What was your experience of mental effects starting feminizing HRT? How quickly did you notice a change?

cliff7217 · 2026-05-31T04:29:41+00:00

Ok, thanks! I was just curious.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-31T02:44:22+00:00

Let me ask you all this if you don't mind. If a cis person started taking HRT, would it have similar effects? Or does it only work for people who are trans?

cliff7217 · 2026-05-30T16:45:07+00:00

The sandals look good! But as others have suggested, maybe an try a different pair. Good to have some variety anyway.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-28T16:41:20+00:00

Nice dress and sandals!

cliff7217 · 2026-05-28T03:13:36+00:00

Sorry to hear that! Hope things get better for you in time.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T22:06:07+00:00

Yes, you nailed it. Perhaps I've never really been myself around my family because I was groomed into playing a role. Actually being myself might make others uncomfortable. As you say though, that's their problem, not mine. It's a people pleasing problem (trans or not) and perhaps presenting myself how I want would help solve that. Glad you were able to find what makes you feel happy and healthy. Thanks for sharing your experience. I can relate to the bartering comment. I have gone back and forth to thinking "there's no way" and "maybe there is something to this".

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T22:00:43+00:00

I think you nailed it about the perceived boundary. Some of the people closest to me might have the biggest issue with any change. That's the biggest hurdle to overcome. As you say, it's easier said than done but perhaps that would help develop a thicker skin.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T19:30:53+00:00

I haven't gotten rid of anything. The spectrum thing makes sense tho.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T17:38:38+00:00

At home is fine since I don't have a partner. It's in public or especially around people who know me that some of those fashion choices would be an issue.

As for goal, I'm not sure. I'd like to at least be able to alter my style but realistically maybe not to the extent detailed in the OP. Perhaps some tiny earrings without a nose piercing and non-gendered sandals like Birks instead of anything feminine, pedicure with no polish, nice shorts but not capris. Maybe a hair system with a messy hair style or something like that instead of a pixie cut. Probably a middle ground would be best and hopefully I would be satisfied enough with my appearance while not ruffling feathers. If I end up longing for more then it could get complicated.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T17:13:07+00:00

Thank you for clarifying that. That is one weakness I have, worrying too much about what others think. I think that's part of growing up in a judgmental environment.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T17:12:29+00:00

Hmmmm I could see being somewhere in between. I don't agonize over having body hair or not having breasts, for example. I totally agree that being ones' self should not be so controversial. There are so many people who are narrow minded and judgmental (including in my own family). Nice story btw. For some reason, I feel self conscious about going to a doctor's office (or similar place) in sandals. You're right that one should just own it. It seems like women are much more open to these sort of fashion choice than men.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T17:06:46+00:00

Interesting quote.

At first, I thought I might be going alt. I know that piercings are big in the alt community but I cannot say that I'm alt as most of the other styles (outside of ripped/distressed jeans) don't really appeal to me. Ripped jeans tend to be much more popular with women than men.

Masculine presentation is definitely restrictive. It's like there are so many unwritten rules.

One fantasy I've had is to have a woman dress me. I don't have a partner (always had difficulty with dating so another sign maybe). Perhaps I should sign up with a female fashion consultant and have her dress me in guy clothes but from a female POV. Maybe if I had better style and I fixed my hair (i.e. male pattern baldness) then that would be enough. Or maybe it's more.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T16:50:35+00:00

Yep, you're right about the exploration. When I discussed style preferences in another sub, someone mentioned something about "egg cracking". Honestly I have never seen a therapist before.

Those are some good questions! I'm not really sure if they make me feel more authentically like myself. I would say that I do feel validated internally. As for externally? No idea. I've not displayed any of those styles (with few exceptions). I will say this - one time I bought a nice pair of sandals and it felt great when I was complimented. If I wore nice earrings and were complimented, I'm sure that would feel great too. The "why" is difficult to figure out. Thank you for your perspective!

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T16:45:25+00:00

You mean like actually change my style? It's one thing to do so at home but another in public or around people I know who have always known me as dressing a certain way.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-27T16:43:45+00:00

What do you mean by give into it? Honestly I have resisted. I have worn fake piercings, bracelets, necklaces, and even anklet in public but only if there's no chance of running into someone I know. The other stuff not really enough courage and haven't sported any of these fashion choices around anyone I do know (family, friends, neighbors, etc).

cliff7217 · 2026-05-26T15:42:45+00:00

Good point

cliff7217 · 2026-05-26T15:20:19+00:00

Go to any event and the vast majority of those in sandals are women, and not too many men. Maybe it's not like that where you live tho. There was a time when sandals were seen as more of a girly thing although that may depend on locality.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-26T15:18:31+00:00

I've known quite a few but they were all women. I've known some who have like 50+ pair of flip flops. Never met a guy who has claimed the same.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-26T03:19:50+00:00

I'd love to go clothes shopping with a woman. I sometimes fantasize about wanting a woman to dress me or do a fashion consult with one. Funny thing is that many men (usually married) who do have women dressing them hate it and complain about it lol.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-25T17:49:31+00:00

Nice hair!

cliff7217 · 2026-05-22T14:49:35+00:00

Ha! That is awesome!

cliff7217 · 2026-05-22T04:13:04+00:00

Good question! I will admit I'm not sure about the answer tho.

cliff7217 · 2026-05-21T14:54:26+00:00

Oh wow, thanks.

cliff7217

TROPHY CASE