A side comment in another thread got me thinking about self perception. The question is, do you think that if you ran into someone you knew while dressed, would they recognize you? And you can answer this even if you are closeted because it is about perception, so reality doesn't have to come into play. Real world stories are definitely welcome though.
For me, I have always had a perception that I would be recognized easily. I have long hair and because of that, I think I lose a bit of the "camouflage" of covering a head of short hair with long hair. To get the most out of it I can, I tie my hair back in a ponytail in guy mode (although I am tiring of that) and always leaving it down in femme.
Two stories that go with this (shorthand version). I came five feet away from one of my program managers at a JC Penney and I took a quick turn into a rack of clothes. Nothing was said. But at a restaurant, I was with my wife and some good friends and a couple we knew showed up at the door. Decided to sit there and take my medicine, albeit nervously, as having the wife with me is a bit of an instant giveaway. There was no hesitation that I saw on their part in recognizing me.
So I feel I have enough difference to take away instant recognition, but I think I will be made fairly quickly.
How do you feel about yourself?