Laurie, I think I understand your situation. I was a bit like this a year ago, and improvement was pretty slow over several months, alas. It is only recently, the past month or so, that I can see myself in a mirror as a woman, no more 'dude in a dress' whispers from the reptilian hindbrain where my self-image seems to live. My understanding is that the self-image lags well behind our presentation, and the constant mismatches can deepen depression and discomfort with ourselves.
I don't quite know if this is in play with you, but it definitely bit me and I thought I'd offer that.
Your pics look really good, fully femme. That hair, and that dress! Oh, wow. You're doing really well.
I know that when what others say doesn't match that stale self-image, that we discount the others and unfortunately have internalized that stale self-image. It just takes time...
You're going to do so well. You really are. Just hang in there, and let time (and HRT) do it's magic as you heal and grow into yourself. I have confidence in you.
With love and respect,
Michelle P
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk