The Purse

[Gianna]

I went to the hospital this morning to bring my wife home after a hysterectomy and walked in with her purse thinking she would want it with her. Since I only underdress and have never considered going out en femme (my moustache!) I carried it from the parking lot uncomfortably like any man would, hanging straight down, held by the straps (?).

As I approached the front door of this rather large/busy hospital I thought of all the girls here who face their fears and go out and thought, if they can do it, I can certainly try this, even if it is a baby step. So I pulled the purse up past my wrist near my elbow, and carried it in with my forearm parallel to the floor like a real girl would. I tried to carry it naturally (like I'd done it all my life) and was dismayed as I made the long walk to the elevator and passed no one.

The elevator door opened to reveal a nice-looking woman riding from the lower level to the third floor. I could feel her watch me as I stepped in, tilted my hips slightly and held my purse up proudly with my wrist naturally limp. I was about to offer her a soft/sweet hello, but she spoke first.

"That purse looks wonderful on you!" she said, admiringly. My mind raced for something to say but I was at a momentary loss for words until I just blurted out (honestly) "I'm looking for a dress to go with it!" and smiled.

We both laughed and I had to step out on the second floor, but she had no idea how much I really meant it and since joining this site a month ago I now know the girl inside of me is real. I am now scared as hell where this is going, but in an instant I got some real respect for all of you who do what you have to do to overcome your fears and grow up to be big girls.
Gianna

[RenneB]

What a great story and so glad that you ran into a nice person to chat with. It's pretty rare these days as most rarely make eye contact with me....

Thanks for sharing....

Renne.....

[STACY B]

Yep !!! Its realy great to have a real conversation about something so simple but so inportant to you . But ill tell ya ladys ,, If ya realy weed out the haters an get down to the real woman they dont realy care if your man or woman or somewhere in between ,, That lady mite just as well been a purse nut ,, There is alot out there ,, Or i have came across chix that just LOVE to talk about shoes ,, No matter who it is , An clothes been in long talks with girls in stores an alot of places ,, An once they realize you know what your talkin about heyyyyyyyy they love an forget about gender or anything else ,, So just strike up a conversation with someone you might be plesently suprized to make a friend or aleast have a girly talk that makes someones day.

[Tara D. Rose]

Your thread made me smile. Many years ago I would carry my wife or GF's purse or pocket book with it hanging as low as possible. Just this past Thursday, I was at the dentist with my wife there with me. She had her purse in the the backroom, with me, when she got a call and went outside. The Dentist told me it will take him about 30 minutes to do work in another room and that I can get up and walk outside too. So of course I picked up my wife's purse and tucked it under my arm where it seemed so natural, and I walked down the hall and passing many nurses, till I made it outside. Felt good for those few minutes. It's crazy what thoughts go through our heads at certain times isn't it?
L&R...........Tara

[Contessa]

What a beautiful purse. I still don't know if you like the purse Gianna, You were taking it to your wife. I would have been proud to take it to my wife but I would much rather carry it as my feminine side. I would like to use not just carry it. A purse is what got me to where I am today. Now I have to get a better one but I can't afford a nice one as that one as I am not a real GG.lol Great going you are now on the front lines llke the rest of us. We will be accepted fully one of these days.

Contessa Marie

[Marleena]

Great stories! I hate carrying a purse for the wife in guy mode!

Now I need to get used to carrying one in girl mode...ugh. I think a purse is the final step for me, I have a mental block about even touching them.lol:)

[Eryn]

I've often carried my wife's purse while she was otherwise occupied, such as in trying on clothes. Now I carry my own all the time in guy mode and end up holding two purses. :)

[docrobbysherry]

Purses r SO EASY in drab! Considering, the LAST thing anyone could imagine is me in a dress. ANYTHING fem in drab is easy!

I can't tell u the number of times I've joked around with folks looking at, or waiting to buy, fem things!

"Do u think it matches my eyes?"
"Now, where can I find matching shoes?"
"My daughter? No, it's for ME!"
"I hope it fits!"
"Do u think $5 is TOO MUCH?"

Unfortunately, when I appear dressed, the laff ALWAYS seems to be on me! And, if they DON'T laff, I get REALLY WORRIED!

[Kim_Bitzflick]

That's a great story. Is that a REAL Coach purse? If so, that may be why she noticed.

[Jamie001]

I carry a purse in guy mode all of the time and never leave home without. Why do you hate carrying the purse in guy mode? Why do guys make such a big deal out of carrying a purse? In Europe, many guys carry purses.


Great stories! I hate carrying a purse for the wife in guy mode!

Now I need to get used to carrying one in girl mode...ugh. I think a purse is the final step for me, I have a mental block about even touching them.lol:)

[Annaliese2010]

Luv tha purse. It only gets better. My greatest fuzzy's are the ones I get from GG girls...what they Dont gimme when endrab so... I continue. Theyre SO hot! All em...

[Marleena]

I carry a purse in guy mode all of the time and never leave home without. Why do you hate carrying the purse in guy mode? Why do guys make such a big deal out of carrying a purse? In Europe, many guys carry purses.

