Do we look young for our age?

[Janet_Girl]

It is because we are all just plain Gorgeous.

,
Janet

[Kate]

Kate you are so grounded... so real... so comfortable with who you are... lol... I'm SO jealous of you.

Me? I just want to be pretty and shallow... I'll take trophy looks any day over what's inside. LOL. Because
what's inside is OK, it's the outside that's the problem.

LOL... but I get your point... but it seems we are all chasing that perfect exterior... it's just some of us are
willing to go to extreme measures to achieve it. And some of us need those extreme measures... opposed to you
Kate, you are so lucky in that regard.

Hey Amanda, I apologize for sounding condescending or like was implying anyone was "shallow" for wanting FFS.

I really DO get the desire for FFS and being pretty. I don't mean to imply that people pursuing such things are vain or shallow... not at all. What woman doesn't want to be pretty? Heck, I cry over it to myself everyday. I'm SO grateful that I apparently pass, and yet... we're never happy, ya know? Now I need to be PRETTY too

But the thing is, I went crazy KNOWING I'd have to have FFS too in the beginning. Everyone thinks, "THEY got so lucky! HRT will never work well enough for me!" I have pages and pages of research, and even did a phone consult with Dr. Zuchowski. And while I'm not saying you shouldn't have it - by all means if it makes you feel great about yourself, go for it - but you may find that the "need" for it diminishes over time as HRT continues to change you. I "knew" I needed it too, but after those first few months of doubt, I just sorta stopped thinking about it. You start hearing "miss's" eventually, and FFS can suddenly get bumped way down your priority list, lol.

Still, I know, I know... people who knew me couldn't understand why I wanted to hair transplant so bad. "What hair loss?" they'd ask me, lol. But *I* knew it was there, I saw it everyday and it made me SO sad. So I fixed it.

Same with my teeth: I always had this nasty gap between the front ones. When I told people what I'd done (veneers), everyone asked, "what gap?" lol... but to ME, it was the most obvious thing in the world.

And yes, having done those things I am SO much happier and content

~Kate~

[Just Mandy]

Hey Amanda, I apologize for sounding condescending or like was implying anyone was "shallow" for wanting FFS.

There is NO need to apologize... I took no offense... I did not even think it was condescending...  you're my friend
and I'll just IM ya and tell you how I feel if you piss me off... LOL. I think I may be getting that attitude that all of you
told me about months ago.

I'm happy to be shallow and vain if that is what this is. I do want to be thought of as pretty. I think every teenage girl
does. And I know there is something more inside... lol... I'm not just going to be a pretty timbo

I'm trying really hard to listen to all the advise that says "wait" for FFS... I know that's the right think to do. But as you say
we are our own worst critics... I see my nose and I can't stand it, just like the gap in your teeth.

Amanda

[Virginia87106]

yes, I battled long and hard not to have FFS because I thought I was giving in to the stereotypical view of women's beauty, and in the end, I had to admit, that if it is, then I give in.
I also began to feel the same dysphoric feelings that I felt 10 years ago before I began to live as a woman.  The picture I have of myself on the inside, just does not match what I see in the mirror.
The journey through genderland is sometimes filled with surprises.

Posted on: May 29, 2008, 03:27:28 PMOh, about the hormones, yes, they have allowed to to look younger and more feminine.  After 10 years on estrogen many folks comment on the quality (luster and smoothness) of my skin.  I have found that vitamin E oil works wonders too.

[NicholeW.]

I'm happy to be shallow and vain if that is what this is. I do want to be thought of as pretty. I think every teenage girl
does. And I know there is something more inside... lol... I'm not just going to be a pretty timbo   >

I'm trying really hard to listen to all the advise that says "wait" for FFS... I know that's the right think to do. But as you say
we are our own worst critics... I see my nose and I can't stand it, just like the gap in your teeth.

Amanda

Your nose is like the gap in her teeth?!!!

OK, I need to ponder that one for a bit and get back to you!! 

Sweetie, you are "shallow and vain" and that is one of the very loveable things about you!!!  > >

Just kidding.

To want to look good is pretty natural to a lot of women, although I'm not sure every teenage girl wants to be pretty. I've known a few who could probably not give a 'damn' less.

I think we all just wanna be accepted for who we are. Some find that in looks and others in intelligence, personality, athletic ability and a host of other things. Human respect seem a very high priority I've discovered among women, men, girls, boys and those who don't feel they have been any of those human categories.

And, most of us are, indeed, our own worst critics when it comes to looks. TS women and men probably are more acutely aware of that than are many others. You are no different in that respect.

HRT will not change the way you feel about your nose. That's a given, it changes no bone or cartilege.

But, other things may well change somewhat. Giving yourself and your face and body a bit of time may not be what you want to hear, but it's a pretty good idea. I have known a few women who had breast implants done and then started to 'grow' again after SRS and had some difficulties with the 'growth.'

