I'll call myself Alexia here, although I would've preferred Alexis, but that name was already taken and this one will do just fine.
I'm a male, in my late thirties and first really started crossdressing over four years ago, which escalated pretty quickly.
Since I live alone, once I started crossdressing I swiftly decided to make the most of it and was able to devote quite a lot of time and money to crossdressing.
I like crossdressing a lot.
What started out as, in my view, merely a fetish, gradually turned into something more and maybe reveals something about myself even I didn't know about or had expected and I am no longer completely certain how far this goes exactly.
But it harms no one, I could even argue that I stimulate the economy this way.
It has now come to the point where, while at home, I prefer to be dressed as a female and often wear at least one or a few items of female clothing, but I have rarely ventured outside with more than a belt that could not be seen.
So far I am also not doing much to change my physical appearance, as I don't want things to be visibly different when I go outside.
However, I have recently bought myself some lipstick and am becoming a bit more daring about buying feminine items in physical stores.
The amount of time and money I've spent on this and the enjoyment and excitement it gives me, is raising some questions with me and this seemed like a good place to maybe explore some things.
I really like the name of this place, as it implies a save haven where you can reveal a part of yourself not easily shared with others, without receiving ridicule or undue criticism.
At least it is a place where people understand that crossdressing does not mean that you are gay.
I have never had any feelings for men, on the contrary, what I do may be one expression of just how much I am into women.
I also don't think I have any desire to change my body, fortunately I have always been quite happy with what I have.
But there are certainly some questions that have come up and that I may explore here more easily than on my own.
Another reason attracting me to this place is that there might be people here who have tips for me, as, with one exception, I really don't have anyone else to talk to about this.
Not just about dealing with it and deciding on what I want with it, which only I can do, although I may invite your insights or be able to learn from your experiences, but also about things like make-up.
For now, I very much prefer to keep this side of me a closely guarded secret, as people can be very negative about things like this.
Some people may be understanding, but others will inevitably be a lot less so and for me, so far, it just isn't worth it.
I am however encouraged that there are also spouses here, who at least try to understand the needs of their loved ones.
It shows that this is at least a possibility and I wish them all the best of luck, as this subject can be very touchy.
I just realised that, aside from that one friend, anyone reading this will be the second, third, etcetera person to know about this side of me.
Perhaps you should feel honoured.
I understand that there are rules here and I took the time to try and read everything relevant, so I will do my best not to break them, but please give me the benefit of the doubt and just give me a gentle nudge if I missed something and slipped up.
Thanks all for having me and please continue what you were doing, I'll try to be careful and not break anything.