Why do we venture out of the house crossdressed?

[Camille15]

For those of us who are not full-time femme, and are "just crossdressers", but who sometimes go out into the world dressed as our femme selves, I have a question: Why do we do it?

I was pondering this today as I came down from the high of my latest Camille day (details and pics in the Photos forum). I mean, if our goal is just to look and/or feel feminine, why not do it strictly in our own homes or hotel rooms. Wouldn't that be enough? Not for me, it seems.

In pondering this, I came up with these reasons:

1. It ups my game. I take my makeup and overall presentation more seriously when I know others will see me. I know I'm not fooling anyone, especially upon close inspection, but I still want to present as my best, and maybe have a shot at blending.

2. Better photos. There are only so many poses and backdrops I can make use of while stuck in the hotel room or my house. And as photos are my primary way to revisit the feelings of being en femme during the long periods of time between Camille days, I like them to look good. They are also the primary was I get to be "seen" (here via my posts) and get feedback. Also, I'm not ashamed to admit that Camille is quote vain and loves pretty photos of herself.

3. More room. Similar to #2, it's hard to practice walking with a feminine gait while stuck in a small hotel room or my house.

4. Chance for positive interactions. While I don't want close-up interaction, a smile or passing compliment from a stranger as I walk by makes me feel amazing. It's only happened a few times. Once a man walking by in the opposite direction looked at me and said "You look beautiful". I think I'm always trying and hoping to recapture that special moment.

5. Unexpected surprises, like the feeling of the breeze blowing your hair, the clacking of heels on pavement, or having to lift your long skirt to climb up some stairs. That last one happened last night and made me feel ever so feminine.

6. To be seen. I think this is the main one. As human beings we all have a need to be seen by others, figuratively and literally. I see no reason why it should be any different for Camille, especially as she spends most of the year hiding just under the surface. She's always there, but rarely seen. So when the chance comes to be out in the world for a bit, even if she knows most people will "make her", she doesn't care. It's the outside world or bust! And in her case, that bust is a lovely 38B.

7. Thrill. Sometimes there is also an added thrill of feeling like I'm "getting away with something". Like I want to shout: "I'm really a guy under here, but you didn't even notice!" It's an interesting and adventurous feeling. Like I'm really a superhero underneath most of the time, and now I've taken off my glasses and put on a cape and suddenly no one recognizes me.

8. Memories. It makes for an amazing time with good memories attached, especially when unexpected surprises occur.

9. Fun! For all these reasons and more, it's just a great time and I have so much fun doing it!

Thoughts? Does these reason resonate for any other CD'ers who go out dressed? What about your own reasons?

<3 Camille