I think it's finally gone!

[I Am Paula]

My dysphoria that is.
This may seem like a really little thing, but it surprised me in it's effect.
About two years ago, I was heading out into the yard to do something really messy. I reached into my T-shirt pile and found a guy's shirt. I put it on, cause I didn't care if it got ruined. About one minute later I had to take it off. I had never been so uncomfortable in my life. I had flashbacks to the last day before deciding to transition. It had been my worst day. Ever.
Yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere, I found a guy's T-shirt, and put it on to cut the grass. Nothing. It didn't even occur to me that I was wearing a men's shirt.
I've read about triggers, and never given it much thought. Now, looking back, something so simple caused a violent and immediate reaction, and now it's nothing at all.
Weird huh?

[JanePeterson]

THIS.... I want this... Can you distill it and send me some please??

Congrats though, what an awesome milestone!!

[I Am Paula]

Thanks Jane. Two years ago I still couldn't walk thru the men's dept. of a store.

[Pat]

THAT is awesome! The closest I've come is feeling guilty that I didn't feel guilty borrowing a pair of my son's old jeans to go out and shovel the driveway last winter. Achieving not caring seems miles away. ;) Congratulations.

[Georgette_USA]

I guess my early dysphoria never affected me that way. Didn't take me long to get rid of any specific male clothes, except to use as rags.

Doesn't anyone have older women's clothes to wear for working in yard/working on car/snow chores/all those dirty chores. I buy t-shirts/tank tops just for those times, only buy them for those uses, or to workout at gym. Have plenty of old jeans to wear. Not even sure how t-shirts are male/female, other than color or what is on them.

[Mirya]

You can buy cheap women's T-shirts for just $5 - $8 on sale at Target, or JCPenney, or other stores like that. They are actually pretty decent quality too. There's no need to wear old men's shirts, even for dirty tasks...


Not even sure how t-shirts are male/female, other than color or what is on them.
To me, it has more to do with the cut of the t-shirt, not the color or design. I generally only wear V-neck tees and scoop neck tees, as they appear more feminine. The hemline can look different too. A curved hemline can make even a simple t-shirt look more feminine. Oh, and also cap sleeves on t-shirts can make one's arms look more pretty.

- - - Updated - - -

Regarding dysphoria, I don't think it will be truly gone for me until I get SRS. FFS has helped a lot though!

[Georgette_USA]

I forgot that they make many styles of female t-shirt styles. I just get the generic female/male types for cool weather working. Or sleeveless t's or tank tops in summer, when I have to use my arms more.

Did wear many of the more female types for office work years ago. Retired 5 years now, so can dress however I please. Still have some for under coat in winter snow shoveling.

[Kris Avery]

For me, and I think also with the initial poster,- the point was that it didn't bother or control her anymore.

It's sure a great place to be after decades upon decades of playing an expected (but not accurate) part and getting pissed off - especially after you figure out what was wrong in the first place.

Now, my few remaining t-shirts (which happen to be boxy male ones) are fun to wear as I can stain, rip, or just play in - without getting triggered (or pissed) that I hosed up my pretty clothing.

It is all about balance - and more importantly peace.

[I Am Paula]

Interesting how this became a thread about T-shirts. I threw it out, but thank you.
Don't worry, I have lots of lady's T's.

[Angela Campbell]

I understand this. I rarely even think about the transition or pre transition anymore. I actually went in the men's department recently just to buy a very large men's t shirt just to wear as a nightshirt. Really good for sleeping in. A couple of years ago I wouldn't have even considered this but now it is just a choice for a really big baggy shirt to wear to bed.

I live a pretty stealth life and really no dysphoria at all anymore.

[Georgette_USA]

Paula it is good that you have been able to come to terms with yourself.

I agree with Angela.

I am terrible at times with empathy for other TG/TS. I hear all the stories over and over again, I am happy for all, but it has been so long for me, I have nothing new to add.

I am a little ADHD and/or OCD at times, so my mind drifts into tangents.