Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 32

Thread: I'm so close to going out

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    410

    I'm so close to going out

    For a few weeks now I've been so close to dressing and going down to Cato or the farmer's market. I just can't seem to bring myself to do it. Kind of thinking of going to a movie with my wife sometime dressed. Any advice on how to get over the hump between "I'd like to do this" and "I'm going to do this?

    Gwendolyn

  2. #2
    Gold Member DonnaT's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Northern Virginia
    Posts
    6,608
    My first time getting out fully made up, etc., I stepped out the door and quickly locked it behind me and started walking. I calmed down quickly and faced all my fears, none of which came to fruition.
    DonnaT

  3. #3
    Dee DeeArel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Springfield, MO
    Posts
    781
    Most of us have experienced the same feelings. Many of us have started with a drive and then progressed to parking and walking into a store, sometimes initially retreating once reaching the door. The butterflies will always be there until you finally decide to do it and then actually make it happen.
    Last edited by DeeArel; 07-15-2014 at 03:54 PM.

  4. #4
    Neanderthal in nylons Julie Denier's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    9,671
    For me, since I'm closeted, it was an opportunity to go out dressed while far from home, with a forum friend in a safe venue, that finally pushed me out the door in my heels. I guess I was nervous leading up to it, but I think once the day arrived and I was actually out in public dressed as a woman, my nervousness was replaced by amazement and wonder that I was actually doing it! I had a great time, and given similar circumstances, I'd jump at the chance

  5. #5
    Member Ashley Wray's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    140
    I had a place that I wanted to go for my first time and I knew I would go but kept putting it off. Once got a friend to go with me it happened. Once I got there the fear went away and I figured would just do it and think about it later. I only went for like 45 minutes but I felt so much better after, That I did it! Now I want to go again. I think I will enjoy it more the second time as I won't be so nervous before hand and can go relaxed. Until you get the first one out of the way you can't get to your second adventure and then truly enjoy the freedom and acceptance of it all.

  6. #6
    Gold Member Alice Torn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Midwest U.S.
    Posts
    7,357
    My first time out, was 2005, and it was so scary the firsdt few times. I only go out once or twice a year. Lately, i have chickened out , and am stuck! At my hieght ( six foot six barefoot), and six' nine" in my low heels, i just have lost my courage, and don't want to fa e staring, giggling, pointing, guys shouting stuff. None of that to face in the closet.

  7. #7
    Member CD Kelley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Atlanta Ga
    Posts
    757
    hi Gwen
    try to find a group like Tri-Ess. they can help you get out and there is comfort in numbers

    Kelley
    The minute you think of giving up think of the reason you held on for so long

  8. #8
    Platinum Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    A bit south of the 49th!
    Posts
    23,676
    Pick a destination with your wife, get dressed and head out the door. The "hump" is all in your head. You have to push yourself over it.
    Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.

    Eleanor Roosevelt

  9. #9
    Aspiring Member LelaK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Just got back to Illinois (from Burbank)
    Posts
    794
    You could start by dressing in women's pants, blouse and flats, so you wouldn't be too obvious, perhaps.
    T-shirt says: "Hi, I Crossdress!"

  10. #10
    Crossdresser
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Rose City
    Posts
    596
    Pick somewhere nice as you will never forget your first outing.

    Was there anything you ever did that you had to do but were very nervous about? But you did it because you had to. Put yourself in that mindset and you will git er done.

  11. #11
    ghost Anne2345's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    1,295
    Quote Originally Posted by kimdl93 View Post
    The "hump" is all in your head. You have to push yourself over it.
    Exactly.

    And once you're over the hump, you will look back on your fear and laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. True, fear can be debilitating and difficult to overcome, and it can assist in curbing what otherwise may be an unwise course of action, but this is your life.

    So. The question you gotta ask yourself is how important is this to you that you go out? If it's something you gotta do, then pick somewhere "safe" and non-threatening for your first few outings. You will quickly pick up on the reality of going out - most people are too wrapped up in their own lives and simply do not care.

    But if going out ain't that big a deal to you, then why put yourself through the exercise? Don't sweat it, don't worry about it.

    Life, though, is short. It's also precious. For all we know, we have only one shot at this. So why not give it your best and do your thing, right?

    It's all good, and you can do it if you want it bad enough. :-)

  12. #12
    Female Illusionist! docrobbysherry's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Orange County, Calif.
    Posts
    24,843
    Maybe if I went out dressed in vanilla land for a 100 years I'd enjoy it? But, probably not. I just don't see the point. I'm a CD. Not TS. Going shopping, out to dinner, or anything similar is STRESSFUL for me. While dressing at home is just the opposite!

    I go out dressed to be with other dressers, period. That makes it fun and worthwhile. It's not just mind over matter for many of us. We r men in dresses going out among people that recognize us but don't understand why!

