It's about time!

[Rachel Mari]

We've all read the threads about taking baby steps, so I finally went and took some steps.

My wife and I seperated about two months ago and it was my turn at the apartment while the other is at the house with the kids (we trade places every 10 days).

It started about a week ago.

The first night I just drove around.
The second night I added going to a drive through and getting food.
Tonight I had dark red nail polish on and went to the drive through for a drink, plus I went to IKEA's parking lot (that had people in it) and walked around for a few minutes (then I got cold).
I had on a white blouse, black skirt, pattern tights and 2 1/2" heels. I didn't wear make up as I don't have any right now, but at least I've grown my hair just about down to my shoulders.

All and all, a rewarding experience. It doesn't seem like much but it helped relax me about being out of the house.

What did I learn (some of these things I knew but had to experience it)?
I really need a purse, as I had to carry my wallet in my hand.
Nobody really looks around much.
I'm not everyone's center of attention.
I really like having polish on my nails.
I'm going to expand my horizons and go out and meet a friend at a resturant (sp).
I really like being out of the house.
The feeling of a breeze on my legs is wonderful.

This is just the start.

[JessHaust]

Good start, and I agree with every conclusion you came to. Small advice? You will want to get a small pretty purse. I did, I thought all I need is my wallet. But no, it ends up with the wallet, then cell phone, lipstick, brush, glasses, mints. It just never stops growing. Bite the bullet and get a fairlly big one to hold everything.

[Aloha Jayne]

That sounds great Rachel. You've taken a bigger step than I ever have. I've never tried make up either, but walking around in a dark parking lot is a good idea for starters. Ladies that I have talked to that have gone out dressed, say that they are all suprised by the fact that no one really seems to notice or care. While you feel that a huge spot light is shining on you, they are in their own world. I'm seriously thinking about getting my nails done, and then wear a pretty blouse I bought myself for christmas with some lady jeans and shoes. Then go to this jazz club down town. I still have my goutee and short hair, so I can't imagine the looks I would get. But maybe nobody would care.

[kimdl93]

Gret that you took those new steps. Bet you can't wait for next time!

Oh, and given your situation with your wife, can you consider purses as community property?

[Melissa Cross]

My first times out were similar to Rachel Mari's. My second time out I got the nerve to go through the drive through at Dunkin Donuts (I figured I could speed away if anything went wrong). I was fully dressed en femme and I figured I would only talk into the box and not when I picked up my food. Well, of course they forgot half my order so I had to talk and actually speak up to get their attention. No problems at all and looking back that was a great thing that happened, it dramatically increased my confidence and I was hooked" on going out dressed.