I remember you, Chelsea.

In my case, I do not expect too much. I once tried to get HRT, but gave up as I have a family. Even without HRT, I do not dislike my male features including the flat chest. But I do wear a bikini on the beach, occasionally topless.

Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of our wedding. Two sons are out of town, and my daughter is with us. In Facebook, >200 friends celebrated our anniversary, and all of them know who I am as I post photos and videos nearly every day. I do not hide my gender identity, career, or relationships with various people.

As my expectation is not so high, I am satisfied with my present life and self-image. I also maintain my YouTube page on fashion and beauty: https://www.youtube.com/@barbiekorea21

I know everybody has different life choices, and I am not in a position to give any advice or help. Just for reference.

barbie~~

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on Yesterday at 01:17:21 PM@Iztaccihuatl
Dear Heidemarie:
I enjoyed the recap of your Boston visit that you posted.
...and you look fantastic in your photo that you shared.

Having self-confidence and accepting yourself are important keys in
passing, and as  you shared, it went well for you during your trip.

Thank you for sharing your experiences... I am eagerly looking for your
future postings and also reading about your next adventure.

Again, thank you for sharing your lovely picture... 

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Thanks, Danielle!

Yes, you are right, it is all about confidence and not caring what others might think.

Hugs,

Heidemarie

Quote from: Jan555 on Yesterday at 03:50:42 AMHi Heidemarie
I really don't see why you think you don't pass. You look very womanly to me  x

Thanks, Jan, for your kind words!

Here is my secret: I only post the best pictures of me! 

But you are hitting a point: I realized that in the past when looking at a picture of me in female dress & makeup, I still saw male-me in the picture. However, that has been changing over the last year, I increasingly see the woman within. Not sure if that is because my makeup skills have gotten better, but I sure do like it.

Here is a funny side fact: I noticed that each time when I am wearing makeup, the face recognition feature on my iPhone doesn't recognize me anymore and I have to use my passcode. I take that as a win, although an inconvenient one at times.

Hugs,

Heidemarie

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 22, 2024, 10:34:09 PMWow, Heidimarie. You look great!

I think you have discovered the secret. Being calm has a lot to do with how people look at you. When we are nervous, we tend to glance around a lot, fidget with things, cross our arms, and really look uncomfortable. People notice these things and that attracts their attention.

But if you are calm and confident, you look and act like you belong there and other people assume that you do! I'm not saying that remaining calm and confident is easy. Some people really wrestle with it at first. But each time you have a good experience, confidence builds, which keeps you calm and you want to do it again.

Soon, you go out without even thinking about others and that helps you relax and just focus on what you went out for. Shopping, having a drink at the bar, and later even meeting other people.

I am happy that you had a great experience.

Thanks, Lori Dee!

I realized that a day before I went out when riding on the subway there was a person who, by my judgement, was either trans, non binary or feminine gay and nobody cared. And I thought if they can be themselves, I can too!

Hugs,

Heidemarie

Hello Louis (Lee!)

My name is Sarah B and I would also like to formally Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that Lori also welcomed you to Susan's as well.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us.  It's clear how deeply you have reflected on your experiences and your story resonates with many of us here.  Feeling the weight of dysphoria or navigating relationships you are not alone in them.  Susan's is here to support you as much as possible.

You have taken a brave step by joining us and being open and we hope that through reading and connecting with others you will find the strength and understanding you seek.  This is a space where friendships flourish.  Susan's is glad to have you here and we look forward to sharing your journey together.

Remember that what you write here is a public forum and what you write can be read by anyone and the internet never forgets.

Once you feel comfortable here it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee
@Northern Star Girl
@Louis

  @jerr  @gooseberry

Dear Members:
Everyone here on the Forum are wishing you a very Happy Birthday
                 

Best wishes to you on your "special" day.

Warm Regards,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                           

Hi Lee,

Thank you for that wonderful introduction.

I think you will find that many of us experienced some of the same things as you. The reason we share our stories is to help those who may feel lost and not know where to begin.

As you read the various topics, feel free to add your comments and experiences too.

I look forward to seeing you around the forum.

Lori Dee

Hi to anyone reading.  I joined to read other MTF transgender life experiences for the goal of helping me through these times.  I have desired to be female from as far back as memories take me..I believe around 3-4. Mom would dress me up complete with wig, underwear, clothes, perfume,  painted nails.  My Dad found out and tried to work me into the boy he wanted. By my freshman year I could pick up the front of a Volkswagen. I had formed a persona and continued until I was about 58. I could no longer continue living a lie. I felt like an actor in my own show when someone was around and then would collapse into depression when alone as I was not who I felt. I have been seeking therapy and came out to my wife of 10 yr. She does not accept me as female but we are hanging together until things are worked out. That is a quick summary and hope to hear from more of you as friendships on this site develop.
My screen name I chose is Louis but my given name is Lee which thankfully is gender neutral.

Hugs to all,
Lee

If your thoughts are bothering you change your thoughts. Think about something else. If you are struggling with that, change your activity. Do something else and focus on that and your thoughts will shift to what you are doing. You can also change your environment. Go for a walk. Watch a movie. Play a video game.

I usually go for a walk or talk to a neighbor. That gets me thinking about other things. Before long, I feel better. Sometimes you just need to give yourself a break.

Hang in there. This too shall pass.

Hugs!

Today was a bad day. Depression really has a hold on my right now. That's all.