Weird effect.

[Coffeedrew]

When I look at my progress pics and I thought I looked good, but I realized maybe not. I cannot tell a difference right now, and that was similar at month 1. I am at month 6 on HRT. On some days I see changes, and on others I don't.
The biggest indicator that changes are even happening is how much people stare at me. I know something is up, and I want to know if anyone experienced this at month 6. Is it the weird stage where people are having issues gendering me or is it because I look like a man in a dress?

Do not get me wrong I am not rushing to see results. I have merely observed more people staring at me.

[Northern Star Girl]

When I look at my progress pics and I thought I looked good, but I realized maybe not. I cannot tell a difference right now, and that was similar at month 1. I am at month 6 on HRT. On some days I see changes, and on others I don't.
The biggest indicator that changes are even happening is how much people stare at me. I know something is up, and I want to know if anyone experienced this at month 6. Is it the weird stage where people are having issues gendering me or is it because I look like a man in a dress?

Do not get me wrong I am not rushing to see results. I have merely observed more people staring at me.

@Coffeedrew
As it is frequently stated, we are our own most critical critics. 
Consider moments like you have been going through as a learning opportunity that you use to refine your appearance....   
Keep on keeping on.

Hugs,
Danielle

[Coffeedrew]

So, there will always be an anxiety if I pass or not? Like a scar from gender dysphoria.

[Allison S]

Yes, around 6 months to a yeae I was getting a lot of stares. People (sometimes) made very weird and funny faces or not. I sometimes couldn't help but smile or even burst out in laughter...

So, there will always be an anxiety if I pass or not? Like a scar from gender dysphoria.

Everyone is different. For me, I still have anxiety around my voice and certain physical features on my face and body.

Sent from my VS501 using Tapatalk

[jill610]

So, there will always be an anxiety if I pass or not? Like a scar from gender dysphoria.

For me I still have this even though I really have no evidence that I don't pass or border stealth. I get "mom" when out with the kids consistently, Miss, ma'am, doors held, random guys glued to my chest etc. yet always in the back of my mind is, "I look like a guy". YMMV but I find that's the thing I still go to a therapist about.

[Northern Star Girl]

So, there will always be an anxiety if I pass or not? Like a scar from gender dysphoria.

@Coffeedrew
Dear Drew:
No, for me, it is not a scar from gender dysphoria.   I have been full time for well over 2 years since December 2016, and I have passed convincingly 100% since then, however, there are still "some" times, thankfully not very often any more, that I am just a little tentative with my appearance particularly in the gym locker room, swimming pool changing rooms, and sometimes when I am around very beautiful cis-women talking about personal female subjects, and initially in the past when around those that are romantically interested in me. 

It is sometimes personally difficult to not recall my past life....  but usually now when I recall my past life, I just smile at myself in the mirror as the person I am now.

Hang in there Drew, keep on going out there.

Hugs,
Danielle

[Coffeedrew]

Thanks for all the advice in the comments I really do enjoy hearing feedback.


Alaskan Danielle

Yeah I feel like when I transitioned I kind of got married because I said for better or for worse.
I saw when you changed your avatar picture, and you have a beautiful smile. I feel that I think about things so much more now to the point where I sometimes wake at night thinking about anything. I am not saying that is good or bad, but I appreciate my head working better lol. I haven't even tried to wear a bathing suit yet or go to the gym yet. I have gone out in a skirt, and skinny jeans. My stepmom was surprised when I told her that I was able to measure myself and actually find women's clothes that fit me. She always says I don't have hips . I am surprised with how much better underwear fit though. I found that I like going to thrift stores to buy second-hand clothes.

[Julie -2010]

I've been on HRT for over 2 years and it took me a while to realize there is not going to be dramatic changes.  I have changed over that time but for me (everyone is different) I still see that male face.  I'm not totally transitioned yet so I do have to pass as a guy some of the time.  Some of those times when in guy mode I do get mis-gendered.  Which makes my day since I wasn't really trying.

HRT is a very slow process so just celebrate those little victories along the way. 

Julie

[Coffeedrew]

I think the thing that bothers me the most is the closest people around me. They say I look the same, or I am weird to be around because I draw attention. It doesn't even make sense because I don't want attention like that. That is why I like this website because nobody understands me better than others going through the same or similar experiences.

Julie
When I was in 8th grade my teacher physical education teacher pointed out the effects of puberty.
She said woman can twist their legs different than men because of some reason. Anyway, I wanted to prove her wrong so bad. I eventually gave up and realized the damage had already been done. That was when I really found out I had gender dysphoria because I wanted to be a female. I am at a better place now, and I am thankful for what little changes HRT can provide me.(6 months in.) I still wake up every morning smiling and thankful for another day I can live authenticly. I thank you for your time and support.