Telling more people who I am

[Guest AshleighP]

I have posted before that I own a gym and do personal training. I have a small staff, 5 total people. One young lady works for me full time and we see each other daily. She is a very accepting and understanding person.

I have been dropping hints over the past months about my "alternate personality" .  I have voiced some frustration at not being able to live/dress as I would like to.  She has never said anything other than she understands and that life is too short to not do what brings you joy.  A couple of weeks ago I decided that I had been hinting long enough and came out and told her that I was a cross dresser.  Obviously, she was not surprised. She told me that she had suspected as much, but was respecting my privacy by not saying anything. She said she had noticed a couple things that caused her to realize what the hints I had been dropping meant.  I asked her what she had noticed, and she told me that the lipstick I wear was a bit shiny and she noticed it. We had previously talked about the fact that I wear makeup every day. I said that I should probably stop using that particular shade and her response was that I should keep wearing it because it looks good and most people wouldn't even notice.

Having somebody who I see daily that knows and understands me is a huge relief. We can talk openly about fashion, makeup, and other things. She pointed out a woman walking outside the gym today and asked me what I thought of her outfit (cute skirt, top didn't quite go) It was such fun to be able to give my opinion without fear of judgement. 

Hopefully this is the start of me feeling confident enough to share with more people who I REALLY am.

[tracy_j]

That's good Ashleigh. I too found that it makes a big difference being able to talk openly to other women. That was one thing I really liked about work as I worked in healthcare based in a building with a number of nurses. They were very friendly and I could relax. Now I am no longer working I do miss the contact, although find I am now more relaxed in the community so can initiate conversation with other women to some extent.

I am glad you have found a friend

Tracy

 

[Guest Clair Dufour]

Perhaps also, you should look closer at your clients. Gyms attract a lot of alt people and in some cases seem to look like beauty shops. Many men who use fitness gyms also like to body wax, sauna and such. Most women consider Richard Simmons their guru of fitness. Wear some clothes off the girls rack like Danceskin and I bet you get compliments?

[Timber Wolf]

It's great to be yourself with those you know, isn't it! I'm Carla with my family and haven't heard my birth name in my family for a long time now. As you become Ashleigh with more friends and family, you'll become more comfortable in "Ashleigh's" skin, just like I have in "Carla's". Enjoy it, even if it's only part time!

 

Lots of love,

Timber Wolf?????

[Jani]

Ashleigh I couldn't agree more that you should push the boundaries a little.  It would make you feel good and people probably wouldn't notice as they are mostly absorbed their own worlds.  If they did, all you need to do is be you like its no big deal.  I like the idea of Danceskins or other feminine workout gear.  You'd rock it!

Jani 

[Guest AshleighP]

Thanks, as always, for the kind words of encouragement. 

[Guest AshleighP]

As a follow up. I have been getting braver with sharing with my coworker about who I really am. I showed her some older pictures today. She was very complimentary. I then sent her a picture of me in the new wig I got today.

it is so nice to able to share the real me. She gives me makeup tips. I bought 2 containers of one of my favorite perfumes the other day. Turns out, it's her favorite as well, so I gave her one of them. I bought a new style of brow mascara and showed it to her. The next day she asked me how I liked it. I told here that I was actually wearing that day. She said it looked nice, natural just a little darker.

Having someone you trust to share with is extremely helpful.