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Sarah B's Story

Started by Sarah B, January 31, 2024, 06:16:09 AM

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Sarah B

Hi Everyone

This post is a response to the thread titled, How long after starting hormones do MTF people usually present female full time?  In which I provide more detail than the usual, "I changed my life around in Feb 1989 and started HRT in Mar 1989".  So without further delay here is my story surrounding that question.

When considering how long before or after starting hormones MTF (FTM) people usually present as female (male) full time, I reflect on my own experience, which began well before I started HRT.  In Dec 1987 and Dec 1988, I went on holiday for about one week each time, fully presenting as Sarah.  Though these trips were short, they highlight an important point: it was two years before I even started HRT.

During these holidays, I presented as female with no issues or hesitation.  There was no second guessing or analysis.  I simply lived my life as a female, instinctively doing what felt right.  In hindsight, I now realize that subconsciously, I wanted to live as a female.  During that time, I was unknowingly shaping my appearance to align with my identity.  I began visiting a beauty salon, where I regularly had my legs waxed.  When asked why I didn't have hair on my legs, I explained it away by simply saying; "I was a swimmer and less hair meant less drag", which improved my times in the water.

At some point, I also started waxing my face. While I'm not sure exactly when I began, I know it was before Feb 1989. I continued waxing my face after Feb 1989 until I no longer had facial hair. There was a period when I had a moustache, which I removed by December 1987.  I was hiding the truth of who I really was.  While the exact reasons for these actions are now hazy, I believe they were driven by an unconscious desire to be female or when I did think about it, it was a case of I wanted or longed to be a female.  I disliked shaving and of course, women typically don't have facial hair.

I had been growing my hair long since I was 18 and combined with makeup and a change in clothing, I was able to pass easily as female.  These changes, along with the two Christmas holidays, helped solidify my appearance as female.  In Feb 1989, I changed my life around without any trouble or hesitation.  Had I known what was possible from Dec 1987, I might have made this change earlier.  However, I don't think it would have been a good outcome if I did.

However, looking back, I believe Feb 1989 was the right time.  I was able to take long service leave and enjoy a year long break as Sarah, which not only gave me time to embrace this new phase but also provided me with financial security for the year.  When I eventually left my job a year later, I had also claimed 13 weeks of sick leave, securing additional funds and ensuring that I was set up for the future.

So when I arrived in Sydney in February 1989, I was already presenting as female, even before I began HRT. It wasn't until March 1989 that I started hormones.  One more thing before I leave, whether living as a female or taking HRT, I never once again longed or wanted to be a female, why?  I was living my life as a female.

Take care and I hope all your dreams come true.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.

Sarah B

#181
Hi Everyone

Introduction
It has been mentioned in a couple of posts, namely:

Quote from: KathyLauren on December 16, 2024, 06:56:45 PMI think we all, those of us who transition or who consider whether or not to transition, have faced these questions.  I would encourage you not to treat them as rhetorical questions.  Try to actually answer them.  Talk over your answers with your therapists.

Quote from: treeseeds on December 16, 2024, 03:52:57 PMWhat if I'm not transgendered and just have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria?

While some transgender people say they do not experience dysphoria (I'll take their word for it, though I remain skeptical), I have never heard of a diagnosis of gender dysphoria in a person who was not transgender.

and

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 16, 2024, 08:23:51 PMExactly this.
Some transgender people do not have dysphoria, so they may or may not transition.  Dysphoria means this uncomfortable feeling is disrupting your life in some way.  Only transgender people have gender dysphoria, the uncomfortable feeling that their body does not match who they feel they are.

History
I have highlighted the relevant text because I disagree with it.  I have mentioned in several posts on Susan's Place that I never suffered from gender dysphoria.  Even recently, I noted that I never experienced body dysphoria, despite my desire for certain physical changes.  When I expressed this to one of my doctors, she confirmed that I was not alone, noting, "There are others like me."

I never hated my anatomy.  I knew it would be altered surgically in the future, so it never caused me distress.  However, I do recall having thoughts such as "I always wanted" or "I longed to be female." I sometimes joked, "That must be the extent of my dysphoria," even though I never truly felt distressed.

As far as I know, I have never experienced any mental health issues.  During therapy, neither of my psychiatrists questioned my state of mind or inquired why I wanted surgery.  There was nothing particularly noteworthy that came up in those sessions.  In retrospect, I realize I was attending therapy only to meet the mandatory period of living as a female.