It's the last male bastion I have. I'm sure it's fear of discovery, my last hurrah so to speak, before I give in completely to femininity.:)

[ArleneRaquel]

My main purse is huge, but a girl gotta have one when she leaves the house.

[Rachel Morley]

My personal feeling is that any woman who says "That purse looks wonderful on you!" is either ridiculing you or actually thinks it suits you. Me being me, I think that she liked it. :) I wish I had the courage to carry a purse in boy mode myself, but I have no qualms about carrying my wife's in public if necessary.

[Eryn]

...I wish I had the courage to carry a purse in boy mode myself....

Depending upon the purse, not much courage is required. Mine is beige ballistic nylon with a purple stripe and a wide shoulder strap:

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/102/b/AAAAC_u4CuYAAAAAAQK-Cw.jpg

Technically, it's a sporty bag for women. In reality it looks fine on a guy, particularly when worn cross-body.

My femme purse is big and pink. I wouldn't wear that one in guy mode! :)

[DianeDeBris]

Wonderful thread! I think we've all felt some of those stray feelings; happily I'm now at the point where I'm at least comfortable carrying my wife's purse whenever the need arises.
I don't want to hijack this dandy thread, so I will soon start another one to ask what everyone carries in her purse.
Hugs -- Diane

[Gianna]

Hello girls! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I'm starting to feel like one of you and that I kinda belong. Contessa, I was only mildly aware of what a Coach purse is, knowing only that it came from Neiman Marcus and must be really expensive, but it could have been from Target for all I care. I now love that purse because of how it made me feel. I now admit that I could have left it in the trunk of the car but instead chose to wear that purse for all to see. What I learned is that though small, today was an opportunity to publicly reveal the girl inside and as anxious as I was, I took the chance and am tickled with my tiny little adventure!
Tara, yes it did feel good to walk through the halls of the hospital and just be myself. I'm wondering how addicting this style of relaxation/exhilaration can be. The crazy thoughts started flowing and I started studying just about every woman that came into my view. Admitedly this is all new and exciting. I just never knew it could be this wonderful and the result of one silly purse.
Gianna

[t-girlxsophie]

A purse is a Handbag right? the old transatlantic language barrier in action lol,Its weird but I feel really awkward when I have to carry my wifes,For goodness sake I go out all the time dolled up,actually my friend gave me one of hers as a gift.Why should I have this awkwardness,wheres my bottle gone-anyone?

Sophie

[Eryn]

A purse is a Handbag right? the old transatlantic language barrier in action lol,Its weird but I feel really awkward when I have to carry my wifes,For goodness sake I go out all the time dolled up,actually my friend gave me one of hers as a gift.Why should I have this awkwardness,wheres my bottle gone-anyone?

Yes, an American English purse is a British English handbag.
American English wallet is British English purse.
I won't address the Fanny Pack issue...

Why should CDers be awkward in this situation? C'mon, you're getting a free opportunity to wear a feminine item right out in public and have the perfect excuse if challenged by the Gender Police! It's the ideal First Step Out!

I also find it amusing to watch other (ostensibly non-CDing) husbands when they have been given Purse Duty. They hold it in much the same way as they would hold a week-dead fish. I feel casually superior when shopping in male mode as I heft not only my wife's purse but my own over the same shoulder and browse the racks... :)

[t-girlxsophie]

I won't address the Fanny Pack issue...


Thank you Eryn for clearing that up :)

I am aware of the Fanny Pack Issue,wouldve been some awkward situations if I didn't know:heehee:

Sophie

[SarahLynn]

"I won't address the Fanny Pack issue....." ????????????

SarahLynn

[franlee]

You have brought up a subject that I just never have thought about. Maybe I'm secure in myself in which ever persona I'm projecting or I am just one of those people that don't worry about what others think or say. But I carry my wifes pocketbook for her anytime she ask me to. And mine when I need it as Fran. No-one has ever mentioned it or made any obvious sign of even noticing it.

[candice44]

I always carry my wife's purse in girl mode, why not? It feels great too!

[Maggey]

I carry my own bag, cross body all the time in guy mode, in fact I don't leave home without it. If anybody says anything I just tell them its big enough to carry and protect my tablet when I need to carry it around with me. I also carry 2 cell phones, a wallet, mp3 player, antacid, breath supplies etc, pockets just aren't big enough. GG's have the right idea.

[DianeDeBris]

A purse is a Handbag right? the old transatlantic language barrier in action
Sophie

The trans-Atlantic translations are of course correct. Interestingly, Shakespeare (certainly English, whoever really wrote the works) also used "purse" as a sly reference to female genitalia!

[Janelle_C]

I started to carry one in guy mode about a year ago. It not reel femme but it holds all my stuff. I got tiered of trying to put all my stuff in my pockets phone, wallet, reading glasses, sun glasses. No one cares I take where ever I go. My wife likes it becouse I don't ask her to carry my stuff. And the cool thing is you get to put all the little things in there that you normally would not carry. And did I mention you get to carry a purse. Of course I tell my guy friends it a man bag but you and I now better. And did I mention you get to carry a purse.:battingeyelashes:

[Eryn]

"I won't address the Fanny Pack issue....." ????????????

