Crossdressers only: Is it Relaxing or Distracting?

[docrobbysherry]

I must have read a 1000 posts here where someone describes dressing as "relaxing". I can understand that. When I first began dressing, I threw on a few pieces when I got home from work and wore them all evening. Sometimes even slept in them. That was long ago so I don't remember, but it SOUNDS relaxing?:)

Now, I only dress all the way or not at all and, it's NOT relaxing! I have to totally concentrate on what I'm going to wear, what order I put everything on, and not forget anything. Especially if I'm going out.:eek:

What it IS for me, every single time, is distracting! The 100's of random thots I normally have flashing thru my mind disappear. All I can think about is what I'm doing and how I'm going to do it. :straightface:

So CD's, what is it for u? Relaxing, distracting, or something else all together?:brolleyes:

[Rachelakld]

Both
I got dressed up in a relaxed manor yesterday - but no make up - clothes & wig
Later in the day I went to get some groceries, without make up and without a wig - got a few looks as my bra shows through my light summer pink tee shirt
Even when I do dress fully, it's still an escape from real life which has more stress and demands, so it is relaxing and distracting.

[Beverley Sims]

Mmmm!
Sherry,I think you are a female illusionist...... Not a cross dresser.
Me? I dress most of the time and I always want to improve my look.
Like you I went through the early phases of dressing and it was all experimental then.
I feel more relaxed when I am dressed and when not there is a certain frustration in how I am presenting.
It is probably not relaxing as it is feeling more comfortable dressed.
I feel no stress or fear when going out these days and I feel you are in a similar position as you finely hone your appearance to look even better than previously.
I don't think it's distracting for you, more like taking things a step further in your illusion.
I think you have been very successful in what you do and in order to advance you do have to come up with new ideas.
My stage of illusion has leveled out a lot and I my honing of my presentation is only little tweaks here and there these days.
You appear to lead an interesting life and my advice is, don't change it.

[Laura28]

Very relaxing i enjoy the whole process of getting dressed the make up the cloths the wig and then being dressed my mind is cleared my troubles or stress from life or work is gone.

[Maria Blackwood]

Zzzzzzzzzhuh? Wha? Sorry. Was sitting here all crossdressed and SO relaxed.

273557

[Tracii G]

Neither to me.

[Geena Gee]

Earlier today, I went shopping for a jean skirt. Found one at Uptown Cheapskate. Also stopped at ROSS and picked up a pair of skinny jeans - sz 9. I was on my Harley, so...
Anyway, got home, tried on the skirt, a little snug in the waist, but it will be fine.. it was only $8. The jeans were too big - which I can't believe!
Took care of all my little chores, and watched some TV. At 8 o'clock they had this same boring program on every channel, so I decided to have a little Geena time. I ran a nice hot bath with some bath salts, grabbed a bottle of some mango shower gel, slipped out of my skirt and thong and into that waiting tub. Soaked for about 10 minutes then did an all over shave. Dried off, grabbed the moisturizer, and did myself head to toe. Once I was done I put on my thong, skirt, bra w/forms, a blouse, my new wig, heels, and lipstick.
I'm in no way ready to go out anywhere, but I was planning on staying in.
I'd say that I am relaxed and content. But that's because I put no pressure on myself tonight.
I can see where you're coming from Doc, it's just not the way it affects me.

[jennifer0918]

An escape from my everyday relaxing, and I dress all the way,legs shaved,arms shabed,no facial hair.

[Georgina]

I find it so relaxing.

[Aunt Kelly]

It is a little of both for me, Sherry. The distraction you speak of is part of what makes it relaxing. My fem self has different issues (and a much shorter list of them at that) and her main goal is to just enjoy "being" for the time she has. I can't really express it any better than that.

[Antron III]

I'd have to say "calming" more than relaxing. I don't do make-up or try to pass. Don't have any desire to go out. But when I can slip a dress over my head and go about my household chores it just puts me in my happy place. Relaxing for me is nude sunbathing out in the back yard.

[Johninabra]

I would have to say relaxing, I often am at home at not get wearing a bra and/or forms. Having a drink, watching tv, or just hanging out with my wife.

[Stacy Darling]

It accentuates my relaxing so much, but after saying that, it's in me in every mood and if I'm feeling sad It's there too!

