katja

That honestly took me over 6 months. I tried a number of names on for size, but none felt quite right. The ones that felt right were in use by close family or friends. The one I really wanted is used by both my ex-wifes, so that would've been weird for the kids even if they're not kids anymore.

It was much easier picking out names for the kids actually. Otherwise I followed the advice I got to take a name that is sorta common in my age group so I went through all the lists multiple times until I decided. I now officially have a girl's name, even if I'm nowhere near passing. It isn't as bad in my country as in many others and I must say it went a lot better than I expected, but I'm still proud of myself. 😊

Let's! I had a beard for neigh on 20 years and can't wait to have a smooth face.

Ironically, out of three brothers, I'm the one who can grow a decent beard. 🙄 Or could, rather.

I did my first lazoring 5 days ago and I can't feel much difference, but some of my darker beard seem to have thinned out a bit. My beard is ginger with some gray, white and blond hair mixed in. They expected to be able to get maybe 70-80 percent with the laser. I just hope I have the same result as you in a week or so. Facial hair is SO last season.

Fire. Round fire.

Yeah. Gets expensive. I've been buying a lot of second hand which for base items like tops and tees works pretty well. If it doesn't fit, I just return it. I buy the very cheapest ones for just wearing around the house or for working in the garden or the car and stuff like that.

Depending on where you are, online second hand may not be an option, but if it is, it can save you some money.

I haven't found my look yet so there is a lot of experimenting and to keep the cost manageable, second hand is a great choice. Although I may love an item I've bought, I may never wear it again, because I'm over 50 and not a 16 year old punk girl. I'm still in denial about that.

I too do the "maybe it'll work despite being two sizes too small" thing. It never does so back it goes. I've learned from my ex wife to ruthlessly send back things that doesn't fit or doesn't look good on you when you try them on. She easily sends back 70% of what she orders. As a baby trans, I have no idea what I'm doing so I don't feel bad about sending a lot of stuff back. That said, I do keep a lot of clothes that I most likely never will wear again.

I have already started the affirmations. Feels a little weird, but I think it will work. Thank you so much. <3

Maybe not as pretty as you, but I'll take it. I will also turn 50 in a couple of years ago.

I feel you about the beard, I had mine for the better part of 20 years. My face was not pleased with me when I shaved. Shocked, even.

I'm one of those that managed to hide my inner girl even from myself until pretty recently. Oh, there were clues and signs aplenty but I didn't see 'em. I've never been classically feminine or even had classically feminine interests which is part of why it took me so long to understand. I'm more of a grease monkey biker chick. I know that's valid of course, but it did hamper my discovery. How much of that is me and much is "the mask", I don't know. I do buy and wear a lot of pink stuff too, so who knows? But I try to not worry too much about it, I can't go around second guessing everything I do.

But I always disliked what I saw in the mirror and a low self confidence is par for the course with that. I will try your method of convincing myself I've been wrong all these years. Can't hurt. As you say, we're beautiful. Now I just gotta believe it too. 😅

You go girl. I'm a bit jealous of your courage, but it also gives me someone to look up to. I haven't dared going out in full kit yet, I do it slowly instead. Not sure why, but it feels better for me.

We actually look kinda similar and are of similar age, I think. Not twins similar, but siblings maybe. Actually more similar than my actual brothers, but noone guesses we are siblings unless they're told. I have a hard time looking in the mirror and see what I want to see, but it is easier to be objective when looking at someone else and you look amazing. Maybe I can look good too, you know? Thank you for sharing, it really does help.

Her coming out video was what cracked my egg. I hade started watching her videos from the back and had no idea she was trans. I just thought she had started some cooperation with some girl to up her viewer count or something. When I realized, something inside me awakened and just wouldn't sleep anymore. Took me a while to fully accept, but that was it.

Signed. Needs a lot more signatures, though.

Yep. That hit right in the feels. Thank you, sister. It was beautiful.