SarahLynn

Joke. That word has a somewhat different meaning in British English. :)

http://www.effingpot.com/slang.shtml

[Jamie001]

I started to carry one in guy mode about a year ago. It not reel femme but it holds all my stuff. I got tiered of trying to put all my stuff in my pockets phone, wallet, reading glasses, sun glasses. No one cares I take where ever I go. My wife likes it becouse I don't ask her to carry my stuff. And the cool thing is you get to put all the little things in there that you normally would not carry. And did I mention you get to carry a purse. Of course I tell my guy friends it a man bag but you and I now better. And did I mention you get to carry a purse.:battingeyelashes:

Whenever someone calls my purse a "man-bag" I correct them and tell them that it is a "purse". It is rediculuous to call it a "man-bag". When a women uses a back-pack, does she call it a "woman-pack"? See the absurdity?

[Eryn]

Whenever someone calls my purse a "man-bag" I correct them and tell them that it is a "purse". It is rediculuous to call it a "man-bag". When a women uses a back-pack, does she call it a "woman-pack"? See the absurdity?

I don't recall anyone referring to my purse as a man-bag and I don't think that I would go to the trouble to correct them if they did use that rather cumbersome term. Just so long as they don't refer to me as an "old bag!" :)

[Gianna]

My personal feeling is that any woman who says "That purse looks wonderful on you!" is either ridiculing you or actually thinks it suits you. Me being me, I think that she liked it. :) I wish I had the courage to carry a purse in boy mode myself, but I have no qualms about carrying my wife's in public if necessary.

Interesting point, Rachel. At the time, I distinctly remember having to quickly interpret the intent of her remark, based almost solely on her tone of voice, before reacting. Had her tone been condescending, I'm sure she would have been in ridicule mode, which would have been disappointing. If she had said nothing, I would have been initially relieved, then greatly disappointed that I had been largely disregarded. But she did notice, she did take the initiative to say something, and it was perfect! What more could I ever hope for more than what was a genuinely heartfelt compliment! In my wildest dreams the elevator door doesn't open, we stuck inside for an hour and she starts asking me about the purse, what other pieces of women's clothes I have (and if I'm wearing panties) and what are my favorites?

What I really learned is how those girls who are new to going out and still have very thin skins must show care and be attentive to everything going on around them. My carrying a purse through a hospital has to be regarded as totally vanilla.

Gianna

[MarcyRex]

Having been the "Victim" of holding my wife's purse too many times and putting up a facade, I finally broke. I just started wearing it like the other ladies. I had fun with it, actively looking at clothes that she would like as well as me. Lots of conversations happening. Everyone was enjoying themselves, except my wife. Apparently mortification was occuring on the other side of the dressing room door, as she realized I was perfectly comfortable with my actions. Soon thereafter, she no longer took advantage of me being purse/clothes butler.

[Gianna]

I just started wearing it like the other ladies. I had fun with it, actively looking at clothes that she would like as well as me.... she realized I was perfectly comfortable with my actions.

Wow, how deflating. Just when you're having fun and enjoying yourself! Is it possible your wife thought you acted that way on purpose?

[Marleena]

I'm biting the bullet Friday, going purse shopping with my wife. Marleena can't go on without one any longer. Any inner male voices must be silenced on this issue, fighting it is futile:)

[ArleneRaquel]

Marleena,
A purse is a necessity for us girls, my purse contain my wallet with my credit cards,I also carry cash, coins, eye glass cloth & liquid, spare pair of glasses, plus, at time, my perscription sunglasses,towelettes, keys, pens,lotion,tissue,perhaps a shopping list, mouth wash, perfume and gloves. A girl carries a large load of accessories when she leaves the house. OMG how could I forget at least one tube of lipstick. :2c:

[Marleena]

Marleena,
A purse is a necessity for us girls, my purse contain my wallet with my credit cards,I also carry cash, coins, eye glass cloth & liquid, spare pair of glasses, plus, at time, my perscription sunglasses,towelettes, keys, pens,lotion,tissue,perhaps a shopping list and gloves. A girl carries a large load of accessories when she leaves the house.

Oh I know, it was my last holdout Arlene, it was my last piece of male I had left.lol.:) I'm going to need it when I venture out of the house as my new self.

[Melissa Cross]

This thread a has inspired me to try carrying one of my purses when I'm in male mode. I've always thought that carrying a purse is a great thing that women do....no wallet and keys in the pocket, no cell phone or my belt. I almost always carry a small backpack to serve the same purpose, now I'll try using a purse in male mode....thanks!

[LeaP]

I carry my wife's bag for her frequently when we are out together. It never bothered me. I usually sling it over a shoulder the way it's meant to be carried. I do get the occasional odd look when I'm by myself (e.g. waiting while she's in a changing room, in the ladies room, or if I've just wandered off) but no big deal.

Lea

[Bobbie S]

I carry a purse most of the time shopping,moviesor eating out.
So much easier than stuffing wallet,checkbook,sanitizer,pen,pills,breath freshner,change holder,purse hanger,lipstick and perfume.
Here is the one i am carrying this week.