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Been reading through posts on here and it's helped me in a way

Discussion in 'Gender Identity and Expression' started by Devil Town, Feb 6, 2024.

  1. Devil Town

    Regular Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    USA
    Gender:
    Female (trans*)
    Gender Pronoun:
    She
    Sexual Orientation:
    Other
    Out Status:
    A few people
    I guess I've been kinda doubting myself, and that hasn't changed lol, but as I've been reading through other's experiences I keep seeing things that make me go like "holy hell how did I not realize that"

    The most obvious example is hating myself when I look in the mirror. For a long time I thought I was just not conventionally attractive, but according to a lot of people I'm actually pretty alright, so now I've been taking a long look at what I've been hating about myself and realizing that it's the "maleness" about it that really messes with me (especially that disgusting mess of nasty hair sprouting from my chin). And wearing shorts, for a long time I loved wearing them, but once my leg hair started to come in I felt disgusting whenever I looked at my legs, I guess I assumed it was your classic insecurity, but it just felt so *wrong*. Lately I haven't even wanted to take off my sweatshirt just because that means I have to look at my arms, and I'm seeing my dad in me more and more every day. I love him, but when I look at him I feel like I could never be him and be happy. Ever since puberty started I've hated my voice. It always gives me chills (in the bad way) and I actively avoid having to listen to recordings of my voice, because I have a decently deep voice and honestly want to just scream, except that would involve using my voice.

    Honestly I'm kind of at a loss at how much I've been repressing and excusing for myself and how it's all come tumbling down. Mostly I'm wondering the small things people here have done to lessen the way they feel about themselves without making super drastic changes, as I'm not ready to consider coming out (mostly due to self doubt and needing more time to process things).

    As an aside, I painted my nails last night and I have to say I love it, it makes looking at my hands slightly less stress inducing. I'm feeling ever so slightly less stressed out and merely feel like trash instead of garbage right now, which is an improvement :3.
     
  2. Mirko

    Admin Team Advisor Full Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Northern Hemisphere
    Gender:
    Male
    Gender Pronoun:
    He
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
    Out Status:
    Out to everyone
    Hi there! I am glad to read that you are finding it helpful to read other members' stories and experiences, that they provide you with moments that bring clarity and insights on steps that were helpful to others.

    Sometimes, we get hung up about the big steps or the end goal, losing sight of the smaller steps that can provide comfort, lessen anxiety or fears, while also adding to the distance traveled towards the goal.

    From the looks of it, you have started to implement some already. :slight_smile:

    In addition to painting your nails, and as you have mentioned that you aren't ready to come out yet, you could try experimenting with hair styles or wearing clothes that are gender neutral and as you become ready to come out, to change it further if this is something you would like to do.
     
    Rayland and Devil Town like this.