Look both ways

[Helen_Highwater]

So, it's nearly year end and as we often do it's time to review the year just passed and look forward to the year ahead. Let's set aside the generalities of life and concentrate on the dressing side of things.

Was it a good, bad, average or even a milestone year for you? Were goals achieved or did chances evade you? Are there things you hope to do in the coming year, steps forward or more of the same?

For me this year has been a reasonably good one. I've spent a lot of time dressed albeit around the home but also I've been lucky enough to spend more days days out and about and in doing so met more folks from our community.

As for the coming year if I feel the time is right or an opportunity presents itself then perhaps the talk might take place. What will be the outcome from that, well who knows. If it went well would it result in me getting more out and about time seems a big leap from a basic, this is me I like dressing and spending more time dressed indoors. If the talk doesn't happen then I know I'd still get home dressing time and all being well, another week away fully enfemme 24/7 and with that the chance to meet up with others from here on the forum. Watch this space.

Oh and one thing, a New Year resolution is going to be to continuing to loose weight and get a really flat tummy. My appearance improved significantly last year, loosing the beer gut and getting a more defined waistline. Need to keep up the good work. Just got to finish off the turkey and chocolates first.

[Sandi Beech]

Helen, I have also been pondering what opportunities might arise for me to go out in 2024. Mine vary quite a bit. 2023 was not a bad year for me, but I doubt I will ever have another year like 2022. That year was great for me.

There is zero chance of me ever bringing up CDing with my wife again. She would just blow her top, so why poke the bear. Good luck if you give it a try. Some here have been very successful. It is just not in the cards for me. I dress away from home or not at all.

Sandi

PS. I need to lose some weight myself, but my wife is such a fantastic cook, it is not so easy for me. I really did not need that cheesecake she just made. Haha.

[Cheryl T]

It was a wonderful year for me.
I've been spending more and more time enjoying being myself and becoming more and more comfortable with myself. I couldn't have done it without the love of my life at my side and I feel so blessed to have her and her acceptance.
Now for the New Year. It's time to lose some weight, exercise more and eat healthier.

Happy New Year to everyone.

[Fiona_44]

I decided to live full time as a woman in the Fall of 2022 so this past year was my first living my new life and I couldn't be happier. 2023 also saw me come out to basically all of my friends & acquaintances that I wished to tell about Fiona and the reception from everyone was welcoming and positive. For 2024, all I wish for is more of the same!

Happy New Year everyone.

[docrobbysherry]

I quit worrying about when and how I'll dress after my divorce and last child grew up and moved out. Now, I can dress whenever I like!

The divorce also solved my weight issues. As I cook for myself, (and Sherry), now!

As far as whether or not it was a good year as Sherry? I'm 80 and can't recall what I had for breakfast. Besides I've always tended to look forward rather than backward.

With that in mind, rite now I'm working on 3 Sherry shoots and planning what to wear for our big New Year's Eve bash!

After that I don't. I'm too tired to think about it!

[audreyinalbany]

I got to spend a few long weekends away indulging in my dressing with the wife's blessing. Our journey continues; I've resumed counseling with an insightful therapist who my wife also meets with & 2024 will see us all meeting together to pool our insights. we're still learning about communication and hopefully the new year will bring some further improvements.

[Bea_]

In 2023 I've worked with a therapist to come to a better understanding about myself and my motivations and in doing so have become more comfortable in dressing at home without feeling as much need for explicit approval from my wife. In getting to this point, I am dressing more often and more completely while still maintaining a male persona, which is my natural state. It's pretty much daily now while at home.

I've found some bras that fit and now wear one daily and even out of the house if I'm not expecting to be around huggers. My wife has been totally against bras in the past and I still keep them covered around her, but she's aware that I'm wearing them and seems to be taking it in stride.

I've been wearing items that seemed too nice to wear "just at home" since I'm not getting out anyway and I have enjoyed having a nice wardrobe more than ever.

For 2024, I'm assuming more of the same but I am planning on getting back to a workout routine both for aesthetic and health reasons.

[Heather76]

I believe my year in CDing in 2023 was quite good. I dress at home over 50% of the time. This January 1st will mark 730 (2 years) consecutive nights I slept with bra on and forms in place. Of course, panties and a nightie are in place as well. Two things I had hoped to do in 2023 didn't materialize. However, they will definitely happen in 2024. One thing I want to get is a pedicure. While my toes have polish on them 90% of the time, I want a professional pedicure. At my age, and with vision issues, I cannot accurately see how I'm putting nail polish on them. From 10' away, they are decent. But, from 2' away, they need a lot of improvement. The 2nd thing I will do in 2024 is get a professional makeover at ULTA. I tried to schedule a makeover this year for a specific day (a week to 10 days prior) when I was traveling out of town; but, there were no available appointments at the 3 locations I tried. In 2024, I will try to schedule a makeover at least a month, if not more, in advance.

I knew I had lost some weight without particularly trying. I don't know exactly what I weighed on January; but I happened across a medical appointment recap from early May. I've lost 12 pounds since then. I'd like to lose another 9 pounds and get down to 180 lbs. That would be 11 pounds more than I weighed in 1966 after getting out of Navy basic training and 5 pounds less than when my wife and I married in January of 1984.

[SaraLin]

2023 had what's likely to be my LAST outing, at least for the foreseeable future.
I had the opportunity to take a road trip out of state and drove both directions (including rest stops and gas) in Sara mode.

2024 and beyond looks to be back into isolation from the outside world. I'm full-time caretaker for my wife now and any "outside life" (masc. or femme) has dried up and blown away.
Also, we're expecting her adult son to come live with us for a while, starting next summer. I'm not sure how that will impact things, but I don't expect it to be positive.

[Monique65]

2023 was a banner year in my wife’s acceptance of my femme side. When she found me wearing panties, she suggested getting some of my own, which she picked out for me. They are much prettier than what I would have chosen, and I wear them 24/7 with her approval. When I suggested that I need a bra due to my gynecomastia, she measured me and again helped me choose one which I also wear daily. When I wore some leggings to ward off the cold, she bought me several pairs of my own, which I wear every day as well. She is aware that I shave from the neck down, and keep my nails trimmed in a feminine way.
Although we have never openly discussed my penchant for women’s clothing, by her actions and attitude, I feel she is on board with them, and I am grateful for her support.
At this time, I have no lntention of going any further. I am quite content with the situation and enjoy her acceptance.

[Stephanie47]

My femme side has been relegated to sleeping in a bra and panty and nightgown or slip every night which is probably a lot more than some on this site. My wife is a late riser so sometimes I will ditch the nightgown and wear a dress while banging away on the keyboard and drinking coffee. I entered 2023 with a medical issue of constant sweating and continues into 2024. No diagnosis other than so far it's not going to kill me. At 76 there's really not too much to look forward to other than enjoying retirement.

[Debs]

in 2024, I hope to see you girls in the UK step out !!! into the big wide world, Im here to talk to and help you if required, also if you want to build up courage, we meet in Manchester every year November time , and all you in America get on a plane and come and visit, love you all, thank you God I sounded like Elvis then !!! I Thank You

[StephanieCD]

2023 has been a good year for me. I came out to my wife's best friend and she was amazing totally supportive. Even gave me a nail polish I had admired, and bought me a bracelet. My stepdaughter who already had met Stephanie had to tell her husband as he saw my thong by accident and he is fine with it. I confessed to a nurse who noticed my ankle chain she was very interested and supportive. I asked the wonderful young lady on the No7 cosmetics counter for advice and she is now a lovely friend. I visited the village in Manchester, my first time out in the world and it was wonderful. If you live in the UK you will have seen an advertisement on TV for Virgin with the slogan "I am what I am, I don't want praise, I don't want pity. I am what I am". This has helped me accept who I am. I'm myself, yes I'm unusual but I'm a nice person, we are all different to some degree. It's ok to be who you are. I have made some lovely friends here too this year. Thank you all.

[Traceyjo]

I've had a wonderful year. Opportunities to dress about once a week and bought myself plenty of new clothes and wigs. I feel I have improved my feminine appearance which I seem to be able to do as time proceeds. Photos I post on the internet have received very positive comments which make me feel wonderful. Most importantly the joy, excitement and satisfaction I feel when presenting myself as a woman are as intense as they have ever been and the gratitude I experience from having his special gift in my life continue to grow.

[alwayshave]

Dressing wise, 2023 was a good year for me. I went out a fair amount, maybe seven or eight times. My wife purchased me a beautiful shadowline slip for Christmas. Life wise, it was not a great year. I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (July 2) which means I had to give up alcohol and caffeine. Both of which I adored. I have had a couple of events and needed to be defibrillated for one of them after almost three weeks of the event. Luckily, I am having a procedure to prevent further events and hoping that health wise I have a better 2024 than 2023. As to dressing, I am looking forward to dressing/going out more than last year.

