Lydia's first outing!!

[Lydia]

Hi all,

After many years of private dressing, I finally came out and exhibited myself as Lydia in public. Paula (my SO and love of my life) and I took a trip over to the Florida east coast, to Ft. Lauderdale. The primary purpose was to visit some of Paula’s relatives, but also to just get away from routine. We stayed at a good Sheraton for three days, and went to dinner in the hotel once. That’s when I decided, with Paula’s encouragement, to dress for dinner. I spent well over an hour getting appropriately dressed and made up. Since we drove over from Sarasota, I was able to pack a separate suitcase with all the materials needed to create Lydia. Paula gave me the once over and allowed as how I should pass easily. Make up and clothes were conservative, yet clearly feminine, and all was geared not to attract attention.

This was a Sunday night, and the dining room was sparsely populated. In any case, no one took the slightest notice of these two ladies. We had two pleasant, attentive waiters who referred to us as “ladies”. I tried to modulate my voice up a notch - actually about an interval of a fourth, moving me from a low tenor to a modest alto range. Also, I spoke softly and little. And smiled a lot. No sign of anything out of the ordinary from the servers.

My feelings during all this were of quiet elation. The preliminary heart pounding took place while I was getting dressed. Once we came out, I was cool as the proverbial cucumber.

A sequel to this came the next morning at breakfast, with me in male mode. The servers were the same two guys who attended to us last night !! We chatted and exchanged greetings, and they gave absolutely no sign that they recognized me as the other lady at dinner. I have no idea if they did or not. Paula thought it was amusing, and I came to the conclusion that it really didn’t matter. Suffice it that I was treated as a lady, and I got some inkling as to what it must feel like to BE a lady.

Would I ever do this again? YOU BET YOUR BIPPY!! Although we agreed that time and place should be carefully selected - certainly not local - too many people in town know us.

So, sisters, all you have said about coming “out” is true. I’ve been receiving a good deal of encouragement in the chatroom, and I thank all my friends there in particular. Thanks for letting me bore you with the details.

As soon as I get a chance I’ll post a picture or two.

Love and Hugs to all,

Lydia

[Amanda Barber]

I'm glad it went so well for you. I remember how scary that first time was, also what a relief it was to finally just be me.

So when is the next time out?

[SilverLady(SO)]

Congratulations, Lydia!!

Like Virginia and I have always said, dress and act appropriately, smile, and have the attitude that you *belong* there, and you'll be treated like the lady you are! I'm looking forward to seeing your photos!

Go Forth Woman, and BE!!!



- SL

[KimberlyS]

Wahooooo, and congratulations. I look forward to more details.

KimberlyS-CD

[Carolynn]

Hi Lydia!!! I am so pleased you enjoyed yourself, and that all went well. You have a peach of a spouse, ya' know??

Love, Carolynn

[DonnaT]

Very cool Lydia, congratulations on the first of many successful outings.

[Jess(SO)]

Lydia,

rarely ow so rarely do I say this but

Way to go girl, am soooo pleased that you have finally had the courage to go out dressed and had a great time

[Carol Ann]

Lydia,
Good for you and I am so proud of you. I'll never forget my first time out, I believe the wife was more scared then I was. You will be on cloud 9 for a while.
I am so happy your wife said do it she must truly love you

[Lydia]

Thanks sisters for all your lovely comments.

This was a thrill of a lifetime - but will not be the last.

I just posted a couple of photos so you can see how I was dressed.

Hugs,

Lydia

[JoAnnDallas]

Lydia.....Congrads on your outing. I have been going out en fem for 2 years now, but it was only recently that I went out solo among others and had no one point at me or anything. In the past, I either did the car thing or was with other CDer's. Then one night I went and filled up the SUV at my favorite Shell station and when I was finished, I decided to go into the station store and buy a bottle of water. I went in, paid for the water, and walked out with a few "Maam's". I was dressed for my age and acted like I do this everyday. Over the next two days, I did the same thing at two different convience stores. Again no reactions. In one store I had to stand in line, so I was inchs from other people and no one paid any attention to me. Just another middle age woman. LOL Then a few days later, I went to a Payless Shoe store en fem, miggled with other customers, had to use my fem voice a few times, tried on shoes, bought a pair, and again no response other than what a middle age woman would get. I now fully believe that as long as you don't attract attention and you act like you do this everyday, that 90% of the time you will pass or people will not pay much attention to you.

[Estefania]

Congratulations Lydia. You were looking lovely, and I'm glad you had a good time!

Gaby

[DeeDee]

Hi Lydia
You looked lovely and I'm so happy you had a chance to be yourself. The funniest thing is (if this was last Saturday), I was out and about in Ft Lauderdale also. It was my triess meeting night and probably the best I've attended, since I had a friend take me. If you're ever over here again and maybe the two of you would like to attend one of our meetings, just let me know. There are some wonderful girls and SOs there. But, congrats on what was surely a wonderful night for you!!!!!!
hugs
DeeDee

[Lori]

Lydia

Way to go.....may there be many more natrual highs for you

Hugs

Lori

[Carla L]

Awesome! Isn't it the greatest feeling? We are all proud of you.

[Sylvia H]

Congrats Lydia!!!!!
A sense of freedom like nothing else.

xoxo
Sylvia