Out and about in public

[HollyGreene]

I finally did it!

My wife is currently on vacation with some girlfriends, overseas.
My usual routine on a Saturday is to get up early to hit the supermarkets before the masses arrive.
Today was no exception to that, but there was one big difference.
You've guessed it. I was fully en femme.

I got dressed and did my makeup as best I can and pulled on a wig.
Looked in the mirror. Hmmm. Am I convincing enough? Not so sure. There's still time to call it off.
I happen to wear glasses and last time I bought some, I took advantage of the get a second pair free offer and chose some large, feminine frames. Once I put those on, the job was done.
Out to the car and off I went.

I decided to drive to a town a few miles away. I don't think anyone I knew would recognise me, but I was still nervous about that, so going to another town where I know I wouldn't be recognised was the final confidence booster.
Arrived and parked the car and entered the store. It had only been open a few minutes but there were already a fair number of customers.
Aware that these places were very well lit, I wondered if I was going to be seen as a CDer.
None of the other customers even looked my way. They were too busy doing their own shopping.
There was one young sales assistant who eyed me up a bit, but people of her generation think nothing of trans people, so she probably assumed that was the case for me.

Shopping done, back to the car. No drama. No confrontation. Just a feeling of great satisfaction that I had finally done what I had wanted to do for so long.

The problem is, now I'm hooked. I want to do it again, but I have no idea when the opportunity might arise. Something to look forward to though.

[Amy Randal]

There is something exhilarating about going out in public. I go whenever I can.

[Maria 60]

That's great and I could almost feel your excitement through your writing. That's our only problem we feel great when we are doing fem things and for whatever reason no matter how much we take steps forward it always a bummer when something ends and then the next occasion can't come soon enough. Congrats on your positive outting, you must be very proud of yourself because it really takes courage and confidence to do what you did. I'm sure we will be reading more out adventures from you in the future.

[Kris Burton]

You're out Holly - big congrats, and I can sense not only your joy but feeling of accomplishment in your words! Now a warning - it's highly addictive!

[bridget thronton]

You did it - congrats

[HarrietD]

Sounds like a great outing.

As you noted, no one seems to care what you look like, too involved in their own world.

I have been going out to Department Stores (the SA's always want to help), drug stores, take away food places. No one seems to notice. when I check out, they are aways helpful.

If you look at my pictures, you will note that I do not exactly blend in either.

[Traci H]

Congrats Holly, I can only imagine how much fun it was albeit a bit scary. Yes waiting for the next opportunity can be a very tough. I need fem glasses as well. Sounds like they really helped pull it together. Were you able to concentrate on the shopping or was that a challenge with trying to gauge reactions?

[Marketa]

Congratulations, Holly. I'm glad you had a blast.

I think that you've already found out what other girls are saying: it's addictive.

I wish you more great outings soon.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Holly :hugs:, That is amazing, I can only imagine what it must be like Going out Dressed as a Lady, >Orchid**O:daydreaming:O**

[kimdl93]

That is how it gets started. A tremendous feeling of freedom comes from breaking through the mental barrier. Hopefully, you will find many new opportunities to explore the world. BTW, I looked at your profile pic. The glasses look great on you and you look quite convincingly female.

[HollyGreene]

Were you able to concentrate on the shopping or was that a challenge with trying to gauge reactions?

At first, I was very self-conscious and thought that everyone would be looking at me. I caught myself deliberately avoiding possible eye contact with other people, so I went to an empty corner of the store to compose myself. I just told myself to "Relax and act naturally. If you start behaving strangely, you're more likely to attract attention".
From that point, I was able to get on with my shopping as normal.

[JulieC]

Holly, that is AWESOME!

I won't need new glasses for a couple of years, but when the time comes I'm going to take your tip about getting the second pair in a femme frame. We have some optometry places that has that offer too.

[Helen_Highwater]

Well done but as others have eluded to, it's a genie you can't get back in it's bottle.

For others thinking of going out Holly did the best thing. Went shopping with a purpose. Doing something normal, doing what those around you are doing helps to make you blend in. If it's clothes shopping, have something you're actually after, a particular colour blouse or dress. Aimlessly wondering the racks makes you look like a shoplifter.

And the more you relax the more you merge into the background. Easier said than done first time out but you'll find that after only a few minutes your nerves will calm and the enjoyment will kick in.

[danniUK]

Such a lovely thing to read! I also bought some feminine frame glasses last year (those 'cat eye' ones, I'm wearing in my profile pic) and it makes all the difference. I used to wear contacts but decided they were too much faff ages ago!
Oh, and always lovely to hear from another UK girl :)

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

I think most people at the grocery store only really look at people who are blocking their way or blocking their access to what they're looking to grab to buy.

[ColleenA]

Holly, I think it's wonderful you took that opportunity, realizing it did not need to be anything big or flashy. Even a simple outing can produce such an enjoyable outcome - as you now know. :cheer:

"If you start behaving strangely, you're more likely to attract attention". You did good to take a moment and gather yourself like that.

I use reading glasses regularly and will buy a three-pack for about $12 at Costco (in the U.S.). I bought a three-pack of ladies' style glasses as well, so that was an affordable accessory. I also use items from thrift stores that give small clues to support my feminine presentation - rings, necklaces, bracelets, even a ladies watch (it doesn't work, but that's not what I need it for :heehee: ).

[NaughtyMichelle]

Congrats! Going out dressed is a thrill that never gets old for me. I really look forward to the quarterly casino trips with my BF.

[Debbie Denier]

Congratulations Holly.You will get a taste for more.

[Robyn n TN]

Holley, Congratulations and by your picture I am sure you came across just fine. You are right people don't really notice us when they are busy with life.

[Mercedes]

Way to go Holly! Looking at your lovely profile picture I think you would have no issue being seen as an gg and look forward to about your next outing.

[alwayshave]

Holly, That is wonderfully. Congratulations on getting out in the real world.

[chrissy111]

Congratulations Holly, welcome to the club.

[Kelli_cd]

What a wonderful day!

[Michelle_G]

Congrats, you broke the ice. You are so right, once you get out, you want to do it more!

[Fiona_44]

Way to go Holly! A day you will remember forever.

[Frannie7]

Congrats on your first outing. It?s definitely exciting. Like you I travel to another city to go out. If that is what it takes, go for it.