Steps on the journey

[Olivia J. Robinson]

Hi girls.
Xxoo. Been a while.
Just sharing a big step.... kinda spam'ish, but that is how my brain works.

I am chugging through the writing of Term 2 report cards at my school, and I have learned that I need as much serotonin as I can to plough through the task (as I am compensating for a year of slightly disorganized record keeping...<shrug> the teachers in the crowd will understand this, i guess. 😉 )
I am changing into my top in my private little closet-office, when an IT guy from the Board Office came by to pick up 3 dead iPads, and he caught me shirtless, but w bra and forms on. I'm so stunned, I just brush it off and ask him about a problem I've been having. (Yup, perfectly normal situation...yes it is...despite DD forms in pink pocket bra and red blouse on my lap.)
Yes, i panicked inside... I have been seen by an 'outsider'! Ack!! However, i also learned that my acting skills are in good shape. By not letting myself project [embarrassment / terror /...excitement...] I did not create the very crisis I feared.
Happily, there was no problem. He initially thought I was coming off of surgery, but was then cool with it. Then he sits with me (with tshirt on) for 20 minutes to help solve a prob I have been struggling with.

First outsider that I have been 100% clear about my Fem journey...and the experience was utterly positive! (And, in his opinion, it's nobody's business but "ours"... thus, he joins me in my gradually-opening closet)

Hoping you are all well.
Your [quiet-jubilantly]

Jenny R

[Marketa]

He seems to be a cool guy.

And that also shows, that people are incredibly adaptive. Especially when you give them no choice (you asking him about the problem).

[alliy377]

Jenny, WOW! What courage you have! I don't think I could have responded in the same way, although, you never really know how you'll react in when certain situations arise.
I haven't even opened up to our daughter yet, who I'm sure would be fine as one of her favorite show is RuPauls' Drag Race. Your IT guy sounds like a very understanding and level headed individual.
So happy that the experience went well.

Alliy

[docrobbysherry]

My gosh, Jenny! I've been going out dressed for nearly 20 years and met 100's or more folks.

But, they don't know who I am or where I live!

And, I STILL wouldn't do what u did!

[Rhonda Darling]

Jenny: for my last 5 or so years working, up until my retirement, I underdressed most days with bras and camisoles, often with forms in place. My suit jacket hid visual cues most of the time, but I couldn't wear it all the time at work. I knew many of the security staff, and none of them ever said anything -- and they were the ones who paid exceptional attention to detail.

After retiring I saw something on TV that gave me pause. Many types of security cameras can actually reveal shadow details of garments worn under the top layer of clothes -- outlines if you will. Now I'm wondering whether I was the laugh of their staff whenever the cameras revealed something femme under my dress shirt.

Since I'm retired, I guess it's something I need not worry about. I suppose that if I had been confronted, it would not have gone as well as your encounter did.

Rhonda

[Sometimes Steffi]

Not just seen by a stranger, but seen nekkid. I would have a hard time having ay zen about that.

But there is an upside. Once something like that happens and there's no real consequences, it brings you to a new plateau. It's much easier to go up from there.

One time, a friend posted a pic of me and some of pit friends on the Internet. I wasn't ready for that kind of exposure, but it very quickly became the new normal.

[bridget thronton]

You did well Jenny - you owned the situation

[Olivia J. Robinson]

Hee! You are all lovely, ya know that, right?

My other, pertinent learning here:
..... I am able to use my CD'ing to give me that hit of serotonin I need to overcome the depression / PTSD I have associated with the whole report card process. (If you like, I will pop over to the correct forum and fill y'all in about that, eventually...;-)

Jenny

[JoyceAnn]

Jenny R, you handled this admirably! I'm glad everything turned out the way it did.