another fear gone away

[Allisa]

Got back from a morning doing my fave activity-shopping. Well during my day out I stopped at the near by I-Hop for breakfast and while there I had to relieve myself of the previous coffees I had, now in all my outings I have never used the ladies in a public setting. To say I was nervous is an understatement, we say we are our own worst fear and the things in my head were terrifying. Here I was in a family oriented atmosphere, a man using the woman's facilities. Well mustering the courage that lead me to go out in the first place, I confidently made my way through the mostly more mature diners to my next step in my growth. The things I've done (practiced) at home, adjusting clothing in the proper manner, removing pads without letting on that I had them, the placement of feet, even the way I gather the TP from the roll all came flooding into my mind. Luckily no one else entered the whole time so after cleaning up and checking the mirror to make sure the woman was still there I now confidently exited into the dining area just in time for my food to arrive. I sat and ate now more confident than ever that I was a true expression of my femme self. Wow how something so small an event can make you feel so right.

[ronda]

that is a hurdle I have to get over thank you for sharing

[mykell]

well done lisa,
funny how such a simple task can become such a challenge, i go at my other support venue but it is a church, they have zumba downstairs and was there once when one of the zumba girls came in, i waited it out and left without being seen, at the club where you met me i usually stand, its not shared and its easier than getting more disassembled so it goes quicker....

[Hell on Heels]

Hell-o Allisa,
Well that brings that sense of accomplishment
we might normally feel upon exiting a restroom
to a whole new level now doesn't it!
Much Love,
Kristyn

[Kandi Robbins]

Kudos Allisa! Just like going out, going while out is the same. Be smart, appropriate and confident. I never hesitate to use the ladies room when necessary (I do try to keep these trips to a minimum), act like I belong, do my business and get out.

I do have to share a funny story. I used the ladies room at the art museum and was fixing my lipstick at the mirrors (the place was huge, so I felt very comfortable doing this) when 2 women came in to trade dresses. And they almost immediately included me in a conversation while this was going on. Now the dress was very shear and was worn over a tank top and leggings, so it wasn't what you are thinking, but to immediately treated like I belonged there was cool. I saw one of the women later and she lit me up with a huge smile.

[Pat]

Congratulations, Lisa! That was the hardest hurdle for me as well. The first time I got a friend to escort me -- I guess that reassured me the world wouldn't end. My first solo was when I was leaving an office building and felt the need. I was walking past the ladies room and thought about it, but choked at the door, turned away and started calculating if I could make it home. Then I brought myself up short and said, "Look, you asked for this life. You got it. Now you have to live it!" so I turned around and went into the ladies. No big deal, actually. (OK, so kind of a deal. You bet the next week I told my therapist all about it looking for full-on praise.) All of us who go out have to have this rite of passage (no pun.)

[Rachael Leigh]

Allisa the first time I did that my wife was with me in a Vegas casino, that made it seem better and more comfortable but
not to be, I was quite nervous but like you all went well and not a stare or bad word.
So glad you had a good experience as well.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Lisa, You are knocking over barriers left and right......

[lingerieLiz]

First time I went into the girls bathroom years ago was on a double date. Long story I've told before, we were cover for the guys. She had to go and said we needed to go. Made me nervous but all went well. Several years later while at work I wasn't thinking and walked into the women's restroom. No one was in it and as I walked out the president's secretary was walking in.

[Lana Mae]

Here in NC, that is the barrier I fear the most! But when you have got to go you have got to go! I will get past it somehow! Congrats on your success, Lisa! Hugs Lana Mae

[Joanne Curl]

Congratulations! It's such a great feeling to make it over this hurdle. My first time in public I was out with my mentor and another girl. It was a small quiet resturant and they encouraged me to go to the ladies room. It was a single user restroom so it was uneventful. However the first time I went to the ladies room in a mall restroom I was shaking like a leaf. But guess what? It was fine, no looks or sneers, just another lady doing her business.��

[Beverley Sims]

That is another first you can cross off your bucket list.

Good for you. :-)

[Jenny22]

My only ladies' restroom stop was at my second meeting with an experienced forum sister. She checked the rest room, and it was empty. I remembered to put the toilet seat down.

[suzanne]

Way to go! Every step forward is a great one!

PS I don't know how many sisters here recognize it, but most washrooms are more inviting than first appear. If stick figures are used, the symbols actually mean "Person wearing a skirt" and "Person not wearing a skirt"

[HollyGreene]

Well done!
That is something I have never done as yet, but I guess the time will come.
In the summer, my family will be overseas for 3 weeks, so I'll have the house to myself for all that time. I'm planning a day trip as Holly somewhere, so there's going to be a time when I have to cross that bridge.