To the best of my knowledge, I was never formally diagnosed with gender dysphoria.  Between February 1989 and February 1991, the term "gender dysphoria" was not commonly used [7].

The letters provided to my surgeon referred to me as a "transsexual" or "male to female." These were the terms used by my medical team.  I do not identify as "transgender."  Words with the prefix "trans," including "transgender," were not commonly used where I lived at the time nor were they part of the broader vocabulary [7].

The only term I occasionally use is "transsexual," and I rarely use the term.  I do not accept the various definitions now attributed to 'transgender.' I use "transsexual" for historic accuracy, personal preference and because it resonates with my experience.  It was the term that best described me when I first encountered it [7].  However, I now prefer to describe my situation as a 'medical condition' instead as this feels more accurate to me.

Challenging Traditional Views of Dysphoria
In medical literature there are documented instances of individuals who pursue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and sexual reassignment surgery (SRS), or gender reassignment surgery (GRS), now commonly called gender affirming surgery (GAS), even without experiencing traditional forms of dysphoria [1][5][6].

These individuals do not necessarily experience gender dysphoria or body dysphoria in the traditional sense.  While gender dysphoria has historically been considered a key component in diagnosing individuals seeking medical care, not everyone who seeks gender affirming care (GAC) fits the classic description [2][5][6].

This directly challenges the notion that if you are "transgender," you must have "gender dysphoria."

People Without Gender Dysphoria
Some individuals identify with a gender different from the one assigned at birth but do not experience significant distress or dysphoria typically associated with that identity [1][5][6].  For these individuals, the desire to pursue GAC may come from a need to align their bodies with their gender identity, rather than from correcting a perceived difference [5].

Their motivations are not rooted in dysphoria.  They may simply seek to express their gender identity more clearly, often through physical modifications such as hormone replacement therapy or surgery [3][5][6].
In my case, I did not experience the typical distress associated with gender dysphoria, which often arises from the disparity between one's gender identity and physical body [2].

However, I still recognized a difference between my identity and my body, but I did not feel psychological discomfort.  Instead, I pursued surgery to align my physical appearance with my female gender identity without experiencing the distress that often characterizes gender dysphoria [5][6].

Gender Euphoria
Some individuals experience what is known as gender euphoria: a feeling of comfort, happiness and a sense of rightness when their body and presentation align with their gender identity.  This positive feeling can motivate them to seek GAC even without experiencing the distress commonly associated with dysphoria [4].

Before my surgery, I would lie on my bed, adjust my position to conceal what was between my legs and say to myself, "This feels right." I felt happy and at ease.  Even after surgery, many years later, that feeling remains.  It still brings me joy and contentment [4].

Personal Identity Without Dysphoria
Some people pursue changes to their appearance, presentation, or legal documents not because of dysphoria but simply because it feels right.  They want their external self to match their gender identity.  For some, this may be driven by a desire for social recognition, alignment with established gender roles, or a longing for socially accepted gender expression, all without experiencing psychological distress [3][5][6].

Others may not feel discomfort with their assigned gender but still sense a difference between their social roles and personal identity.  In such cases, gender affirming changes provide authenticity and personal fulfillment, rather than serving as a remedy for distress.  Their decisions are driven by the desire to express themselves honestly, not by a need to resolve discomfort [3][5].

One might wonder how there can be social or psychological pressures if there is no gender dysphoria.  In my experience, when I changed my life around in February 1989,  Within three months, I changed my clothing, applied some makeup, updated my basic documents and returned to work in a different city.  I told no one about what I had done.  By making these changes, I simply reflected my true self, allowing my personality to shine through without any underlying distress [7].

Conclusion
Historically, gender dysphoria was considered the main reason individuals might pursue hormones or surgery, but today's medical care acknowledges a broader range of motivations.  In my case, I did not experience any distress whatsoever.  Instead, I pursued hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgery simply to align my physical characteristics with my gender identity.  It was never about overcoming distress; it was about fulfilling a long-held desire for self-expression and authenticity.

While some people identify as transgender due to psychological conflict or distress, not everyone who seeks gender affirming procedures shares that experience.  Many, like me, may not experience dysphoria at all, yet still feel a strong connection to their gender identity and a desire to express it physically and socially.  This motivation might stem from a personal need for alignment or an aesthetic preference, rather than from discomfort.

