I just had the weekend of a lifetime. I only started going out as Anne in February. That’s when I shaved off my beard for the first time in 42 years. I could only get out for a few hours while my wife was at work on her occasional weekend shift. But this past weekend my wife went to visit our daughter in another state and so from Thursday night to Monday morning I was entirely Anne.
I went shopping of course! I went to a local support group meeting, I walked the mall and even went into a couple local shops and ventured down town. The biggest confidence builder was stopping into a shop where another gurl on the group works. We had met a year ago, in drab (well I was in a kilt). I was driving by the shop and stopped in to ask about some work I might have done. She didn’t recognize me and apparently I passed well enough as a woman (voice and all) that she didn’t notice.
I considered getting a makeover at Sephora, but didn’t want to spend the money. I’m saving up for a more age appropriate wig.
I never had an awkward moment, even when I had to talk to sales clerks. I definitely have improved the way I present as a woman, I got lots of walking practice even in heels. I got a few glances and a couple stares from some guys – at my legs!. That was actually flattering. In two weeks my wife has a weekend at work and I plan to go have coffee with my friend at the shop, to whom I revealed myself well after the fact.
Of course I just wish I had done this 42 years ago when I had a chance of looking pretty instead of looking like an old lady - but if old lady works I'll take it and run with it.