Although this is an older thread...it resonates with me so I am going to leave a comment. I have known since I was a younger teenager that I am a woman. Back in the 1970s we didn't have the information that is available today so I just toughed it out. I started a career, got married and had a family. I was meeting the expectations of others, in hindsight how stupid.
I was always envious of the females around me and I gradually dipped my toe into the world of cross dressing. Often I was wearing female undergarments prior to retirement. My wife has and still is supportive of my need to be a woman. I know that this is rare so I consider myself blessed. To be fair I did tell her prior to marriage.(40 years ago) It was her suggestion that I seek counseling services which I did. My therapist agreed that I am suffering from dysphoria, my wife has been most encouraging.
Anyway...over the years I acquired a very large wardrobe. I already practice a feminine shower routine (body wash, female shampoo and conditioner, baby powder deodorant and I have slept in my nighties and panties for as long as I can remember. On January 1st I retired so my feminine personality is finally allowed to shine. I don't have to go to work and currently I am dressing 100% female 24/7/365. I have been doing so for over a month now and unlike the past I am going out into the community. I unfortunately have some err alot of work to do before I can pass, I currently am obviously a man in women's clothing.
The female confidence I currently am experiencing also stems from a euphoric moment in which I was lying in bed (with my wife) and I just took a look at myself. My breasts are an obvious but my hips and thighs and skinny waist along with a feminine bum also say female. It was also my feminine shower routine that clearly told me that I am definitely not a man and my routine is certainly not masculine. I just knew I was transfeminine. I am now on an accelerated pathway to achieving my dream of living as the woman I am. Lots of problems will result but with my wife's support I can handle the loss of anyone who doesn't accept me as I really am...
Thanks for listening
Jessica