Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 41

Thread: Feeling guilty

  1. #1
    Junior Member Nicole Bernard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    75

    Feeling guilty

    I used to feel really guilty and shameful after I dressed. I would get dressed up, satisfy myself sexually, then rip everything off as fast as I could.

    I could not get undressed and wash off my makeup fast enough.

    Then one day I said to myself "Who does this hurt? I'm just in my own home, doing this for me. "

    I'm not stamping out anyone's freedom. I'm not causing damage to anyone or their property.

    This activity is innocent.

    My feelings have changed so much since then.

    I don't take an hour to get all dressed up to then take it all off five minutes later.

    I take my time and enjoy the experience. I enjoy putting everything on. I take some pics. I do stuff around the house.

    I love doing housework while dressed! Not because of some outdated notion that women do the housework. But because I can be me while doing it and spend as much time as I can en femme.

    I hope others can find that reason that gives them a sense of calmness and soothes their guilt so they can enjoy their "me" time.

  2. #2
    Banned Spammer
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Between here and there but mostly here close to the donuts.
    Posts
    22,257
    So glad you came to this understanding.
    You are not hurting anyone.
    Never felt guilty about any of this myself but know some people do.
    Last edited by Tracii G; 08-26-2019 at 05:13 PM.

  3. #3
    Gold Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    8,393
    Nicole:
    You are not alone in some of your feelings. Years ago, I did much the same as you.
    Now I get dressed, no make-up or wig, and I can not walk in heals, but I ma dressed
    with my Bra, Panties, long leg Pantie Girdle, a nice dress or a skirt and top,and my house slippers.
    I will stay all day like this, yes the urge to satisfy is still there, but I overcome that urge
    by just enjoying the feel of what you are wearing.
    I have gone out to pick up the mail, My car is in the Garage, I get in the car, open the Garage
    door, drive down to the Mail box and get my mail, and return.
    You have nothing to be ashamed about. You are just acting on your desires.
    Rader

  4. #4
    Gold Member Helen_Highwater's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Midlands UK
    Posts
    7,188
    Nicole,

    Self acceptance is perhaps the greatest hurdle that many here have to overcome. As you say your not hurting anyone else if fact denying yourself the time to be you hurts one person, you.

    That realisation is a step change. Your opportunity to move forward and embrace the real you. The best of luck in your journey.
    Who dares wears Get in, get out without being noticed

  5. #5
    Platinum Member Crissy 107's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Maryland, USA
    Posts
    11,033
    Nicole, Besides reading your initial post in this thread I just read your bio. Wow, is what I can say. I think one of the best things you have done is to join us here. You have done nothing wrong, this is something that we are born with, I really believe that.
    I am happy to see you have come as far as you have, we are here to help, we really are like a big family.
    Crissy

  6. #6
    Silver Member franlee's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    SE USA
    Posts
    3,636
    You sound as if you are rewriting my biography with changed dates and name. I experienced much of the same even with a participating GF/Wife. But soon learned it was a positive action for me to maintain my easy going attitude through out my life and career. I just seem to have got a grip on it at a younger age than you. (read your "about me")
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Fran
    It's worth something just being around to Fuss!

  7. #7
    Aspiring Member NancyJ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    913
    Nicole, Guilt and shame are powerful emotions. We’ve been taught that it is wrong to want to wear “girly” things and this belief is reinforced by widespread misunderstanding and hate directed towards the entire trans community (the whole bathroom scare, for example). Then, when certain feminine items or crossdressing is sexualized, it often adds to the shame if we’ve been raised to believe that sexual pleasure and/or masturbation is wrong (neither is, btw, IMO).

    Wearing women’s clothing (if you are a genetic male) or makeup is NOT WRONG or shameful. I used to have these quick sessions with myself because it was the only way I knew to relieve my gender dysphoria. It was like opening a valve to let the pressure blow (both literally and figuratively). The dysphoria would remit for a few hours, but it was replaced with shame (which was worse). Like you describe, I’ve learned to cherish my “Nancy” time. Even though “she” is in the closet, I’ve really been working at accepting her as part of me and overcoming “old” shame that I carry about her. As I’ve done so, I’ve experienced less and less sexual arousal associated with dressing and increased calmness. Sounds like you are figuring it out! Nancy
    Last edited by NancyJ; 08-17-2019 at 05:19 AM.

  8. #8
    Female Illusionist! docrobbysherry's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Orange County, Calif.
    Posts
    24,843
    Nicole, when I began dressing out of the blue in my 50's? I thot it was silly and childish!

    But, the turn on and sex made me feel very guilty!

