I don’t often talk about my past these days but this morning was a time of reflection as I look back over the last few years. Since my full transition, almost seven years ago now (14th Oct 2002), I have seen many changes in myself and in the way I have been accepted by others. Most people know nothing about my past and accept me for who I am, just another woman. Only those who knew me before know the facts and maybe one or two of the more discerning I meet figure it out. At first and looking back now, I was very naive in many respects. My mode of dress has matured but by that I don’t mean I wear clothes for the ‘mature woman’, rather the clothes I wear are less flamboyant and more co-ordinated and tasteful. My make-up is similarly more enhancing rather than obscuring if you know what I mean. My hair has taken it’s time to grow out and I resist all suggestions to cut it ‘like older women do’. No thank you, I like long hair and as a bonus it makes me look younger too. I see many women of my age with the ubiquitous short hair and I don’t like it, for me that is. I guess that’s the rebel in me. Even at work I dress smartly, well smartly enough for work! I wear make-up and clothes that are reasonably presentable for everyday wear. My clothes do get a bit of harsh treatment at work sometimes so I wear things I don’t mind getting a bit dirty. It just means I have to have plenty to change into. My attitude has changed too and I am far less self conscious than I was at first. I get compliments regarding my youthful looks quite often and am frequently asked what my secret is. I am also asked about my husband…LOL. I am far happier now than I have ever been and being the woman now that I always was but denied is such a wonderful thing.
Shirley Anne
