Somewhat funny story, I met this girl online and I kind of tell her alot of things she is my unofficial adopted older sister. Anyways, I told her I started concidering shaving.(I've never been happy with facial hair, leg hair and so on...just be so happy with the hair on my head and my eye brows.) So, she tells me go for it. So, I'm thinking this will be a quick and simple task. I ask her questions to figure the how to shave thing since, I've only shaved once in my life with a razor(electric shaver for one christmas, other than that I was clueless and slight fear of things that are sharp. <.<
     I'm thinking, ok, just need shaving cream and razors. She points out that razors made for males and shaving cream as well is different that female razors and shaving gel. I think, how am I going to get ahold of this stuff. People will give me odd looks of I purchase it. She encourages me a little more, well made a attempt to do it, but I made up some excuse...
      Few days later she thinks up an idea, just go in and do some normal shopping. Add those things to cart so people will think you're just buying for a gf/wife. I like that idea, still somewhat nervous. About three days after the idea, I finally build up enough courage to go in and get it.
      I get into the store and grab a basket then walk around the store picking up items I needed then headed over to the area with shaving items. I get nervous, looking around to see if anyone was giving me looks then grab a set of razors and shaving gel that catch my eye and quicky more on, out of the area.
I slowly approach the check out, hoping that no on I know is checking out or sees me checking out making the purchase. I find line, then wait in the line slowly inching up whe I could. The closer I get, the faster my heart beats. Eventually, its my turn to check out. I quicky remove my items so that she can ring them and get them into the bags. She grabs the can of cucumber melon shaving gel and razors.
She scans them, then places them into the bag without a look or anything. I felt like a dork, whole time I sat thinking somehing was going to happen, but it didn't. The cashier didn't even realy care. I pay for my items and head home, placing the gel and razors into my coat to keep them hidden. (Nosy family, I can't bring home anything without someone not going through my bags)
      I make it home to find out, no one was around so I rush to get started shaving. I had the most interesting time trying to find the best way to shave the back of my legs comfortably. Which, afterwards I had to ask my friends for tips. I was so excited after shaving, my legs where so smooth. Shame hair grows fast and will be fun keeping this hidden too. Might have to go for waxing. O.o!   

After a couple months, you may want to eventually find the courage to wear shorts again (assuming you normally want to).  You'd be surprised how few people notice or can put their finger on what's different.

Your story has brought a smile to my face. I have to admit the first time you make a purchase like that, it can be very stressful. You'll find though that its going to be a breeze from now on though. I buy all manner of personal items and clothing now and then and I rarely get even a look. Sometimes its for my wife and sometimes its for me. Good luck with your further attempts.

Oh and that first time you shave your legs, magical.
Keep it up, you'll love the results.

Marq and Mia

Personally, I've found it well worth it to use an electric shaver. Maybe it's just because my body hair is relatively sparse (three guesses where my 20 strands of chest hair are) but it does a great job. And I don't have to worry about the mess, just the noise.

Off-topic but what the heck. I don't shave my chest because it HURTS!!! when you nick them. Even the pope would be tempted to drop the F-bomb. (Keep your thoughts above the navel, folks.)

Hey Shinobu...

Amazing how we get all excited...preparing for the worst...and not only does the worst not happen, nobody even notices at all!!  You think this was bad...wait until you buy your first bra (in person, not online).  I've gotten so that it doesn't bother me much to buy everything from nail polish to jewelry to clothes, but there is still a little twinge when buying bras and panties...especially when I am shopping while wearing a little too obvious nail polish or my mascara is on a little thick.  I also get a little skittish when browsing the bra section looking for that perfect one for me or trying on shoes in the ladies' aisle.

So far, other than an occassional comment from groups of teenage boys, nothing bad has happened.  I tend to use women cashiers when I check out.  Several of them have noticed (how could they not) that I had polished nails, ladies's jewelry and eye makeup, but none of them have ever said anything, and a few have even smiled at me as if to say they approve of how I look...even when I am wearing a beard!

As far as shaving...my only comment is "be careful...it is addicting".  I went from shaving my legs to trimming the hair on my arms to shaving my arms to shaving my chest.  Got tired of the constant shaving as the hair grows out way too fast to shave that much every day.  After hemming and hawing about it, I bought an epliator and started using it.  OUCH!  Started with my legs (not too bad until you get closer to the top) and part of my tummy area.  That was all I could handle (and them some) for the first time...second time, expanded a little more on my chest and did my arms.  Maybe after another 4 or 5 times, I might get the rest of me done (except for some very tender areas).  I will say it has been very nice to have hairless legs and arms for a whole week without having to shave every day or two.

And Casey...20 hairs on your chest???  Must be nice...I have 20 hairs per square inch on mine and yes, it hurts all day when you nick those "pointers" on your chest and no matter how you adjust your shirt/blouse it just seems to keep rubbing in exactly the wrong place.

......Laurie

You know, until I started being OK being an androgyne it really bothered me that I really didn't have chest hair. Now it's great though. One less place to shave.

Of course, it doesn't help that I've got like 13 hairs on one side and 7 on the other. I'm not going to actually count them, of course, but the difference is noticable. "We used a razor on this side and Super Hair Be Gone on the other side. And six weeks later the Super Hair Be Gone side has less hair growth."

OK, back on target. I've never had much hair on my arms or legs anyway (should I just stop while I'm behind?) but nobody noticed that I had shaved. Or maybe they did, but nobody said anything. It just seems so right to have smooth arms and legs. Plus it just looks right somehow. I don't know if I can describe it well, but it's kind of like gee, that's how they're SUPPOSED to look. Silly me, keeping all that hair on there all that time. All (yes, I know, shut up Casey) that hair used to bother/bug me but it was one of those things you were just supposed to ignore. Has anyone else found themselves, so to speak, "under" all that hair?

Quote from: LaurieO on February 13, 2007, 11:35:38 PM
Hey Shinobu...

Amazing how we get all excited...preparing for the worst...and not only does the worst not happen, nobody even notices at all!!  You think this was bad...wait until you buy your first bra (in person, not online).
......Laurie

I'm not androgyne , but this is something that makes me smile too.  I used to think people were EVERYWHERE, watching my every move, and trying to figure out just how to buy these things without getting busted.
Before long, most of us get used to shopping, and eventually find it lots of fun.  I dare any clerk to question me, or even give me a funny look!  Now, if you're afraid of bumping into someone you know, then don't shop close to home.

The shaving thing has become a breeze now that my mtf hrt has been 2 + years.  I can't grow a hair on most places I used to need a hedge trimmer!  The wonders of spironolactone