    I was separated then. Now, I'm divorced and the guilt is long gone! At age 76 I think ANY and ALL consenting sex is a good thing!
    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!

  9. #9
    Aspiring Shopaholic BTWimRobin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    3,581
    Hi Nicole,

    There is nothing wrong with crossdressing. Nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. No reason to be guilty.

    Hugs,
    Robin

  10. #10
    Platinum Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    A bit south of the 49th!
    Posts
    23,676
    I know all about the grief and shame. And I have heard and said 1000 times that its not hurting anyone, or as my psychologist said, “its not a crime, you know’. For all of that, I’m not truly free of guilt or the shame.

    for me, these emotions come in cycles. I feel at home, at peace and resolved to accept myself, and then that sense of being ok erodes. And at some point, I have to rebuild my sense of self acceptance again.
    Last edited by kimdl93; 08-16-2019 at 08:54 PM.
    Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.

    Eleanor Roosevelt

  11. #11
    Junior Member Nicole Bernard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    75
    Thank you all. I feel so loved and uplifted right now.

    Crissy, thank you for saying that about my bio. Sometimes it feels good just knowing that someone understands.

  12. #12
    Gold Member Alice Torn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Midwest U.S.
    Posts
    7,357
    kim, You said it for me, too. Though i am accepting this side of me, there still is some self loathing now and then.

  13. #13
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    383
    Just be honest with yourself and do what makes you feel good. Unless you are hurting others somehow just enjoy it. Life is too short to deny yourself harmless pleasures.

  14. #14
    Senior Member GretchenM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Denver, Colorado
    Posts
    1,867
    Nicole,

    This sequence of emotional reactions and behavior is very common in CD and TG people. The behavior often starts as something innocent that then leads to sexual relief. The good feelings of sexual relief can quickly become a reason to dress - somewhat habitual. This, in turn, often leads to feelings of shame and its related effects. In time, though, the sexual part often begins to fade, but the feelings of shame still persist because of the prior conditioning of what socially is often considered an inappropriate form of sexual satisfaction. It is not. The fact is, masturbation is commonly found in many mammals, especially primates and humans but also dogs, cats and many others. So, in short, when the sexual aspect begins to fade it is thought that you are returning to the original motivation which is a gender variation that you were born with or developed as a result of a predispositon to identify, continuously or intermittently, with the opposite gender/sex. That is basically the definition of transgenderism. It comes in a seemingly infinite array of variations, but all TG people are linked by certain specific behaviors that are common to virtually all TG people.

    The shame though can become chronic and cause all kinds of other problems. The solution to that is, as others have said, to accept that the behavior is an important part of who you are. It appears to me that you may be transitioning from the sexually driven form to a more fundamental behavioral form in your journey. No need to be ashamed of it, in spite of what some think, but it is also important to be socially presentable in the expression to avoid harsh criticism and prejudice that can bring back the shame and cause a lot of other problems for yourself. Be yourself but be sensible and most people will at least tolerate you with many accepting you as the person you are.

    Gretchen

  15. #15
    Exploring NEPA now Cheryl T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Northeast Pa near NJ and NY
    Posts
    10,444
    I'm sure that most of us (I know I did) experience something like you did.
    The fascination and forbidden aspect, the thrill, then the guilt and shame were all facets of the same diamond.
    I know others that have been dressing for decades and still beat themselves up. One close friend has the mantra "What are you doing, you're a Dude". Yet we know that it's not that simple.
    Purges and promises seem to always give way to this expression.

    It took a long time for me to move past that and accept myself. Now I no longer feel those weighty emotions, only the peace of expressing my inner self.
    I don't wear women's clothes, I wear MY clothes !

  16. #16
    Aspiring Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    752
    I'm 58 years old, been crossdressing for over 50 years and many of the struggles and challenges remain...
    Remarkably, I derive even more joy, pleasure and anxiety reduction from crossdressing as the years go by...
    Overall, it's such an essential part of my existence that I'm grateful for it and it's incredible to have this website to
    share our issues and triumphs.
    Good luck with it all and know that you are not alone.

  17. #17
    Senior Member Angela Marie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Posts
    1,297
    i began dressing, albeit partially, at an early age by wearing my mothers tights. I did not progress to full dressing until my late 40's, early 50's. The shame and guilt that you describe is, I think, common to most if not all of us. After I began dressing fully and going out someone made a comment to me. The guilt and shame returned and I purged for the second time. About a year ago I started again. Although the societal attitudes are not as restrictive as before they are still present and I have to fight the guilt feelings. But I am now, more than ever, comfortable in my beliefs that this is an integral part of me, I have no desire to change, and I truly enjoy allowing my feminine side to present itself. My dressing does not define me any more than any other facet of one's personality. Loving my family and friends, how I treat others, and living a good and productive life, is much more consequential to my worth as a human being than slipping on a pair of pantyhose and applying makeup.

