. We all procrastinate sooo much on this subject but sharing experiences such as this should hopefully spur us on. I know I'm getting closer xx

Anna B
11-14-2011, 05:59 PM
Great story well told Lori. Glad you had such a good experience.

Anna x

Kaitlyn Michele
11-14-2011, 06:02 PM
As Anna says that is great story and well written..

You had so much fun i bet you enjoyed writing it out too.

All the best
-k

Loveday
11-14-2011, 06:16 PM
Fantastic story Lori, I really enjoyed it. The pool analogy is a good one !

Kate T
11-14-2011, 06:28 PM
Lori

Lovely story. I am not surprised that you found people who were nice and enjoyed your company. You are a person with a true and open heart and I think this shows through however you are dressed.

AnitaH
11-14-2011, 06:43 PM
Great story and you tell it so well I liked reading it so much.

AnitaH

msginaadoll
11-14-2011, 07:12 PM
Wow! you are a wonderful writer. I definitelt could picture what you were feeling. Heck I experience that myself and I usually go out alone.... boo Hoo.

MsJanessa
11-14-2011, 08:01 PM
once you start doing it, you wonder why you didn't start sooner--like 15 years ago

DebbieL
11-15-2011, 12:27 AM
I came to NJ/NYC several years ago, but Denver had some wonderful clubs that were CD friendly. One of my favorites was XTCs, over by 6th Avenue, a great girl bar. The first gay bar I ever went to was BJs, it's still there, that was where I met my first drag queen too. I was 18 years old. Charlies is another classic. Those were some wonderful places. There are some new ones I'd like to visit next time I'm in town. The Denver Detour looks interesting. I remember when the Compound first opened. Back then it was a very friendly place.

Denver has one of the largest GLBT communities in the country, ranging from Broadway to Colorado Blvd and from Alameda to at least Colfax. It looks like it has extended to 17th street.

KellyJameson
11-15-2011, 01:37 AM
I really admire your courage. I would have been a nervous wreck and my heels would have wobbled without the alcohol but from the adrenaline coursing through my veins and that is on the walk to the bar. It is the attention from the men that would freak me out because I want it but I don't. Your story is simultaneously my dream and my nightmare, beautifully written. I could see the story unfolding in my minds eye as I read it and became nervous for you, hoping nothing bad was going to happen. A scary story with a happy ending, the best kind. Thank you for sharing it.

Persephone
11-15-2011, 02:14 AM
So awesome, Lorileah! Super!

Thank you for sharing!

Hugs,
Persephone.

Patty B.
11-15-2011, 04:01 AM
Great night and I guess I'm waiting for the time I'll be taking these kind of steps, way to go.

Jillian Faith
11-15-2011, 07:06 AM
Lori

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. Like you I go out alone but only during the day time to the mall or a Kohl's, Walmart etc. Your story and the rich analogies made me feel like I was sitting front row watching your night unfold right before me. Bravo!

Hugs
Jill

Miranda09
11-15-2011, 08:06 AM
Good for you Sis...it's about time you got out and had some positive experiences and had people tell you how beautiful you really are. I'm happy to see that you were also treated with respect, and hey, who doesn't like to be flirted with!! ;) Next time, take a few photos so we can see just how gorgeous you looked!! :)

Michelia
11-17-2011, 01:25 AM
Enjoyed reading your story. I like the little details.. the feeling of it. Gee... I never would have thought you had never been out alone before as much as you get out. I imagine it is a good thing
because now it is giving you a new thing to experience and discover. And it sounds like it could not have gone better.

You are smarter than me. I have jumped on the dance floor when asked and made a total fool of myself. I am just too stiff to dance like a girl should. It is one skill
I would really love to acquire.

Pamela Kay
11-17-2011, 07:04 AM
That was such a wonderful story Lorileah! Thank you for sharing your experience, it gives the rest of us hope and a little more courage and confidence. Yes you are beautiful too by the way!

Lorileah
11-17-2011, 11:37 AM
You are smarter than me. I have jumped on the dance floor when asked and made a total fool of myself. I am just too stiff to dance like a girl should. It is one skill
I would really love to acquire.


I know! I am going to start practicing at least walking backwards :) I just don't have the attention span to repeat steps over and over again.

Thank you everyone for the sweet comments. I have been procrastinating on this for a long time. The original plan 2 1/2 years ago was to get out at least once a month. But things happened. My GF loved me as Lori and she often commented about not having seen Lori for a long time but it was just easier to go as we were. So now I am trying to catch up.

It is so great to have so many friends here. If I can just get two messages out to the members here: Be who you are, enjoy who you are, love yourself and tomorrow isn't a guarantee so grab life while you can. Love conquers all, if you truly love someone little things may be an annoyance but they are just little things in the big picture

RenneB
11-17-2011, 12:09 PM
Great story girl. Love the details and the level of acceptance that you have acquired. Now that you've let go of the pool edge (I love the metafor) and have gone swimming, just keep swimming. The hard part is going to be with all this snow. But who cares, just a reason to go out shopping... I've wandered away from the edge of the pool and have found a few other swimmers that want to hand you an andvel. But then there are those that just like to go swimmin' on their own and don't bother the other swimmers....

Now if I can just fit into that bikinni I'm sure to fit into the beach scene...

Renne.....