Secrets Of The Women's Restroom

[Carolyn Marie]

Wow, this is my very first thread in this forum. Yay!

Yesterday was my first day of RLE. I was very nervous, but I knew it wouldn't be too busy at the office, being Friday. I dressed casual: jeans, a western style tunic with a self-belt, and tennis shoes.

Yes, I did discover the secrets of the women's restroom. Men, you can't read this part. It was cleaner, smelled nicer (someone put potpourri in there), there was a vanity with a big mirror, a full length mirror on the opposite wall, and even hand lotion and face cream. Oh, and the very best part? There wasn't a urinal in sight!! There were rumors among the men that there was a sofa in there, too, but that turned out to be untrue.

It was a magical day. Most of the staff I met greeted me warmly; many complimented me on my outfit, makeup, and wig (it was a big hit). Several women hugged me and held hands. Men smiled and shook my hand and acted like true gentlemen. I honestly believe I surprised many folks. I think they had been unsure if I could pull this off, that I would somehow look weird or fit their idea of a "man in a dress." I think they were surprised at how natural I appeared. I had several say I looked like a different person, which to me is a high compliment. There were even three who walked passed me and really didn't seem to recognize me at all.

It was not perfect, though. How could it be? One long time female colleague, who has avoided speaking to me since my coming-out, did her utmost to avoid me all day, even though she works in the same area. I heard from others that she is very troubled by the whole thing, and doesn't know what to say or how to act, or if she can bring herself to use my new name. That's all right, I understand and will not force the issue. It takes longer for some. I have heard of a few others with similar concerns. It's not an easy thing for many people, and I will do my best to be patient.

All in all, though, I felt like I was living in a Fairy Tale. I will take those memories to the bank, and lock them away for safe keeping. I'll take them out whenever things look down, and relive that first day as me.

Love

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Roxanna L]

Congratulations, Carolyn!

I'm so glad things went so well for you, today. And I hope things will only keep getting better, with time.

And you're absolutely right, these memories should be cherished for ever.

Hugs,

Anna

[JJ]

What my future holds nothing but smelly bathrooms and urinals from now on?!! No potpourri even?!! Shucks.

Seriously Carolyn I grin ear to ear every time I read one of your posts lately and feel so happy for you! I suspect in time your colleagues who are struggling will see the Carolyn everybody else has embraced and forget they ever felt any other way. That brilliant smile and the cute twinkle in your eye will prove irresistible.

May these days of sweet joy stay with you forever and be just the beginning of a life better than you ever imagined.

Love & Hugs

John

[Guest Karen K]

Hurray for Carolyn!

Congratulations, I am envious and pleased at the same time. I am sometime away from my RLT, so I can't imagine what that will be like. Keep us informed.

Hugs,

Laura Jane

[Guest Miss_Construe]

Congratulations!!

[Guest sarah f]

Congrats on your first day of work as yourself Carolyn. I am happy it went well for you. Like you said, you can't make others understand but you can continue to just be yourself and hopefully they will come around soon. I hope it continues to go well for you. It will be second nature very soon for you.

[Guest Risu]

How exciting! I am glad everything went smoothly and you took away mostly positive memories from your first day at work as yourself. I hope you have many more wonderful days like this.

[Guest John Chiv]

Carolyn,

So very happy for you. Glad your day went so well.

Me, prefer the men's, urinals and all,because that is where I am supposed to be. So far the ones I have been too are clean LOL

John

[Guest CariadsCarrot]

Awesome Carolyn, I'm glad it went well. I hope the remaning few people eventually get to know this 'scary new you' and find out it's all the best bits of what they knew before but freed to shine. It would be a shame if their fears got in the way of the chance to know the real you not being squashed into the wrong role in the world.

Wow I've never seen any of those things in the women's bathrooms. I'm obviously hanging out in the wrong places! lol

Gabe

[Guest jamiejcmo]

Congrats Carolyn! You are totally there now. Everyday just gets better from here. OMG you are so right about the restrooms, even the public ones are cleaner and nicer. I do not miss that gosh awful smell of the men's room!

I have a couple of those people at work also.... Avoid looking at me, will not talk to me or even acknowledge me. The best part of it is that others are starting to accept my changes after a couple of years now and the ones who have a problem with it are the minority now. Again I'm so happy for you!

Jamie

[Guest JaniceW]

Look out world Carolyn is here for good!

I am excited and happy for you, but I am even happier for your co-workers who now get the great honor of being in the company of a beautiful and charming woman.

[Guest Roux]

Reading this made my day! Congrats =D

[Guest DawnK]

I've always heard that women travel to the rest room in pairs so one can 'guard the Hair Secret' while the other uses the facility. Two questions, do women travel in pairs and what the heck is 'the Hair Secret"???

[Cyndee]

Awesome Carolyn ! Your smile and patience will warm over the hold outs in time. So very happy for you.

Best wishes

Cynthia

[Guest angie]

I thoroughly loved my first trip into the ladies room,

the cleanliness,the nice smell,and wonder of wonders...

as You said,a wonderfully scented liquid soap and hand lotion.

I thought to myself,"I will get used to this kind of treatment."

Been into the big hotels on the top floor for a banquet and

there the ladies room had fresh cut flowers,love seats,and free

perfume to freshen up.(now that was a nice touch)

Good on you Carolyn.It sounds like your first day of RLE/RLT

a big hit with you.Congratulations Sugarbear...

Angie

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Welcome to the other side. It has been a long strange trip for you, I am sure. You are now home at last.

Lizzy

[Guest Mia J]

Carolyn,

Yes! No wet puddles under urinals.......

The other day my spouse and I went to the movies. I went to the ladies before the movie and while I was sitting there I suddenly heard several male voices come in. At first I thought I had gone in the wrong one and wondered just what the heck I was going to do. Then, after listening I realized they were trying to help a little girl with a cut hand. After I finished I opened the stall door and went out to find several paramedics and theater manager at the sinks. I simply washed my hands and left along with several other ladies who all seemed to take it in stride.

Mia

[Guest erinanita]

Carolyn,

This is a bit late maybe, but congratulations on graduating to the ladies room. I fully agree that ladies rooms are so much more pleasant, fresh smelling and sometimes just cleaner. What I found in the early days was that women were much less judgmental too. As I began to appear more feminine, even though I still identified as male, I was severely chastised for using the mens washroom, even at work. I guess I just passed a long time before I actually felt it. But still there are those who won't address me by my female name. Oh, well.

Your first day is a huge step. Glad it went well for you.

Thtufus

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

I've never been to a ladies room that had hand lotion available.

I think I need to use the loo in more classy joints. Though I have heard of ladies rooms in some of the finer hotels have 2 rooms. The first one has a couch and I think a mirror on the other side and then the other room has all the needed facilities. Maybe to make waiting for an open stall more tolerable? I can't imagine one would just hang out and talk there.

[Guest Mia J]

Though I have heard of ladies rooms in some of the finer hotels have 2 rooms. The first one has a couch and I think a mirror on the other side and then the other room has all the needed facilities. Maybe to make waiting for an open stall more tolerable? I can't imagine one would just hang out and talk there.

This was very common from the 30s through the mid 60s. Especially at places like theaters, nightclubs, and restaurants. They were called lounges and gave ladies a chance to get away from the "men" and have a break. The ladies lounge was a "save haven" for the "weaker" sex.

Mia