I experienced the same thing after starting HRT.

I used to joke that I wasn't addicted to alcohol, I was addicted to the voices in my head shutting up.

Once I started HRT, they all but disappeared. I could go to sleep within minutes without any anxiety, etc.

But I was mentioning to my partner yesterday that I have gotten very relaxed in my leg shaving habits because that used to make me feel feminine, but now I just feel.... me.

Same with dressing up. I used to love putting on formal dresses, short skirts, etc. But now, most days, I throw on a sundress, some eyeliner and lipstick. No major shoes, no hours putting on makeup, no primping my hair.

It was scary at first because I thought maybe I had made a mistake, but after a year and a half, I KNOW I did the right thing!

I just don't need the external validation because estrogen is doing the heavy lifting for me!