It's not to brag, but just to share a new milestone! Trannyweb provides just the right venue for talking about things like this.
I have been a CD for many years, and in recent years have gone out more and more. My ventures out have most often been just to the grocery, service station, casino, and similar "anonymous" venues, but occasionally I have also shopped at clothing stores that require asking for help when trying things on, or going to church, which requires singing along with the group and minimal interaction with others. I have been happy with my acceptance as a woman, and have been blind to any "odd looks" that I might get now and then.
Last night was a biggie, though! Getting home from work, I found that everyone in the family had gone out for the evening, so I had a whole period of 6-midnight to myself. I showered, shaved, and did myself up as best I could as quickly as I could, putting on a sleeveless short formal dress I had never worn in public before, as well as a pair of matching sequined pumps. I drove to the next town, where I heard of a tango dance session preceded by lessons. I was unable to get there in time for the lessons, but did get there just in time for the regular music and dancing. Not surprisingly, as a stranger, and in a place where women outnumbered men by about 6 to 1, I did not get to dance very much. But I did find myself seated at a table with several other "wallflower" women, and wound up getting acquainted with them.
Not only did I pass, but I spent two hours in conversation with two of the women there, who were especially friendly. When I mentioned that I had not been dancing very much in the last 30 years, they both looked up in shock, and said, "How many years?" I said, "Thirty... I am almost 60, after all..." Again, they both looked absolutely shocked, and said, "What's your secret?" One of them was 52, the other was 65, and they both thought I was much younger than I am. I have been invited to go back to the dance again, and several of the ladies have said that they hope to see me again.
I think after all these years, my feminine side has finally come into her own!


Karin

Isn't it wonderful Karin? Just to be yourself completely and to be accepted into the fold. It sounds as though you had a great time and I have no doubt that you will be back there soon. It's always nice to strike up new friendships and new experiences so good for you!

Nikki

Dear Karin

At the risk of sounding conceded I wonder how many times you have met wonderful lady friends who when they first saw you were blown away with how gorgeous you looked as a woman.  The other day I met a woman who was very nice but was not the best looking woman I had ever seen.  I told her about my self being trans and She thought that it was cool.  The next day I dressed up for her as she was coming over to see me.  when she did see me dressed she was very surprised and carried on about how darling I looked dressed up not only about my looks but my outfit as well.  I do have nice things.  I must have taken her by surprised as I think she didn't expect me to look very good dressed up.  She kept going on and on about how good I look.   The odd thing is I don't think she wants to be seen with me as I think it makes her look bad.  I don't know how to dress my self down to fit in with her.  The interesting thing is that this has happened way to often, including with my sister who is shorter than I and very heavy.  This happens a lot to me  and the comment that I most receive is "I don't know how to compete with you"  I have struggled to figure out what exactly that means.  Like many other women my sister doesn't want to go out with me even to the grocery store or the mall.  I really don't know if it's because I look good or it's for another reason.  It's very hard to find a nice woman to just be friends with who is OK to be seen with a trans person even if the average person can't tell I'm trans.  Please ladies, I hope you can give me some insight as this is really starting to be a problem for me.  I don't quite know how to deal with this.  I even get hit on a lot and every time it scares the hell out of me and I don't know how to deal with this either.

Please help with you ideas,

Love always,

Shirley