Ultimately, gender identity is deeply personal and need not fit into traditional definitions.  Even without dysphoria, individuals can feel connected to their identity and choose to live in a way that reflects who they truly are.  I have chosen the terminology and narrative that best reflect my journey, recognizing that each person's experience is valid.  To me "transgender" is merely a label, akin to name calling and I want no part of it.  It is up to each individual to define themselves and choose the language that most accurately represents their own path.

Bibliography and Comments
[1]  Drescher, J.  (2010).  Clinical issues in gender nonconformity.  Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 14(3), 201–220.  Discusses the evolving understanding of gender identity, including experiences of those who may not meet the strict criteria for gender dysphoria yet still need to live in alignment with a different gender.

[2]  American Psychiatric Association (2013).  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5.  The DSM-5 acknowledges that not everyone who seeks GAC experiences significant distress.  The criteria for gender dysphoria have shifted, recognizing a broader spectrum of gender identities.

[3]  Budge, S.  L., & Howard, K.  A.  S.  (2011).  The role of gender identity in transgender people's psychological well-being: A review of the literature.  Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 1(2), 118–126.  Examines psychological and social factors influencing transgender well-being, including those who seek GAC for identity and self-expression rather than distress.

[4]  Budge, S.  L., Adelson, J.  L., & Howard, K.  A.  S.  (2013).  Anxiety and depression in transgender individuals: The roles of transition status, loss, social support and coping.  Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(3), 545–557.  Examines the concept of gender euphoria and its significance as a motivating factor for some individuals seeking GAC, even without traditional dysphoria.

[5]  Tomboy, S.  (2021).  Exploring non-dysphoric motivations in GAC.  Journal of Gender Studies, 30(2), 225–236.  Highlights that many individuals who do not meet the criteria for gender dysphoria still seek HRT and SRS to align their body and identity or fulfill aesthetic preferences, rather than to correct a difference.

[6]  Kuyper, L., & Wijsen, C.  (2014).  International Journal of ->-bleeped-<-, 15(3), 110–119.  Gender dysphoria and non-dysphoric transgender individuals: The shifting landscape of gender identity.  Explores a spectrum of transgender experiences, including those involving non-dysphoric individuals who pursue medical interventions for reasons unrelated to distress.

[7]  Stryker, S.  (2008).  Transgender history.  Seal Press.  Offers an overview of historical and social contexts of transgender identity and care, including diverse experiences among individuals who may not experience traditional gender dysphoria.  Including when the words 'transgender' and 'gender dysphoria' came into usage.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@KathyLauren @Lori Dee
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.

Lori Dee

You misunderstood what I said:

Some transgender people do not have dysphoria, so they may or may not transition.  Dysphoria means this uncomfortable feeling is disrupting your life in some way.  Only transgender people have gender dysphoria, the uncomfortable feeling that their body does not match who they feel they are.

Those who are cisgender do not experience gender dysphoria. They may experience body dysmorphia and want to lose weight, get breast implants, or a facelift. But their motivation has nothing to do with aligning with a different gender.

To summarize:

You can be transgender and not have gender dysphoria.
If you have gender dysphoria, then by definition, you are transgender.
In either case, you may or may not transition depending on your own circumstances.
My Life is Based on a True Story
Veteran U.S. Army - SSG (Staff Sergeant) - M60A3 Tank Master Gunner
2017 - GD Diagnosis / 2019- 2nd Diagnosis / 2020 - HRT / 2022 - FFS & Legal Name Change
/ 2024 - Voice Training / 2025 - Passport & IDs complete
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davina61

I did not have any dysphoria as such , I just knew I had to be female.
a long time coming (out) HRT 12 2017
GRS 2021 5th Nov

Jill of all trades mistress of non
Know a bit about everything but not enough to be clever

Sarah B

Hi Lori

Thank you for replying to what I wrote and I did consider all the possible scenarios, but I left them out.  I should have included them, anyway I hope the following helps you understand where I'm coming from:

I understand what you wrote in your post, and I see where you are coming from.  It's true that there are several possible scenarios regarding transgender identity and dysphoria:

  • Transgender and experiences gender dysphoria
  • Transgender and does not experience gender dysphoria
  • Not transgender and experiences gender dysphoria
  • Not transgender and does not experience gender dysphoria (This is me)

You were describing scenarios that mostly focus on transgender experiences (1 or 2), which I acknowledge.  However, I want to clarify my own situation.  At the time of my surgery, I did not consciously know I was female, yet I still wanted to be female.  It was not until around 2010, when I joined Susan's Place, that I fully realized I had always been female.  Throughout this process, I never experienced any form of gender dysphoria.

