I am standing at the door...

[Laura Smith]

hi everyone
heres my dilemma  - i have countless times got ready to venture outside as my true self...
and i stand at the door, hesitant, frozen with well fear . . . i'm scared in case of ...other people... clocking me

i have no confidence sometimes, and yet a voice in my head says i should not worry about anything , just get on with it without regard to my fear

i feel bad when i just creep back into my shell , shut the door and hide away

Does it ever get better?

Am i the only one to feel like this?

Should i just not care about my lack of confidence?

How did you overcome such feelings , holding back from showing the world your true self?

Any words of advice?

Help!

[kittenpower]

The first time leaving your house as your true self is hard for a lot of us, but when the pain of hiding becomes greater than the fear of other peoples' reactions you will find the strength to set yourself free. Best wishes 😊

[Dena]

The first time was difficult for me as well but I did it on the night of a therapy session and there was no backing out. In addition, the primary issue was getting from my apartment to the car. After that I would be among people who knew me so rejection wasn't an issue. If you can't work a destination, see if you can find a friend who can support and distract you.

[Barb99]

My first time out was in Las Vegas. I planned that trip for the purpose of finding out how I would react to being out.
I dressed somewhere between androgynous and female and carried a small purse.
I was so nervous that first time on the elevator down to the casino I'm sure they could hear my heart beating at the other end of the strip.
The nervousness and thumping heart were gone by the time I got to the other side of the casino. I got a couple of second looks from some people but for the most part no one paid much attention to me.
I spent 3 days gambling, shopping and just walking around. It was the best thing I could have done for my self confidence and I had a great time.