But, your comfort-level is the important thing; the important thing for us all. We can all be full of advice, but if it doesn't help you, it may not be the best advice for us to give.

Hugs,

Nichole

[Just Mandy]

The picture I have of myself on the inside, just does not match what I see in the mirror.

I'd like to have a dollar for every time I've thought that or said it... I'd be rich... rich I say

I see my nose and I can't stand it, just like the gap in your teeth.

LOL... that was not my best writing I guess.

I think we all just wanna be accepted for who we are. Some find that in looks and others in intelligence, personality, athletic ability and a host of other things. Human respect seem a very high priority I've discovered among women, men, girls, boys and those who don't feel they have been any of those human categories.

Acceptance? Umm... lets see...

intelligence... check... seem to be able to function
personality... check... not too boring or abrasive
athletic... check...  I get by
pretty.... FAIL... all I've ever seen is that ugly guy in the mirror

So for me that's the missing piece to feel accepted by society. It might not be politically
correct, it might upset the feminists, but it makes ME feel good... and that is what this
is all about. I'm not doing this to make a statement... it's not I'm TS accept me as I am. I'm doing this for ME.

HRT will not change the way you feel about your nose. That's a given, it changes no bone or cartilege.

But, other things may well change somewhat. Giving yourself and your face and body a bit of time may not be what you want to hear, but it's a pretty good idea. I have known a few women who had breast implants done and then started to 'grow' again after SRS and had some difficulties with the 'growth.'

But, your comfort-level is the important thing; the important thing for us all. We can all be full of advice, but if it doesn't help you, it may not be the best advice for us to give.

Right... all the HRT in the world will not give me a pretty nose. The only thing that holds me back is that changing a
persons nose is an art and changing it before HRT has made it's changes seems like I'd be working in the wrong order... the
surgeon needs to see the canvas to match the nose to it.

But, your comfort-level is the important thing; the important thing for us all. We can all be full of advice, but if it doesn't help you, it may not be the best advice for us to give.

Maybe it's not.. but I like to hear it, becuase then I have options to think about. I've gone back and forth several times and right
now I'm waiting, I'm not sure how long, but I am waiting. Thanks Nichole

Amanda

[NicholeW.]

Ok, check on intelligence as evidenced by what's below.

Right... all the HRT in the world will not give me a pretty nose. The only thing that holds me back is that changing a
persons nose is an art and changing it before HRT has made it's changes seems like I'd be working in the wrong order... the
surgeon needs to see the canvas to match the nose to it.

Just keep working it out, sweetie.

Nichole

[pretty pauline]

yes, I battled long and hard not to have FFS because I thought I was giving in to the stereotypical view of women's beauty, and in the end, I had to admit, that if it is, then I give in.
I also began to feel the same dysphoric feelings that I felt 10 years ago before I began to live as a woman.  The picture I have of myself on the inside, just does not match what I see in the mirror.
The journey through genderland is sometimes filled with surprises.

Posted on: May 29, 2008, 03:27:28 PMOh, about the hormones, yes, they have allowed to to look younger and more feminine.  After 10 years on estrogen many folks comment on the quality (luster and smoothness) of my skin.  I have found that vitamin E oil works wonders too.

Just saw this thread now, I do agree with you Virginia, it is a bonus, after years and years on estrogen I think we do look young for our age, Im 51 but sometimes Im mistaken for a woman in early or mid 40s, Im not complaining, I do get nice comments on the smoothness and quality of my skin, I have a small confession, I did have botox treatment around my eyes about 4years ago, but didn't repeat it, my avatar photo was taken only a year ago, I'v a new hair style since then, I let my hair grow a little as it looks a bit short in that pic.
Its only natural, I think every woman wants to look young, feel young and be pretty. I'd like to think I did my best.
p

[cindybc]

Hi Virginia, welcome to Susan's. In your avatar pic I see a very beautiful elegant and confident looking lady. Well I believe, speaking for myself i would have to say that as women we become much more self conscious about our appearance which I think is quite normal. One must remember the greater percentage of members here are young ladies some are still kids and I have found them to be very intelligent and wonderful to talk to, not to mention very pretty to.

Anyway do I consider myself to be pretty? Or will I ever reach such a goal? I am 62 years old and I do have photos of me posted in the  "A photo sharing thread" I am just happy and grateful that I have changed enough through my 8 years full time of HRT that I don't remember when I was last time I addressed with the wrong gender. I guess I'm kind of the den mother here, "hee, hee, hee."

Cindy



Posted on: June 03, 2008, 06:03:30 PMHi Pretty Pauline, nice pic, and well since you have managed to make a pretty big impression with your trnasitional story. I geuess I finally get the privilage to see this magnificant ladies picture.

Do please visit the "photo sharing thread"

Cindy 

[pretty pauline]

Hi Virginia, welcome to Susan's. In your avatar pic I see a very beautiful elegant and confident looking lady. Well I believe, speaking for myself i would have to say that as women we become much more self conscious about our appearance which I think is quite normal. One must remember the greater percentage of members here are young ladies some are still kids and I have found them to be very intelligent and wonderful to talk to, not to mention very pretty to.

