Alright, Ive been away because... well, I feel bad admitting this but I dont feel I need online support, things have been going great. I figure I can give back a little by sharing how Ive been for a bit of good news.
I went full-time about a month ago. The last place I had been presenting male was at work, and I transitioned there. It went more smoothly than I could have ever hoped for, though they still slip with the name a bit more often than Im comfortable (which doesnt freak me out until they do it in public which has happened several times)... I pass well. Much better than I ever expected after 6 months hrt, and have noticed only one person that I thought clocked me (even that was like 3 months ago). When I gave my male name to a new dentist, I was admittedly scared to go in as I normally dressed, so I went in wearing male clothes (albeit still had my subtle work makeup on), and was still gendered female despite the male clothing and male name (didnt explain anything about my gender to them and they had never met me...) I have been misgendered only once since going full time, by a solicitor while I was home in old grungy baggy clothes (wear my male clothes as pajamas) with hair disheveled, no makeup, no shave (was home all day), and through a screen when it was dark.... So, given all the factors, not concerned about passing anymore and am settling into my new routine unfettered by dysphoria and constant fear of being read. Things are becoming what I assume to be "normal". I am really enjoying life, with the exception of a major issues, family and ex-wife being primary. I am now struggling with issues like, how to find intimacy as an asexual and fairly minor (at this point, but growing) dysphoria at the state of my nether region.
For now, thankfully, I have had 0 problem assimilating into womanhood. All this after 6 months on hrt, one partial face laser treatment, and no surgery. Im lucky, and Im grateful and happy, and am glad you guys where there for me at the start. I had no idea how I could ever get here, but it turned out to be completely natural and doable. Im hesitant to say easy because a lot of it was hard, but certainly far from the impossibility I always assumed it to be.
Good stories are always appreciated. Other people need to see that it can be done.
My own transition has been bumpier than I'd have preferred, for a variety of reasons, but it's proceeding.
I'm pleased for you Ashrock! I had thought that you wouldn't have any problems transitioning when you first showed yourself here, thanks for the positive update, it will be so encouraging to others. Don't remain too scarce around these parts, I think you will have much more to share as time goes on because transition is an ongoing process beyond the acceptance of others.
Always great to hear positive stories, I'm very happy to hear things are going so well for you. People on the site do benefit from hearing positive experiences so even though you may not feel you need support there are plenty who, for whatever reason, do so please consider dropping by when you can to share and offer advice. :)