On the distraction, worrying about breaking a nail can be very distracting. (don't laugh, I'm being serious)

[Elizabeth G]

Hmm... relaxing while I'm dressed but distracting when I'm not dressed but thinking about it while I should be concentrating on other things.

[kimdl93]

It's always been a distraction. But on the other hand, I can say that my absolute most peaceful, content times were spent on the patio, reading and relaxing en femme.

Confucius (our very own) often talks about the various chemicals that bathe our brains when we do pleasurable things, or even activities that evoke pleasant memories. That is really what the feelings are , however we describe them, just happy brain chemistry. I suppose that is why behaviors of any kind can become addictive,potential destructively so.

[Ressie]

I never understood how crossdressing makes one relaxed. It always made me nervous because of the fear of getting caught. That's my own hang up that has to do with family dynamics.

It's taken me a long time to stop worrying about getting caught (by family members). Maybe I should just go out dressed and stop to visit everyone I know!

Distraction? Yes, dressing does take time away from other projects. There is so much involved in the whole 9 yards. CDing seems to take over sometimes.

[NancySue]

For me it's about 80% relaxing and 20% distraction. The distraction part is still pleasurable. The distraction is when I look through catalogs, see items I like, etc. I have a totally accepting and supportive wife...with a great sense of humor. She chuckles when I refer to my dressing as "relaxing ". She once said, "you can't wait to put on, what I can't wait to take off...referring to nylon stockings (# 1) and underwire bras, let alone shapers, slips, etc. My standard reply is "yep" 😉 My ultimate pleasure, is a leg rub, after I shave, apply scented lotion and slip on a pair of sheer hose. Ahhhhh. 😌

[Spiritfox]

(Deleted and reposted due to bad words from autocorrect, that will teach me to post while sleepy)

I find dressing up very relaxing. I only dress when no one is around, so I won't get caught. I put on some stockings, a skirt and a cute shirt and sit at my desk playing video games. Sometimes I giggle when I beat other players, since it might make them mad if someone like me beat them.

[LeannS]

Reese I am with you it does take away from things that are on my list to get done but I do find it relaxing in a way.
Watching to little grandson so I should look the part right??

[Pantiesnhose]

Hi I am new to the site. I find that wearing panties and pantyhose very relaxing. I wear 24/7. My wife knows but doesn't say anything. She does not understand why but doesn't care as long as I am discreet about it.

[ClosetED]

I find it some of each - pink fog time and choosing outfit and putting on makeup when you want it right is distracting. But once I am done, then calm/relaxing especially when I have several hours to enjoy it. If I am rushing to get a few pics in and then have to undo it all, it is more distraction and the greater calm is seeing the pictures later.
Hugs, Ellen

[Alice_2014_B]

Just chilling outside at home in high heels, pj's (sometimes a long skirt), and a t-shirt having a smoke and a drink is the ultimate in relaxing for me.

It can become stressful to get all dolled up, especially doing makeup.
But in the end it is super thrilling and relaxing.

It can be distracting when I'm out somewhere and I'm just thinking about getting dressed up.

I suppose it's a variety of feelings for me.
:)

[Chelsea B]

I find it super relaxing. I always dress fully, neck down. And though I no longer get much of a rush while dressing, within a few minutes of being fully dressed, taking a look at myself and just sitting down and settling in, a profound and exciting sense of calm and well being comes over me.
It is only a distraction if I need to go out to get things done, since I don't go out dressed. But I enjoy doing chores around the house while dressed, especially 'manly' things:)

[Crissy Kay]

I would have to say both to a degree. Though I would say that once I am dressed, I do feel relaxed. More then I usually am in guy mode.

[Trione]

I find it very relaxing. I just dress around the house, was only out to my late SO and she would sometimes buy me clothes. Both of us were lingerie lovers.

[Jenny22]

Relaxing, yes. Calmness, yes. But primarily for me, a feeling of being at peace.

[mikayla1964]

relaxing and for stress relief . I'm much more comfortable dressed.

[Steph65]

I find thinking about dressing and getting things ready and preparing and getting dressed is not just relaxing but exciting as there are so many variables to do. because of an accident and med I did not dress for a long time and my SO suggested I start up again and put on a silky nightie last night for bed..... exciting and I was very relaxed.