Anyway do I consider myself to be pretty? Or will I ever reach such a goal? I am 62 years old and I do have photos of me posted in the  "A photo sharing thread" I am just happy and grateful that I have changed enough through my 8 years full time of HRT that I don't remember when I was last time I addressed with the wrong gender. I guess I'm kind of the den mother here, "hee, hee, hee."

Cindy



Posted on: June 03, 2008, 06:03:30 PMHi Pretty Pauline, nice pic, and well since you have managed to make a pretty big impression with your trnasitional story. I geuess I finally get the privilage to see this magnificant ladies picture.

Do please visit the "photo sharing thread"

Cindy 

Dear Cindy
I would never take you for 62, I thought maybe the ''6'' should have been a ''5'' you are a very super sweet person, there are a lot of young girls here very intelligent and really tell it straight, ''the den mother'' that goes back to your free sprit days, you always take an interest in everybody in a very good kind and helpfully way, its amazing with people you never get to meet but feel you get to know them.
Thank you for your kind complements, ''as women we become much more self conscious about our appearance'' your certainly right there, my avatar pic was taken at a nephew's wedding a year ago, 2 of my 3brothers got drunk, they are the best in the world, but they made no effort, men can be untidy and get away with it, I was feeling sentimental that day, just thinking of my Mom, during my transition all them years ago, my Mom insisted I wear pink on special occasions, use to say ''I was pretty in pink'' LOL! so thats why I wore pink that day, just for old time sake.
Thank you for taking an interest in my story, I'II certainly take a look ''photo sharing thread'' and learn how to post more photos.
P

[Kay Henderson]

I'm constantly taken for fifty or younger, and I'm almost 67.  Could be good genes, could be HRT, could be some combination of the two.

[cindybc]

Thank you so much for the compliments Pretty Pauline. Yes we do like to look nice and it is very much an instinctive desire for us women. I certainly have acquired many new instinctive desires.

But my favorite emotion is caring and loving of others. I have always been the rescuer most of my life.

I do pray I will see you around this board again soon. You mom was right, you do look good in pink. I am rather disappointed that we are not getting any warm weather here yet, I love wearing sun dresses. You take care of yourself hon, OK?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Kay Henderson hon, first I wish to welcome you to Susan's. I beleive you are quite right you know. The estrogen does a very good job on us elderly folks too. I just pray that I can still crank out at least another decade of making people stare at me. Most people here don't like that, but I love it, I like to be able to attract attention. Not because they know what I am or nothing like that. I believe that in some way they feel my energy. I had this happen to me in that small town I lived in before in Ontario. Now they are starting to do the same here in Vancouver town BC.    Well they at least get back a nice smile from me as well, sometimes stopping to chat with them. I dislike just walking by someone smiling at me I feel that the least thing I should do is say "Hi."

Cindy

[Chaunte]

Maybe we look young because we have removed a major stress from our lives.  A sense of peace can do wonders for removing wrinkles!

Chaunte

[Natasha]

i'm 413 years old but look 25.  that should tell you a lot.

[joannatsf]

Oh, about the hormones, yes, they have allowed to to look younger and more feminine.  After 10 years on estrogen many folks comment on the quality (luster and smoothness) of my skin.  I have found that vitamin E oil works wonders too.

I think a large part of it is improved skin care.  I have a daily routine that involves gentle scrubs, toner, moisturizers and sunscreen.  I do it in the morning and in before bed.  Avoiding direct sunlight on the skin is another thing that helps.  If I want a tan, I'll get a bronzer!

[Chaunte]

i'm 413 years old but look 25.  that should tell you a lot.

Heavens, girl, you're still a young'un!  I tell my students that I am 3.7 billion years old.  I climbed out of the primordial slime - labcoat intact! - just after the last Great Bombardment.

[Buffy]

Mine was just a face and necklift.

Well a girls gotta try all she can to look young.

Buffy

[Lisbeth]

One part of me doesn't want to buy into the agist society we live in, so I've waited a long time to put my two cents in.  But yesterday my came up once again with another susans member.  And it was brought up the day before at SexySpring.

Starting about age 15 or 16, people would ask me if I was 25.  People continued to assume I was 25 until I was 35 years old.  (Talk about being "ageless!")  By the time I reached 45 people would peg me at 35.  Today the assumption is that I'm in my 40s.

Taken in 2007:

[samanthawhalen]

This is a great thread.  I have always thought that how young I looked was actually intimidating to people, because of how "old" I acted.  Other than my hair loss and being 36, I know I still look like I'm in my early-to-mid twenties.  I guess you could say it has something to do with being TG'd.   

Aeron

[trista]

At 16 I was thought of as 12, at 18 thought of as 12, now at 22 I still get carded going into places requiring you to be 18+.