Kandi Robbins
07-24-2016, 06:28 PM
I have read many of the posts about CDers going out in public over the past year and a half. Believe me, I never in a million years (or at least 50 years) thought I would do the same. Then I thought about just this past week, as I went out 4 times (it's unusual for me to get out quite that often!). Over the period of a week I shopped at an ULTA, sat at the bar of a favorite restaurant by myself (later joined by one of the waitresses), then had dinner with some friends, went to a CD function at another bar, strolled an upscale outdoor shopping mall, tried on dresses (purchasing one) at Soma, went to an outdoor concert where I spoke with many people and was there for over 3 hours (receiving a few appreciated complements on my outfit), shopped at a cute boutique, had lunch with a GG friend, went to "work" (volunteering), had a drink with another GG friend, shopped at Walmart, had coffee at Panera and went to a Sunday church service (receiving complements from both men and women on my outfit, which I was very proud of). All along, I interacted with men and women and while I am sure I got a few rolled eyes behind my back, not one single negative reaction. I sat in all of the restaurants completely unnoticed by the customers. NO ONE is fooled by me, I speak in my regular male speaking voice. I wore two dresses, a skirt and blouse and a maxi dress, dressed as appropriately as a woman my age from head-to-toe.
This is my personal experience, I understand it is very different for each and every one of us. I honestly don't even know what the laws are in Ohio regarding bathrooms, I try to avoid them as much as possible, but when I have to use one, I use the women's room, doing so quickly. I have not yet been refused use of a fitting room. My point is that we can go out, we can be treated as any other person, just dress and act appropriately and smile. A smile and confidence are your biggest allies. I probably exude tremendous confidence as I have done this over 50 times already this year and that certainly helps (practice, practice, practice).
This is not something that hasn't already been said here time and time again. I am not breaking any news here. It can be done and should always be done smartly. I have made so many friends while out dressed, mostly women, that I remain in contact with and often see again for a drink, shopping or a meal. In two of the restaurants I am personally greeted by the owner with a firm handshake (one a local football legend). Anyway, I just thought this might be helpful to some one, some where, some how.
This is my personal experience, I understand it is very different for each and every one of us. I honestly don't even know what the laws are in Ohio regarding bathrooms, I try to avoid them as much as possible, but when I have to use one, I use the women's room, doing so quickly. I have not yet been refused use of a fitting room. My point is that we can go out, we can be treated as any other person, just dress and act appropriately and smile. A smile and confidence are your biggest allies. I probably exude tremendous confidence as I have done this over 50 times already this year and that certainly helps (practice, practice, practice).
This is not something that hasn't already been said here time and time again. I am not breaking any news here. It can be done and should always be done smartly. I have made so many friends while out dressed, mostly women, that I remain in contact with and often see again for a drink, shopping or a meal. In two of the restaurants I am personally greeted by the owner with a firm handshake (one a local football legend). Anyway, I just thought this might be helpful to some one, some where, some how.