    Go out if u need/want to. But, not all of us enjoy that!
    U can't keep doing the same things over and over and expect to enjoy life to the max. When u try new things, even if they r out of your comfort zone, u may experience new excitement and growth that u never expected.

    Challenge yourself and pursue your passions! When your life clock runs out, you'll have few or NO REGRETS!

  13. #13
    Careful I bite <3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    716
    General advice is to go slowly until you get comfortable. Start with short walking trips, shopping trips, trips to the gas station, or generally driving around. Feel free to limit social interaction until you get more and more comfortable.

    You'll also start learning safe places to go.

  14. #14
    Silver Member Majella St Gerard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Myrtle Beach SC
    Posts
    2,231
    it's like sex, after the first time, you just can't stop. or potato chips, whatever. I go to lots of places while dressed, no wig, sometimes makeup. most people don't really care, they are too busy with their own stuff. just pick the right places to go, don't go to hooters or strip clubs. i never go out with other cd's, i think that would draw un-due attention, plus i don't know any other cd's. if you go out dressed, you have to OWN IT, know what i mean. be confident and don't appear meek and people won't F**K with you. at least in my own experience.
    Last edited by Majella St Gerard; 07-16-2014 at 09:41 PM.

  15. #15
    Silver Member paulaprimo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    new york
    Posts
    3,218
    all i can say is you will go out when you are ready.
    thinking back when i first wanted to go out... i wanted to go out so bad!! i was dressed and ready to go out,
    8 hours later i was still standing by my front door!! i kept putting my hand on the doorknob and then would let go.
    i was soooooo scared!! i finally got past my front door and made it out. that was about 2 years ago. when i think
    back to that time i ask myself what was i so afraid of. it does get much easier each trip out.
    i wish you the very best and you will finally do it also!
    paula

  16. #16
    Gold Member Sometimes Steffi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Nation's Capital
    Posts
    5,587
    In my job (as an engineer) we usually do a risk analysis.

    In practice it's more complicated than this, but it basically comes down to what are the risks vs what are the benefits.

    Risks

    Being seen by neighbors
    Being clocked by teenage girls
    Running into someone you know
    Being outed
    Being mugged

    Benefits

    The excitement of being out.

    Generally speaking the likelihood of a risk happening is very small, and can be managed.

    What's the likelihood of someone you know being at a Dress Barn tat the same time as you and recognizing you.

    If you're worried about it, manage the risk. Go to a Dress Barn 30 or 60 miles away.

    On being clocked by teenage girls, is it going to hurt you (unless one of them is your daughter's best friend)? Just plan on owing it.
    Last edited by Sometimes Steffi; 07-19-2014 at 05:54 AM.
    Hi, I'm Steffi and I'm a crossdresser... And I accept and celebrate both sides of me. Or, maybe I'm gender fluid.

  17. #17
    Reality Check
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Posts
    8,842
    I suggest just going over in your mind what you're going to do and how you're going to do it several times until it's something you don't have to think about when you actually do it. Here are some thoughts:

    Getting out of the house can be difficult and risky. If neighbors see you leave, there's a good chance they will figure out that it's you. Same for when you return. Me, I underdress and change in the car in a parking lot away from home. Same for when I return.

    Assuming that you have a wig and wear makeup, people aren't likely to recognize you. Adding female glasses or sunglasses helps.

    People are less apt to recognize you alone than if you are with your wife. Same for a familiar place (bar) or if you have a unique vehicle.

    If people figure out that you are a crossdresser, it doesn't really matter as long as they are strangers. Don't let it bother you.

  18. #18
    Gone to live my life
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    6,552
    Hi Gwinnie,

    The biggest hurdles we all face when going out for the first time is the "front door" and "our imagination". We see the world as a scary place where there are gangs of roving people with burning torches waiting for a "tranny sighting". Doesn't happen and indeed you will find that when out, it is the "biggest non-event". People either don't notice or if they do have the good graces to keep their opinions to themselves. Don't get me wrong it is not all "sunshine, lollipops and unicorns" and you will get some rude looks, giggles, guffaws and whatnot which does require a thick skin. As well you need to think safe venues (e.g., malls, family restaurants, TG support groups, daytime) vice biker bars, strip clubs and nighttime activities. Be safe and cautious and you will find it is not a scary Vanilla world when dressed "en femme".