When I underwent surgery, the concept of "transgender" was not widely used.   It only started to gain common usage in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the clinical term "gender dysphoria" did not appear until the DSM-5 (2013).  [1]

My choice to have surgery was not about aligning my gender identity with my body because of distress, but rather about fulfilling a long held desire to live openly as a female.   As Stryker (2008) [1] explains, understandings of gender identity and related terminology have evolved significantly over time, and my experience predates many of these shifts.

While I acknowledge and understand your perspective, it does not fully account for my situation.  I fall into scenario 4.   I am not transgender and did not experience any dysphoria.   Therefore, my experience differs from those typically discussed in relation to transgender individuals or those associated with gender dysphoria. 

Bibliography and Comments
[1]  Stryker, S.   (2008).   Transgender history.   Seal Press.   Offers an overview of historical and social contexts of transgender identity and care, including diverse experiences among individuals who may not experience traditional gender dysphoria.   Including when the words 'transgender' and 'gender dysphoria' came into usage.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.

Sarah B

Hi Davina

You said:

Quote from: davina61 on December 19, 2024, 09:41:13 AMI did not have any dysphoria as such , I just knew I had to be female.

Not to dissimilar to me, no dysphoria and I wanted to be a female.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@davina61
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.

Lori Dee

I understand what you are saying and I acknowledge that many do not experience gender dysphoria.
But #3 above is not possible. You cannot have gender dysphoria and not be transgender.

By definition:

"Gender dysphoria is a condition characterized by a significant and persistent distress or discomfort caused by an incongruence between one's biological sex and their gender identity."

There is no "incongruence" in cisgender people.

"Transgender is an umbrella term that describes people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth."

So yes, you can be transgender and maybe it does not cause you any distress.

But if it does, it is because of the incongruence between assigned sex and gender identity. And then by definition, transgender.

Hugs!  :-*
My Life is Based on a True Story
Veteran U.S. Army - SSG (Staff Sergeant) - M60A3 Tank Master Gunner
2017 - GD Diagnosis / 2019- 2nd Diagnosis / 2020 - HRT / 2022 - FFS & Legal Name Change
/ 2024 - Voice Training / 2025 - Passport & IDs complete
  • skype:.?call
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ChrissyRyan

Sarah,

A very Merry Christmas to you!

Chrissy
Always stay cheerful, be polite, kind, and understanding. Accepting yourself as the woman you are is very liberating.  Never underestimate the appreciation and respect of authenticity.  Help connect a person to someone that may be able to help that person.  Be brave, be strong.  A TRUE friend is a treasure.  Relationships are very important, people are important, and the sooner we all realize that the better off the world will be.  Try a little kindness.  Be generous with your time, energy, wisdom, and resources.   Inconvenience yourself to help someone.   I am a brown eyed, brown haired woman. 

Lori Dee

Merry Christmas, Sister Sis!  :-*
My Life is Based on a True Story
Veteran U.S. Army - SSG (Staff Sergeant) - M60A3 Tank Master Gunner
2017 - GD Diagnosis / 2019- 2nd Diagnosis / 2020 - HRT / 2022 - FFS & Legal Name Change
/ 2024 - Voice Training / 2025 - Passport & IDs complete
  • skype:.?call
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    The following users thanked this post: Sarah B

Sarah B

#189
Hi Everyone

Starting My Journey

The following recap stems from discussions in two different threads.  The first "At what age did you start your gender transition?" can be answered by saying I seriously changed my life around when I was 30.  However it must be noted that I did not 'transition' as the word is understood today. 

The second "Has your transgender desires grown with your age?" is answered simply No.  There were never any desires as I grew older.  It must also be said that I do not consider myself 'transgender' as both of these terms were not in common usage when I changed my life around.


Steps Along the Way

Although 'Starting My Journey' directly addresses those questions the story that follows provides far more than factual answers.  It explores my thoughts, feelings and experiences revealing why I was never troubled by what I was doing and how I approached my life with certainty and clarity.