[sara66]

Dressing is calming & relaxing. I always find I dress in a rush, then calm way down when I am ready.
Sara:2c:

[Teresa]

Sherry,
Most of the time I feel comfortable, yes it is relaxing, I feel that even when I go out , it satisfies an inner need and feels right. Some outfits give a bit of a high and are fun to wear but that's short lived . I have to agree with Bev on this one the way you dress means different things to you, as you said in another thread some of us have gone through a lifetime most of us now want to enjoy the freedom we have to enjoy what we're doing.

[Fiona123]

Relaxed is not the right word for me. When I dress for a while I feel like I'm in a elevated state - a state of grace if you will. I feel happy. There is a sexual aspect as well to be sure.

[Lana Mae]

Relaxing but I would term it calming! It takes away stress! However, (and maybe just replaces) it can create stress as well! Maybe it is just a trade off of one kind of stress for a different kind of stress! I just enjoy the journey and do not really worry about it! Hugs Lana Mae

[docrobbysherry]

----------------------..... exciting and I was very relaxed.
Well, THAT clears things up--------:heehee:

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Sherrt:hugs:, It is a whole lot of both, It is so very relaxing when dressed, And a little distracted thinking about it when not dressed...:daydreaming:...

[Shely]

I would say it is exciting and relaxing (is that possible) and also a little nervous, hoping that no one shows up on my door step. I get somewhat anxious on days before I have my dress up Friday, hoping that someone else doesn't mess up my schedule. This is a real mixture of emotions involved and that is probably one of the main attractions, "Emotions" mixed up as they are. Does this make any sense to anyone, I don't know if it does't me, but I do love dressing up. Oh Well!

[Diane Smith]

I get nervous when I dress. I usually find I am pressed for time and rushing at the last minute to get everything perfect for an outing. There is a feeling of satisfaction when my look comes together and I leave the house, but this is often replaced by the excitement (and sometimes doubt) about appearing in public or interacting convincingly in social situations. So I'm always on a bit of a nervous high while out and about. The calm moments come when driving to or from and outing and mostly afterward, when I can sit around before putting Diane back on the shelf and think about what I've accomplished that day. But the preparations and events themselves are more likely to increase my blood pressure than calm it.

- Diane

[Stacey G]

I am most confident, comfortable, and relaxed when dressed to the nines. I love lounging in my stockings and heels. My wife says she finds it too uncomfortable.

[docrobbysherry]

I relate completely, Diane!:thumbsup:

I'm never completely relaxed when I dress and go out.:straightface:

Not until I pull back in my driveway!:D

[Christine Eriksson]

I really wish it was relaxing. As a perfectionist I'm never satisfied with my female look. Not even home alone. I guess it has to do with me have hard to accept my female personality. If I could wish for something it would be accepting my self as I am

[Judy-Somthing]

I actually have been thinking about what I get out of it lately.

I remember about 25 years ago when I could stay dressed for about six hours without worrying that someone could come home at any minute.
It felt so great.

Over the last year I've been able to dress a couple of times a month but for only about three hours at a time.
There also always a chance one of my children could come in at any moment which has happened twice so far.

One time my son came home, I had a dress on but luckily no make up. I changed into my pajamas real fast and as I was talking to him I realized my pajamas were inside out. I don't know if he noticed.

Another time I heard a car pull in the driveway and I was able to pull everything off and jump into the shower, that was the day my wife found my heels in the bedroom. ARRRRRRRRRR

So at least over the last year it's not relaxing at all.

[Dana44]

It sure seems realxing to me. Even dressing to go out and full makeup with bling. I never thought it was distracting. Sees natural to me.

[AllieBellema]

It's a bit of work for me to put it all on, but once I got everything on and I see myself in the mirror... I'm relaxed and happy, twirling around and prancing. I love looking and feeling like a princess everytime I dress up!

[Confucius]

The way I see it, my brain is hardwired to release "feel good" neurotransmitters when I crossdress. These neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, etc) produce the sensations that we love, and associate with crossdressing.

For instance, oxytocin is associated with trust, comfort, bonding, and reducing stress. At high levels it can be associated with social stress.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitters that provides the expectation of gratification, addictive behavior, and sexual excitement.
Serotonin is associated with sensations of satiety, satisfaction and relaxation.

I suppose that all of these and more neurotransmitters are all part of our crossdressing pleasures. Sometimes when my wife questions why I crossdress I just mention that I need those neurotransmitters.

