"Out" to the neighbors

[Lydia]

Hi all,

I have finally come “out” to some of my neighbors, and I am absolutely ecstatic about the reception I received.

I live in an apartment condo, and I have a nodding acquaintance with my neighbors - and a few with whom I have developed a friendship. I have to be cautious locally, since I am fairly well known personally and professionally in town. So far only my SO (Paula) has been my only confidant, and she is completely accepting and cooperative. She buys me pretties and I am usually en femme at her home.

Among my neighboring friends are two widow ladies, both close to my age group. One day, they were to come over to discuss some condo business (I am secretary of our local condo association). On the spur of the moment I decided I’d greet them fully dressed: wig, makeup, etc. At first they expressed surprise, then showered me with compliments on clothes and general appearance. One said to me: “ You are a beautiful woman !”. Needless to say, I was almost in tears with delight.

Since that initial meeting, one or both have been visiting, and when the three of us get together we chatter and gossip like any three girls would. One occasions, Paula joins, and we become a foursome. I suspect that the next step will be going out together. It really feels great to be "one of the girls."

About my other neighbors? Some are obviously too conservative, and some are temporary visitors - snowbirds we call them.

I am an old geezer, and I just wanted to pass along my happy state in my “golden years”. Sometimes acceptance comes from unexpected directions, and may all my sisters here have similar experiences.

Hugs and Love to All

Lydia

[KimberlyS]

wonderful Lydia.

[Susan]

Lydia

I am so glad for you,

Its wonderful to hear such a positive story

Regards

Susan

[Jeannie]

Hi Lydia
You might be an old Geezer but you're still a hotty with style. Hugs Lydia.

Love
Jeannie

[DeniseL]

That is wonderful Lydia, that you had such a great reception from your nighbours

I too know the feeling about being careful in your home area, knowing too many people. It is the same here, as i have lived in this area for most of my life.

Keep up the good work, and as the tortise and haire race proved,
Slow and steady wins the race

Denise

[Anita]

That is so nice, Lydia. Coming out to women means an opportunity for friendship, too, in this case.

[DonnaT]

Wow. You took a chance, and I'm glad it has worked out wonderfully for you. Congratulations.

[CharLee]

Isn't a woderful feeling and a load off your shoulders to be able to be yourself with others and not have to change clothes or hide. I have that kind of relationship with our daughter and her friends, they accept me either way I choose to dress. They also say they like me better as CharLee than my normal self. enjoy your freedom.

CharLee

[Carla L]

Congrats Lydia!

I have gone to the mailbox on several occasions, but so far no one has been outsite (neighbors), not to say they haven't seen me.

One of my neighbors knows, at least I think they do. A few weeks back I was walking to the back yard, the girl next door was on her back porch. I know she saw me, but has yet has not said anything.

Glad it all worked out for you.

[CJ]

Hi all,

That's great, Lydia. Bravo!

I can just picture you in that foursome, sitting around a card table, playing bridge, chattering away over a fresh pot of tea while Ol' Blue Eyes softly croons on the radio.

Ain't life grand?

Have fun, Miz Secretary of your local condo association!

Love,
CJ

[Caith]

HOORAY!!!

[Kimberly Kael]

I have finally come “out” to some of my neighbors, and I am absolutely ecstatic about the reception I received.

That really is wonderful news. Congratulations, Lydia!

I just wanted to pass along my happy state in my “golden years”.

It sounds like you've taken some wonderful first steps in that direction, so here's hoping for more of the same. Contrary to the obvious assumption that the older generations are more likely to be conservative I've found a surprising level of acceptance among the older crowd. While I have limited experience with younger generations I've been pleasantly surprised there, too, for people in their late twenties and thirties. The real problem age groups seem to be teens to early twenties who are still insecure about their own identity, and forty to sixty where people are solidly invested in a career and are concerned about appearances.

I'd be curious whether others have had similar or contrasting experiences.

[Stephanie W]

Isn't it wonderful how one little thing can make such a positive impact on our lives? Congratulations Lydia on your new circle of girlfriends.

Stephanie

[Kendra Lynn]

Dear Lydia: That's great!!
Have fun with your new friends!!
Peace-- Kendra Lynn ("hippie cheerleader").

[Stephanie H]

Dear Lydia:
Having someone to chat with is always enjoyable and enlightning. Have fun.