It was after coming back from boarding school that my thoughts of wanting or longing to become a female really started.  I was able to grow my hair out without having to cut it.  I never questioned why.  I liked having long hair and maybe it was because I was female, though I did not realize that at the time.

I collected female articles over time and naturally I dressed when I could.  Even then I still did not know why and I never questioned what I was doing.  There were never any negative thoughts about those activities.  This was generally what happened between 1977 and 1987.

I do not know exactly when it happened but there was an incident where I was nearly exposed.  My uncle heard about it, approached me and told me to be careful.  This happened before December 1987.  I was going on a holiday at Christmas in December 1987 for about a week to visit my uncle who had moved to Brisbane.  I had not planned the trip but managed to dress as Sarah and drove across the country to see him.  I was scared of being found out.

After a couple of interactions with other people I stopped worrying, although maybe just a little.  I did not know about passing at the time.  I think before I went on holidays my uncle was talking to me and he said; "go and live as a female" or somethings similar.  I know that one of the reasons I changed my life around.  Then again in December 1988, I spent just over a week, just travelling as Sarah, cross country, before seeing my uncle again.  All I thought about during that week was what I could do that day as Sarah.

By February 1989 there was no plan for what Sarah was going to do, such as changing my legal name, starting HRT or getting a job.  Just like the Christmas before Sarah was thinking about what she needed to do that day.

The only important considerations were not about Sarah but about moving four times within six months.  There was the initial week where I stayed when I arrived.  The first apartment only lasted a couple of weeks, maybe only a month.  The next housing lasted at least a couple of months and this is about the time I got a job.

However, the person I was living with was a problem.  This was one of the reasons I did not need help from the community and Sarah was learning to live in the real world.  In other words, I was able to stand on my own two feet finally, so to speak.  Hence the final move to a suburb on the north shore where I just did not associate with the community.

The only other major consideration was that although I had money, I did not see it lasting long.  So I needed to get a job.  I started looking for drafting work, which was my trade at the time.  I spoke to a gentleman, explained that I was changing my life around and told him my referees were in my previous name.  He said not to worry and the next thing I knew I was doing contract work and working as Sarah.  Just writing about it now, I am amazed or stunned about how smoothly my job came about.  There was never any hesitation.  It felt like I was on autopilot and even to this day I wonder how it was possible.


Reflections and Realizations

I have so many questions about why I did not worry or second-guess what I was doing.  There was always something in my thoughts, a whisper or an inkling and I was never bothered by it.  Sometimes those thoughts came to the surface, like wanting to play with the girls or wear the school uniform that they wore.  There were no negative thoughts, no doubts and no fear.  When something needed to be done, I simply did it.  I changed my life in February 1989 without overthinking and once I started living as a female I never felt the need to question it again.

I once heard or read that the aim of changing my life around involved blending in with the rest of society and for some unknown reason this particular piece of information resonated deeply within me.  During this time nothing out of the ordinary occurred.  I was receiving HRT and I had surgery.  I was finally intimate with my first true boyfriend in 1992, which I had been denied all my life up until that point, having not been sexually active before I changed my life around.  I spent the next seven years of my life with him.

In addition to living my life during this period, I was finally able to go to university in 1994, so yeah Sarah was just busy during this period of time and it was not unlike any other female either.  Working, studying, playing, loving and living, what more could I possibly do during those years.  I was happy and content.

It was only years later, after living quietly in the suburbs, that I came across Susan's Place in 2010.  It was then that I finally recognized that I had always been female.  Until that point, I had never thought about it consciously.  Why would I? I was simply living my life as a female without questioning what it meant.  Looking back, I now see that my actions were driven by an unspoken understanding of who I was, even if I did not have the words to explain it at the time.

I never hesitated or worried about what I was doing and looking back I believe it was because I felt deeply aligned with my identity even if I did not consciously realize it at the time.  Everything I did felt natural and necessary, as if it were simply part of who I was.  I acted without doubt or fear, almost as if I had been guided by an internal certainty that I never had to question.

Another reason I never questioned myself could be that I was focused on practical matters, such as where I was going, whether I had enough money and where I was going to live.  I never stopped to analyze my actions because I was too busy taking the steps needed to build my life the way it felt right to me.  I had no negative thoughts or hesitation.  It was as if I had emotional clarity that let me act decisively without overthinking what it all meant at the time.