[Leah87]

I would say that 2023 has been a good year for me. One of the key achievements for me personally was, after much self debating and questioning, was to join this forum. As this happened only a few days ago, I think I can say that I have finished 2023 on a high.

Another good thing about 2023 is that I have spent considerably less money on booking hotel rooms for day use / day working. I have been able to spend more time working from home on a 'home alone' basis. This may change in the future, but I have made the most of the situation this year.

A personal goal for 2023 was to improve the appearance of my skin on my face and hands, which has been a success. Drinking plenty of water and finding the right moisturiser, for both hands and face, has been a real high point.

Goals for 2024? Looking in to using make up. Never done this before so could be a real challenge. Also considering treating myself to a make over / photography day. We'll see.

Whatever the case, I wish you all a Happy 2024!

[Samantha51]

2023 in review? Gone from near zero (occasionally wearing my wife's panties for seconds) to being underdressed whenever I can in knickers, bra and thigh-highs. Very much early days.

2024? I don't know. My wife's not happy about it and if our relationship survives then maybe I'll need to try and stop CD. I will continue exploring my gender identity more and keep growing in all the other areas now that I've seen how fear has ruled my entire life. I will still compromise where I can but I will no longer completely sacrifice my growth as a person for the sake of others. I hope my marriage will survive, but I accept that it may not.

[Karren H]

Dressing wise, 2023 really sucked! lol Did not fully dress that often and did not leave the house. Did get to visit Janet's Closet near Detroit which was amazing! But the only really positive thing was my cup size! Probably increased at least a cup or cup and a half and still work on it (don't seem to have an end game). Do not have any NYR, dressing wise. Hoping for at least one adventure but that is highly doubtful.

[Christie ann]

Dressing has become a very sporadic event. Perhaps a couple times a year. 2023 had a euphoria moment when I was able, at the last minute, to be Christine for a week while doing some stream stuff. Was accepted totally ( except for that one old guy) by almost everyone and was welcomed into the woman’s side of things. So fantastic!
2024 is still blank, I hope to take advantage of what ever come my way, so like Helen,I need to finish up all the holiday goodies so that I can watch my girlish figure.

[Natalie5004]

I had a good year for Natalie. Lots of dressing opportunities. Shoe collection, wardrobe collection, wig collection grew. Spent many hours in full glory.

Now for 2024 what should I expect? More of the same. A goal of maybe a trip to Vegas as Natalie to a CD weekend. I will need a permission slip first.

I am not ready to say, "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead."

[Jessica G.]

Hmmmm 2024.
I would say I would like to try and bring Jessica out in the open.
Sure I can dress whenever I want any day of the week when I'm not working but its always confined to home and this is a reason I just dress casual all the time. This sucks as I have so many dresses I would like to wear but its kind of pointless to sit in a dress while watching Dallas and having dinner with my wife lol
I had some ups and down in 2023 due to depression. But I feel some of this is due to the fact that I'm afraid to go out and getting caught by the large amount of family members or the 700 tenants that rent from the facility I manage.
I'm tired of this and am going into the mentality that I need to stop worrying about what others think and focus on Jessica. It sounds easier then it sounds but I hope to try.

Natalie, I might actually do that this year. There is a new annual cosplay event in Goodsprings just outside Vegas that we attended this year. My wife an I plan to attend annually but this time stay in Vegas rather than Primm.
I may just walk one of the Vegas casinos as Jessica. Here's to hoping!

[Natalie5004]

Jessica, You can 100% get away with that. If your wife is good with you dressing I would do it for sure.

[Tip or Ozma]

From a dressing standpoint it was a watershed year. I shaved my beard (this time after thirty years). My wife encouraged me knowing that I would go to Janet's Closet in Wyandotte, Michigan for a makeup makeover. She accompanied me and we had a great time with me fully dressed. I even drove and hour home and remained Mina all evening. Hopefully there will be other opportunities in 2024.

[JesseVF]

2023 had its ups and downs for me. It?s been two years now since the talk with wife (after over 30 in closet). Progressed a lot regarding dressing in that time culminating with participating for a half day out in Ptown, MA CD event this summer. In a CD lull last couple months due to medical issue which assuming will end eventually.
I must say a huge up for the year was finding this site! While my personality is naturally not overly opinionated or feel proper in giving advice, it is incredibly comforting to feel I belong to a group of like minded, considerate people, - so I am very grateful to be included here.
Best to all in 2024.