[Stephanie47]

If you're headed to Hawaii to lay in the sun, listen to the surf, rest, recuperate,,,,,,don't you have to, especially you folks in Orange County,,, have to drive on the freeways to the airport, go through standing in line, screen, head for the boarding lounge, wait two hours because you were told to get there two hours early, sit cramped between two morbidly obese persons, eat no food, get off the plane after five hours, retrieve your luggage, drive on the freeway to a hotel. get there too early for check-in, check in, unpack, change into a swimming suit, head to the beach and get hit by a tidal wave? Then the fun begins. You first have to take a journey (get dressed) before the relaxation (or your wife gets home earlier than you expected) :)

If I want to truly relax you'll find me wearing a white tee shirt, cut off thirty year old shorts worn thin in the butt, Jockey shorts underneath, no socks. And, sipping ice tea, even in the dead of winter. Oh, unshaven for at least four days. If I want to escape the pressures of the male world or my past, then I'll slip into a pretty dress, hosiery, heels, bra and panty, slip, wig, and pretend to be someone I truly am not...on the surface. Yes, all that takes less than ten minutes.

[Joyce Swindell]

I find that recently it's more relaxing. It used to be more stressful worrying about others and what they might think. I've never thought or worried too much about dangers of being beaten up but more about being noticed as a man in a dress. Now that I'm older and have an awesome wife I have very little worry about what others think. Someone said "It's none of my business what anyone else is thinking".....I agree with that....and with that....why should I care?

My wife and I have had such relaxing times shopping and getting our nails done and pedicures. It's so nice to not have to rush to get ready. It's awesome to be a girl and I'v been growing my hair long and can't wait to get a beauty shop style and trim as Joyce!

[Jaymees22]

It really relaxes and calms me. I have always been a calm person and really do not know what anxiety feels like. So when I'm dressed I'm so calm if I took an anti anxiety med I would probably be in a coma.

[Ceera]

Day to day, wearing subtle feminine clothes - panties, women's jeans, women's sneakers or sandals or flat soled boots, along with a unisex t-shirt, makes me more comfortable and relaxed in guy mode. No bra, forms, hip pads or wig or makeup. Just girl clothes that could pass at a casual glance for guy clothes, but have that feminine feel and fit.

Getting all dolled up in obviously feminine attire, with forms and padding and wig and makeup, is something I reserve for getting out and being sociable, or shopping, or enjoying a meal at a restaurant. Then, I find it relaxing and pleasurable to let my inner girl roam free and have fun.

But if I was just alone at home and getting general stuff done around the house, or when I was teleworking and not interacting with anyone as a woman, I found being fully dolled up to be a distraction. Not that I didn't enjoy the feminine feelings, but the necessity of doing my makeup when no one but me would see it, and the worries about messing up my nice girly clothes, kind of put a damper on the fun aspect.

[Diane Taylor]

Definitely relaxing whether fully or only partially dressed.

[sometimes_miss]

It's distracting when I'm getting dressed. Once dressed, however, I rarely focus on what I'm wearing. I usually just go about my day. Yes, I will occasionally be consciously aware of what I'm wearing, but most of the time, the feelings of being a female I get from all the visual/tactile feedback by wearing girl clothes is mostly subconscious.

[nikinylons]

Relaxing for sure and can be distracting if you let it. It used to consume me a lot, but now after years of reaching mountain tops when I dress, just sliding on a pair of pantyhose, lingerie, short dress, heels, applying some lipstick, and having a long sexy smoke is just as satisfying. Find out what gets your game on and get on the field to enjoy.

[lianatcharles]

@Docrobsherry I'm definitely on the same page with you and Diane where i'm usually a bit wound up trying to figure out the perfect look and outfit, and trying to stick to my complex and meticulous process. I really love the end result, however I haven't given myself the time and preparation to have a relaxing "transformation" or day leading up to getting dressed up. Being out does a bit to my nerves but I do relax more and more as I spend time out until the time I reach home.

[Lacy PJs]

Relaxing... but then again, I really don't go "all the way" with dressing. Babydolls, regular pajamas... maybe a long gown once in a while OR a leotard & tights is about 99% of my efforts. Once "adorned," I do find myself pretty relaxed.

Lacy PJs

[CarlaWestin]

Both to an extent although, what I really find is that the activity is alluring and satisfying.

[Nadine Robles]

Definiletly not relaxing, rather distracting!

