"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." - Babe Ruth

[GracieRose]

At one time, I went through the agonizing ordeal of convincing myself to go out in public dressed. When I finally got up the courage to try, the world didn't end, the locals didn't rush at me with pitchforks, I did not encounter a gauntlet of people pointing, staring and laughing. In other words, none of the frightening things that I had imagined happened, and it became easier each time I subsequently went out. I thought of how often someone else here has written about that same fear when I saw this quote this morning. It seemed appropriate.
"Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not." -Virgil Thomson

[Geena75]

Excellent thoughts. I went out of my way to pick a more remote location to avoid close contact with people. I don't know when I might be ready for that. My feelings afterward are a partial of each of the three steps: I'm less fearful, more aware of how to do it, and definitely liked it as far as it went.

[Di]

Awesome you did it!

[TheHiddenMe]

"Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not." -Virgil Thomson

For me it didn't take three times, it took about 3 hours.

I went to a shopping mall, had a makeover in public, and tried on dresses at Nordstrom.

That was after getting my nails done by an enthusiastic nail tech, had a great MUA at Sephora (who I have talked to occasionally since), and made a friend at Nordstrom who recently attended a ballgame with me while I was dressed.

No torches and pitchforks. Rather, acceptance and smiles.

But don't trust us. Go find out for yourself.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Gracie Rose, You are out there and there's no turning back now, >Orchid**O:daydreaming:O**

[Karren H]

Funny but my great uncle played with Babe Ruth in Brooklyn... when they were the Robins. I do not think he crossdressed... but he was a hell of a ball player!

[docrobbysherry]

This is all fine for trans who not only wish to present, but to live, as women.:thumbsup:

But, I'm a CD. So, when I dress it's big deal for me. I don't throw on a few things, try to blend and not be noticed when I go out. I want to look good, be proud, and be noticed!:daydreaming:

That being said, when I go out to vanilla venues, I go for a purpose other than dressing. I go to shop, eat, site see, etc., etc. All of which is made more difficult, stressful, and time wasting if I'm dressed. Especially if I look sexy which attracts extra attention. :sad:

When I go out fully dressed, I go to T friendly venues where having fun, socializing, and attracting attention is the whole point of going out!:devil:

[BTWimRobin]

Each time you take a step out of your comfort zone your confidence level increases. So glad you had a good experience. Congrats!

[Maid_Marion]

I wore my 2 inch block heel snakeskin pumps to work today. I paired it with light grey pants and a floral top.

Marion

[Stephanie47]

Due to my height (6 foot) and weight (200) mingling among the masses is not within my comfort zone. I do go for drives and evening strolls in a very safe residential neighborhood on the other end of my small city. Decades ago, when I was about 175 and not so aged, I did make an effort to mingle. It was not much. On Halloween buying donuts at a Winchell's and soda/pop at a Safeway. I wore dresses and heels that any woman would wear out to dinner. It was wig, full makeup and nail polish. I sort of got it out of my system. I do shy away from doing it often as there always can be unintended consequences, not limited to me.

[alwayshave]

GracieRose, Nice quote. The first time out is the hardest.