Looking Back and Moving Forward

My story reflects a life lived with clarity and purpose. From early childhood I had no doubts or hesitations about my identity.  Each step, whether it was growing my hair out, dressing as Sarah, moving, finding work or building a life, was approached with confidence and focus.  Rather than being troubled by emotions or desires, I acted on an inner sense of direction. Changing my life in 1989 was not about following trends or labels but about living naturally as who I always felt I was.

The years that followed brought stability, meaningful relationships and personal growth.  I found happiness and contentment in my work, studies and love life.  It was only in 2010 after coming across Susan's Place that I consciously recognized what had always been true.  Looking back, my actions had always been guided by an unspoken understanding of myself.  My story is one of quiet determination, practical focus and living authentically without overthinking or questioning the path I followed.

Take care and I wish all your dreams come true and have a Happy New Year as well

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
PS  I have made some minor corrections to the story, for clarity and one import fact which got left out accidentally.
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.

ChrissyRyan

Sarah,

Have a nice weekend.

Life is a certainly journey, to use that metaphor.

Chrissy

Always stay cheerful, be polite, kind, and understanding. Accepting yourself as the woman you are is very liberating.  Never underestimate the appreciation and respect of authenticity.  Help connect a person to someone that may be able to help that person.  Be brave, be strong.  A TRUE friend is a treasure.  Relationships are very important, people are important, and the sooner we all realize that the better off the world will be.  Try a little kindness.  Be generous with your time, energy, wisdom, and resources.   Inconvenience yourself to help someone.   I am a brown eyed, brown haired woman. 

Sarah B

#191
Hi Chrissy

You said:

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on December 27, 2024, 06:26:06 PMSarah,

Have a nice weekend.

Life is a certainly journey, to use that metaphor.

Chrissy

It seems with you mentioning it, I looked at my calendar and it said it was Saturday.  I would have missed another day without realizing it.  Thank you for that, because if you had not mentioned it, I may have forgotten about a trip that I have planed for Sunday.  So thank you again for that posting.

Yes, one could say it's a journey, but when I think about what I have done since the beginning.  To me it has just been another day.

You too, have a nice weekend also Chrissy.

Hugs
Sarah B
@ChrissyRyan
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.
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    The following users thanked this post: Lori Dee

ChrissyRyan

Quote from: Sarah B on December 27, 2024, 06:45:14 PMHi Chrissy

You said:

I seems with you mentioning it, I looked at my calendar and it said it was Saturday.  I would have missed another day without realizing it.  Thank you for that, because if you had not mentioned it, I may have forgotten about a trip that I have planed for Sunday.  So thank you again for that posting.

Yes, one could say it's a journey, but when I think about what I have done since the beginning.  To me it has just been another day.

You too, have a nice weekend also Chrissy.

Hugs
Sarah B
@ChrissyRyan

Sarah,

I do hope you enjoy your planned outing on Sunday.

I will be spending time with my sweetie this evening.  We have been discussing an important matter.  I should clarify that by saying that it has not been fully resolved to mutual satisfaction but I think we are going to.  At least, I hope so, soon. 

Chrissy
Always stay cheerful, be polite, kind, and understanding. Accepting yourself as the woman you are is very liberating.  Never underestimate the appreciation and respect of authenticity.  Help connect a person to someone that may be able to help that person.  Be brave, be strong.  A TRUE friend is a treasure.  Relationships are very important, people are important, and the sooner we all realize that the better off the world will be.  Try a little kindness.  Be generous with your time, energy, wisdom, and resources.   Inconvenience yourself to help someone.   I am a brown eyed, brown haired woman. 

Sarah B

Hi Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on December 27, 2024, 07:20:58 PMSarah,

I do hope you enjoy your planned outing on Sunday.

I will be spending time with my sweetie this evening.  We have been discussing an important matter.  I should clarify that by saying that it has not been fully resolved to mutual satisfaction but I think we are going to.  At least, I hope so, soon. 

Chrissy

Yes, I will!  I hope the 'important matter' is resolved.  But no matter what I will support you 110%

Hugs always
Sarah B
@ChrissyRyan
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.
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    The following users thanked this post: Lori Dee

Sephirah

Not gonna lie, I'm massively in love with your hair. <3
Natura nihil frustra facit.

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." ~ Buddha.