    As far as getting over the hump you might try some "In Vivo Desensitization" which is just desensitizing yourself to the "anxiety causing stressor". For example, you might start with some visualization such as picturing yourself opening the door and walking to your car, sitting in your car dressed, driving your car dressed to some location and driving back. Move to visualizations of being out and about, having good interactions and what not. You may also want to incorporate in your visualizations some bad encounters "laughs, pointing, rude comments" and how you would deal with them (ignore them is my recommendation). Once you have the visualizations down, move the physical . . . approach the door, open the door and step outside and stand there with the wind on your face (remember to breath and soak it all in). If you find that comfortable walk to your car and sit it in . . . well you get the picture. Progressive steps is the best way forward. You may find yourself driving to the mall twenty times, having an internal argument with yourself about getting out only to find yourself back home again . . . this is not a loss but your minds way of protecting itself. However on the twenty first trip to the mall you will (if ready) exit the car and walk through the doors . . . from there it is all down hill.

    Take is slow sweetie . . . it will come.

    Hugs

    Isha

  19. #19
    Aspiring Member grace7777's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Phoenix, AZ
    Posts
    705
    When I first started going out en femme I would go out of town and rent a hotel room and get dressed there and then head out. Early in my crossdressing career I found that movie theaters were a great place to go to.

  20. #20
    Platinum Member Eryn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    12,387
    The best way to go out is with other people that you trust. Spouse, friends, a TG group, etc. all give you something to focus on while you get used to the new reality of your life.

    The fears you have are real, but later on you will realize that we tend to blow them way out of proportion. Eventually, you will confront many of them but not all at the same time.

    I've even had to run the gauntlet of a couple of dozen teenage cheerleaders to get into a restaurant. At 6'2" plus a couple for heels I wasn't going to sneak by unnoticed! Guess what happened? That's right, nothing! I don't doubt that a couple of comments were passed, but that's no skin off of my nose.
    Eryn
    "These girls have the most beautiful dresses. And so do I! How about that!" [Kaylee, in Firefly] [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    "What do you care what other people think?" [Arlene Feynman, to her husband Richard]
    "She's taller than all the women in my family, combined!" [Howard, in The Big Bang Theory]
    "Tall, tall girl. The woman could hunt geese with a rake!" [Mary Cooper, in The Big Bang Theory]

  21. #21
    Silver Member CynthiaD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    2,931
    If I get the jitters, I just think about something else. Generally I'm doing something I've done a million times before in drab, so I just go on auto-pilot, and let it happen. But then, I kind of like being scared.

  22. #22
    Aspiring drama queen Isabella Ross's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    BC
    Posts
    1,658
    I'm in the same boat as Gwinnie. I live in a rural community where everyone knows everyone. I'm also self-conscious about my height - 6'3" in bare feet. But I know the time is coming, and I think it will be under the care and supervision of a mentor, and in a venue that is TG-friendly. It's just taking that first step that makes me nervous...

  23. #23
    Junior Member Betty Jean Blose's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
    Posts
    36
    Gwinnie....all the lovely girls here have given you good advice.......really, there is little else I can add.....but perhaps this video I made on just this subject my help you: Good Luck!

  24. #24
    Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Southeast USA
    Posts
    439
    Gwinnie: When I was in your position, I contacted TRI_ESS and the local moderator, Rhonda, and I discussed it and he invited me to come to a local chapter meeting - either in drab or dressed. As the date approached, I had several more discussions with Rhonda and determined to go to the meeting as Donna. All was well driving to the hotel, but when I parked in the parking lot and faced walking up to the hotel in heels, I got pretty nervous. I finally did it and when I entered the lobby, the doorman greeted me with "Good Morning, Ma'am!" I thought I would lose it right then. In the lobby were 25-30 Mary Kay reps assembling there for a meeting and they were most gracious and courteous as I wove my way through the crowd to the elevator without saying a word! Up the elevator an down the hall to the Tri-Ess suite and then I was welcomed in open arms by the Tr-Ess girls. With that experience behind me, I am no longer nervous about going out. I've been out shopping, to restaurants and to movies as Donna on several occasions and now find it fun and exciting! Go Girl!

  25. #25
    Rachel Rachelakld's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    4,450
    I checked to see if I had balls, put on a dress (okay I was not a very good dresser in those days - actually a really bad dresser), and hoped out the car at a remote family tea room (one of those places in the middle of nowhere that sells coffee & cakes, that I'd checked out earlier). After a nice experience there, it wasn't long before shopping malls & movies became a regular outing.
    See all my photos, read many stories of my outings and my early days at
    http://rachelsauckland.blogspot.co.nz

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


Check out these other hot web properties:
Catholic Personals | Jewish Personals | Millionaire Personals | Unsigned Artists | Crossdressing Relationship
BBW Personals | Latino Personals | Black Personals | Crossdresser Chat | Crossdressing QA
Biker Personals | CD Relationship | Crossdressing Dating | FTM Relationship | Dating | TG Relationship


The crossdressing community is one that needs to stick together and continue to be there for each other for whatever one needs.
We are always trying to improve the forum to better serve the crossdresser in all of us.

Browse Crossdressers By State