I Went Out Today

[Thea]

OMG, I had so much fun today!

I dressed up and went to the Highland Games and Celtic Fest in all my girly glory!
I wore heels, a plaid kilt and a white blouse. I did my hair up and put on make up and just went for it.
I walked around for a few hours, bought a silver ring and enjoyed the music and dancing to my hearts content.
I thought at one point that I was busted. I walked right past a group of people I know but they didn't even give me a second glance.
What a fun day!

I think the experience has loosened me up and discharged some of my anxieties. I'm definitely going out as myself more often from here on out.

Now what am I going to wear to the next Renaissance Faire?

[Amy Chislett]

Well you are ahead of me. As I only fantasize of going out at night.  First I need more accessories.

[Kerry30Den]

Congrats! Sounds like you have an amazing time!

[Ciara]

Well that sounds amazing. Good for you girl😉.

[Thea]

Thanks everybody for the positive comments and encouragement!

This was the first time I have ever put myself in such a vulnerable spot. I was really nervous at first and almost chickened out! As I walked around I felt more at ease and was able to have fun. I just wish I had some girlfriends to do things with. I think that would help.

I worked my way up to this little by little. I started out going for drives at night, then taking walks, still at night. My next big step was to go to a movie in the morning, in the middle of the week when there weren't many people around. I bought the ticket online and picked it up in male clothes the day before. The morning of the movie it was just a quick stroll across the parking lot and then a quicker scurry into the safety of a darkened theater.

I need to do things in baby steps or I just might not do them at all. I haven't mentioned how many times I dressed and went to a mall with the intention to do some shopping, only to get scared and turn around and return home without ever getting out of the car.

[Heather14]

Congratulations to you! That is a huge step to take. I have found that going to a movie is another place to assist in getting stronger in public.

Enjoy
Heather

[chris.deee]

Really happy for you.  When are you going out again? It only gets easier with practice 

[Thea]

Really happy for you.  When are you going out again? It only gets easier with practice

Thanks, I went out again on Friday. I had the day off from work so I went down town. The woman who was working at the craft store seemed to be flirting with me as did the guy at the sandwich shop. I don't know, it could just be my imagination but they sure were friendly. 
You are right, it does get easier. I'm still really self-conscious about my voice, though.

It's not all rainbows and unicorns. I dress male for work but today I overheard a woman coworker trash talking about my longish fingernails. I don't want to take it too seriously but it has left me feeling a little out of sorts.

[barbie]

Thanks, I went out again on Friday. I had the day off from work so I went down town. The woman who was working at the craft store seemed to be flirting with me as did the guy at the sandwich shop. I don't know, it could just be my imagination but they sure were friendly. 
You are right, it does get easier. I'm still really self-conscious about my voice, though.

It's not all rainbows and unicorns. I dress male for work but today I overheard a woman coworker trash talking about my longish fingernails. I don't want to take it too seriously but it has left me feeling a little out of sorts.

Yes. Congrats. Enjoy your adventure.

BTW, you may exercise voicing like a woman. It has been very difficult for me to do.

barbie~~

[chris.deee]

Thanks, I went out again on Friday. I had the day off from work so I went down town. The woman who was working at the craft store seemed to be flirting with me as did the guy at the sandwich shop. I don't know, it could just be my imagination but they sure were friendly. 
You are right, it does get easier. I'm still really self-conscious about my voice, though.

Nice!  FWIW, voice is my biggest challenge too - attitude does go a long way though.  Confidence, confidence, confidence...

It's not all rainbows and unicorns. I dress male for work but today I overheard a woman coworker trash talking about my longish fingernails. I don't want to take it too seriously but it has left me feeling a little out of sorts.

If you can thrive and let your femme side show, that's fantastic. As long as she isn't hurting your effectiveness as an employee or causing you emotional stress, then it's her problem.