Olivia, I was terrified the first time out of the house, and, I did nothing more than drive around my immediate neighborhood. I still stay off I-5 as I do not want to get a flat tire, caught between exits. I stay within my personal comfort zone. Being six foot and 200 pounds (size XL, 18-20) I do not want to become an attraction at the local mall. I am content with my evening strolls through a quiet residential neighborhood within my small city. I created a reason to get out of my car. I dropped off library books at the night return slot. At one particular library branch I parked my car across a wide busy street so I had to wait for all cars to pass. It forced me to walk farther. I also stopped to retrieve one of those free newspapers from boxes all over town. Dropped off mail (actually return reply inserts, unfilled) at those blue USPS boxes all over town. I enjoy the evenings cool air playing with my dress and slip, no pants ever for me! The area for my strolling has two grocery stores. I carry a tote with the logo of one of the stores as if I am a woman returning from shopping. It's not adventurous; just walking around the blocks and maybe window shopping. I found, from a psychological viewpoint, the best time for a prolong stroll is during a light rain. The big black umbrella I use doe a lot of mask my height and bulk to some degree, and, obscure my very masculine face.

This is within my comfort zone. Many will tell you to find a support group. Decades ago my wife gave me the green light to do that. I looked, none to be found. Needs and expectations change, and, I found as I aged, the psychological need to mingle among the masses has waned. The only times I have engaged with fellow humans has been on Halloween. Getting dolled up en femme really is not fooling anyone, but myself. Not being a party goer, Halloween adventures were shopping for party goods at grocery stores. It was minimal interaction, even less now with self checkout, but, it did put me out there. Sometimes it is small baby steps, but, it never leads to a full gallop.