  18. #18
    Platinum Member Angie G's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    just west of syracuse n.y.
    Posts
    22,887
    I have never felt guilty for dressing. After all this is who I an only my wife knows and even helps me be me every day it doesn't hurt her . I think she enjoys it a little.
    Angie

  19. #19
    Banned Read only
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    13,082
    Nicole,
    Very much par for the course !

    When it's more associated with sex I feel the guilt comes from the motivation and the need for the sex rather than the dressing .

    To me it's partly to do with the AGP issue , seeing what's in the mirror , viewing yourself as a woman and being excited by it . Despite what other's think AGP is not all about the sexual issue , loving oneself as a woman is part of it and also being seen and accepted as a woman .

    I know it's still part of me but now I'm full time I've found a balance , I haven't got the time to take hours over the makeup and dressing , somedays I have to be showered , shaved, applied my makeup and dressed , then have my breakfast and walk the dog in just over an hour . Thankfully the feeling of guilt is long gone , I don't have to consider " ME time " as I'm Teresa all the time .

  20. #20
    Aspiring Member jacques's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    East Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    922
    hello Nicole,
    I think many of us who started dressing at young age have similar feelings and a similar biography.
    I hope that society is becoming more tolerant and that young crossdressers can realise that they are not freaks but just normal human beings, at an earlier age than we did.
    luv J

  21. #21
    Platinum Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Western Washington
    Posts
    14,303
    I am considerably older than you. When I was a teenager (1960's) there was not too much information out there on cross dressing. Society dictated normal or expected behavior of men and women. Cross dressing was deemed to be abnormal. Cross dresser were seen to be homosexuals, although the terminology for rather vile. That caused a lot of confusion. I felt exactly the same way. I was into self loathing. There was no internet. I was totally alone and unto myself. It took a lot of self therapy. I did that self analysis and weighed my accomplishments. The scales dipped heavily to the side of societal norms and expectations met. There was this tiny quirk....wearing women's clothing on occasion.

    I am at peace with myself. Although I am in a DADT marriage my wife does not make any comments or snide remarks. Total ostrich. For me it is all a private "thing." When I do get the opportunity to be en femme I go about my in-home chores. Housework is not women's work. Not all women are June Cleaver or Harriet Nelson. If you do not want to live in a pig's sty, then you have to clean the domicile. If you don't want to starve to death or eat all meals in a restaurant, then you have to learn to cook.

  22. #22
    Life is for having fun. suzy1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Hampshire, U.K.
    Posts
    5,124
    You are doing nothing wrong.....it's as simple as that.
    For me crossdressing is the icing on the cake of life.

  23. #23
    Senior Member Maid_Marion's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    1,912
    I find that at least where I live, I can do a non binary presentation with some obviously women's clothes and be treated well in stores and restaurants.

    I went to the mall today with my little black bag to get my free VS panty and a buy a knit top at Forever 21.
    The lady at the Kiosk wanted to sell me some conditioner for my hair. I froze for a while and then said no thanks to the offer. It is already that long.

    I went to a pizza place for lunch and got some ice cream and frozen lunches from the grocery store on the way home. The cashier took the time to wipe some ice cream
    off the outside of the boxes and put them in a thin plastic bag so it wouldn't soil my reusable bag.

    A crop top and short shorts do make our hot and humid weather so much more comfortable, if you have the figure to wear them.
    Last edited by Maid_Marion; 08-17-2019 at 02:21 PM.

  24. #24
    Platinum Member alwayshave's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Washington, DC
    Posts
    12,771
    Nicole, when I was younger I felt guilty when the dressing was mostly sexual. At this point in my life, I enjoy dressing, don't end it prematurely by making it sexual. I never feel guilty because I have accepted my dressing as part of me.
    Please call me Jamie, I always_have crossdressed, I always will, "alwayshave".

  25. #25
    Silver Member CynthiaD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    2,931
    In my experience, the feelings you have right after "the moment" are temporary and not indicative of your true feelings about things.

    I've also found that crossdressing can invoke an intense emotional response that feels almost sexual. It's easy to interpret these feelings as sexual, but they really aren't. It's more a feeling of having found your true self after years of being lost in the wilderness. Enjoy these feelings. You've earned them.

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