If you're dealing with self esteem issues, maybe click here. There may be something you find useful. :)
Above all... remember: you are beautiful, you are valuable, and you have a shining spark of magnificence within you. Don't let anyone take that from you. Embrace who you are. <3

Sarah B

#195
Hi Everyone

Sephirah you said:

Quote from: Sephirah on December 28, 2024, 06:14:38 PMNot gonna lie, I'm massively in love with your hair. <3

Well you can play with my hair, like Plaiting, French Twist, Simple Pony Tail, Classic Bun (my mum liked this), Half up Half Down, French Braid (this one too), Messy Bun or Just let it hang out.

I enjoyed doing my mums hair, when she was not able to do it.  She had much longer hair than I did and in the morning I would comb it, plait it and then put it into a bun if she so wished.  I then said good morning to her, then kissed her on the cheek, when I had finished doing her hair.  I miss her so much, sob.

Chrissy, do I play with my hair or what?  Yes, it's always up or down constantly and pushing loose strands behind my ears.

I love my hair too!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah @ChrissyRyan
Be who you want to be.
Sarah's Story
Feb 1989 Living my life as Sarah.
Feb 1989 Legally changed my name.
Mar 1989 Started hormones.
May 1990 Three surgery letters.
Feb 1991 Surgery.
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ChrissyRyan

Chrissy, do I play with my hair or what?  Yes, it's always up or down constantly and pushing loose strands behind my ears.


Sounds like this may be fidgeting, simply getting your hair out of the way, or maybe playing.

Personally, I like it sometimes more when someone else plays with my hair or nuzzles it than me playing with it, but I do play with it from time to time.  When I notice that I am doing that more than usual, sometimes I make a mention of that in my "Do you play with your hair" thread.

It is not something I analyze though!

Chrissy
Always stay cheerful, be polite, kind, and understanding. Accepting yourself as the woman you are is very liberating.  Never underestimate the appreciation and respect of authenticity.  Help connect a person to someone that may be able to help that person.  Be brave, be strong.  A TRUE friend is a treasure.  Relationships are very important, people are important, and the sooner we all realize that the better off the world will be.  Try a little kindness.  Be generous with your time, energy, wisdom, and resources.   Inconvenience yourself to help someone.   I am a brown eyed, brown haired woman. 
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davina61

Happy New Year dear, by the time you read this it will be as your in the future!
a long time coming (out) HRT 12 2017
GRS 2021 5th Nov

Jill of all trades mistress of non
Know a bit about everything but not enough to be clever
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ChrissyRyan

It is the new year already in some parts of the world, wow.

Happy new year!


Chrissy

Always stay cheerful, be polite, kind, and understanding. Accepting yourself as the woman you are is very liberating.  Never underestimate the appreciation and respect of authenticity.  Help connect a person to someone that may be able to help that person.  Be brave, be strong.  A TRUE friend is a treasure.  Relationships are very important, people are important, and the sooner we all realize that the better off the world will be.  Try a little kindness.  Be generous with your time, energy, wisdom, and resources.   Inconvenience yourself to help someone.   I am a brown eyed, brown haired woman. 

Sephirah

Quote from: Sarah B on December 30, 2024, 09:37:32 AMHi Everyone

Sephirah you said:

Well you can play with my hair, like Plaiting, French Twist, Simple Pony Tail, Classic Bun (my mum liked this), Half up Half Down, French Braid (this one too), Messy Bun or Just let it hang out.

I enjoyed doing my mums hair, when she was not able to do it.  She had much longer hair than I did and in the morning I would comb it, plait it and then put it into a bun if she so wished.  I then said good morning to her, then kissed her on the cheek, when I had finished doing her hair.  I miss her so much, sob.

Chrissy, do I play with my hair or what?  Yes, it's always up or down constantly and pushing loose strands behind my ears.

I love my hair too!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah @ChrissyRyan

Yeah I would totally play with your hair. :P <3 You'd have pigtails before you could say "WTF are you doing, girl!?" Hugely anime pigtails. ;D

Mine is down to my... ahem... posterior? Yeah that's the ladylike word for it. Takes me a good 45 minutes to apply all the "Stuff" to it, and get it just so. But it's like my one crowning achievement, so it's worth it! :P That and pink hair dye, lol.
Natura nihil frustra facit.

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." ~ Buddha.

If you're dealing with self esteem issues, maybe click here. There may be something you find useful. :)
Above all... remember: you are beautiful, you are valuable, and you have a shining spark of magnificence within you. Don't let anyone take that from you. Embrace who you are. <3