This has got to be the most intelligent, insightful, and educational thread I have read in a very long time. The breadth of positions and experiences from CD's and GG's alike is remakable. Thank you all. Especially DocRS. Sometimes all it takes to get an excellent discussion going is to ask an excellent question.

The only thing I can add is to remind us all that DocRS has only been CDing for 10 years. Most of us have been at it most of our lives. I would remind you all of the line: "Too hot not to cool down".

Doc got off to a very fast start, and had the wherewithall to get to an unusually intense level very quickly. Most of us started slowly with one or two pieces of purloined garments, and escalated over a number of years. In fact, very few of us will ever have the opportunity to completely transform ourselves, temporarily, the way he is able with his femskin ensemble.

So, here is my point: (Damn, I am handicapped without a blackboard.) Please visualize a basic AC sine wave. As the alternating current goes from 0volts toward 120 it takes a certain amount of time to get there. Eventually, the power will hit 120 volts and start down toward 0 volts again on it's way to negative 120. Hitting -120, it goes back up, through 0, and on to positive 120volts. This movement is symetrical, the power above 0 is equal to the power below 0. And, in this example, the time it takes to get up to 120 will be the same as the time it takes to go down to zero, etc.

If it takes a relatively short time to get to the top, it will take a relatively short time to go down. And vice versa. If it took me 20 or 30 years to get to the top of my CDing, it can be expected to last longer than if it only took a couple of years.

Obviously, there are an infinate number of variables that are not included in this example. But, in general, the single biggest factor that differentiates his situation from most of ours is his quick raise to his current level.

So, DocRS, as you ponder our responses to your question, keep in mind that few of us can really appreciate your situation. I feel that I am in a similar boat as you in that I have no interest in passing, or transitioning. I am simply a man who likes to wear womens clothes.

There is a way to take some control of the timing of all this, but it is probably too much for this posting. If you are interested, IM me.

Good luck, and thanks for opening this up.