[CDJoyce]

Definitely relaxing with me. I feel much more relaxed and comfortable. Stress levels fall.

[Seana Summer]

Usually its relaxing, sometimes its just a pain in the you know where. I find it more relaxing when I am not under pressure, especially when I am traveling on some of my multi day work trips and I have blocks of time with no commitments. I find that when I don't give a darn how I look it is more relaxing.

Sometimes its a distraction, particularly the shopping!! I have cloths I have yet to try on only because I have been so busy lately.....but not too busy to take 5 and shop on line!!

How's that for a babbling no answer answer

[Karen's Secret]

I can only dress when my wife and kids are out of the house. My wife will let me know how long I have and will give me a heads up when she's coming home so I can change. So if I'm just dressing, then it's relaxing. If I'm adding make up and wig to the mix, then I have the anxiety of trying to do my makeup and wig quickly enough that I have some quality time dressed because I also realize it will take longer to change back to male mode.

[ShirleyN]

I must have read a 1000 posts here where someone describes dressing as "relaxing". I can understand that. When I first began dressing, I threw on a few pieces when I got home from work and wore them all evening. Sometimes even slept in them. That was long ago so I don't remember, but it SOUNDS relaxing?:)

Now, I only dress all the way or not at all and, it's NOT relaxing! I have to totally concentrate on what I'm going to wear, what order I put everything on, and not forget anything. Especially if I'm going out.:eek:

What it IS for me, every single time, is distracting! The 100's of random thots I normally have flashing thru my mind disappear. All I can think about is what I'm doing and how I'm going to do it. :straightface:

So CD's, what is it for u? Relaxing, distracting, or something else all together?:brolleyes:

Hi there Sherry. For me, it's extremely relaxing and calming when I do dress. It must have something to do with the extremely soft feeling of the material on my body. It's also a little exciting for me to look down at myself and see either a skirt or dress on my body instead of trousers/pants.:heehee:

[KPhenil]

At home it is a little stressful because I am trying different combinations of styles and different steps from padding to coordinating outfits to get the best results. When I go to a service it is more relaxing since someone else is doing the work. One day when I am brave enough I will go out in femme.

[StephanieM]

It's a relaxing distraction.

[SharonDenise]

Being as I am overweight, I will don a nightgown right after dinner. No belt or elastic constraining my waistline feels so great. On the other hand, when I feel that I can wear shapewear for the day, I love wearing a bra and girdle all day.

[Angie G]

For me it's 100% relaxing.:hugs:
Angie

[crossdlalam]

Cross-dressing represents a REAL vacation to me.
An opportunity to shed the burdens inherent in my life and temporarily become
a softer.
Maybe I want to cross dress because it feels ..like I would like to be .276220

[ginapoodle]

Had to ponder this excellent question. It can be a mix and variable for me. IF I get space where my wife is out of town, and I am certain I have time to dress, it is very relaxing. Those windows are rare, even in my retirement. Normally when my wife is working I get two days/week where she is out for about seven hours, and that is consistent.

Summer is coming and as my wife teaches: poof goes all my alone time and privacy. On top in a couple weeks my oldest daughter is visiting, so no windows there. The reality: any windows for dressing starting in about ten days go poof until early September, and that sucks. Of course, I can take solo vacations home to CO, and I likely will do that sometime this summer. I have also been pondering a trip to Portland, OR to have a few days in total enfemme at a venue there.

[Jenn A116]

I'm somewhere in between the two. Mostly its relaxing. When dressed I can enjoy just being so for hours.

But occasionally, its distracting as I focus on some of the special feelings I get from the clothes. I might glance down and notice the boobs, or just need to slide a bra strap up my shoulder.

So, both, but mostly relaxing.

[AileenCD]

I really have two modes. I have my own professional office, and the girls that work with me are on flex-time, so I'm able to dress sometimes at work, and also can underdress. Aileen is really MUCH more efficient and contentious about work than her drab self, and I get a lot done on those days. No time for indulgence, just for relaxed and productive work....and a little more alert for footsteps at the door.

Then there is dressing at home, and really indulging my femininity--and that's total, blissful distraction. But now Aileen is telling me to get back to work--my gurly break time is over, so I'll adjust my bra and get back to my papers. :)

[Gemmacd]

I agree with others, I find that being dressed is relaxing in the main but also distracting as I rarely get the stuff done that I had planned to do.