u/Alexisbbond

Please disregard the bra! Didn't realize when taking the selfies/shows a bit more when on angle.

I've recently started to transition and won't start HRT until later this year or next year, but I'm working on an everyday look, just looking for feedback, but i want more natural look/dont draw attention to myself. I also not incredibly confident going out, so I want to make sure I pass well (I live in rural texas...)

My routine is cleanse > toner > moisturizer > makeup (red color correction for under tones> skin tint > blush > bronzer (for eye shadow) > mascara.

I want to keep it simple, and my partner doesn't like the smell of heavy makeup, so i want to keep it simple.

I can post product list later, but any feedback will help!

Struggling to fully come to terms with transitioning (relationships, environment, future plans)

I’ve been with my partner for over 10 years, and from the very beginning I’ve been open about my gender dysphoria. Over the years, we’ve gone out together—brunch, clubs, shopping—all while I was dressed up, and those are honestly some of the times I feel most like myself.

The issue is that I’m having a hard time taking the next step and fully being me. Most of our friends know, and some family does too, so it wouldn’t exactly be a shock. But we live in a small rural area in East Texas where everyone knows everyone, and that makes me worried about safety and social consequences. I’m also the sole provider, working in a pretty conservative field (Oil & Gas Telecommunications), so being openly out feels risky.

At the same time, we’re thinking about our future. We want a family, but we’re not sure we can afford things like sperm freezing. I love how I look and feel when I’m dressed up, and I really want to start HRT, but it feels like a huge step for both of us. We’re both a bit scared about the permanence of some of the changes.

She is supportive —her main concern is that I don’t pursue surgery “down there,” which I’m okay with. But we haven’t really educated ourselves much on HRT yet, and I worry about potential side effects like ED and how that might affect our relationship.

Another thing is my dysphoria tends to get worse the longer I go without being able to express myself. I don’t want to only exist as myself at home, but at the same time I feel like I need to “pass” even when i'm just at home, much more at public, so I end up stuck. (this is also a concern as a bit on the bigger side 5'11 350lb's) I can do hair and makeup just fine and i have some good outfits, and my mental health is better when I feel like me and I eat healthier/care about myself more.

I also struggle to bring this up with her, even though I know she’s supportive. I get nervous and fear rejection even though as I mentioned we've done everything we've done as both me's. I held off on transitioning more seriously because her brother(he knows and is cool with it, its just a personal comfort thing) has been living with us (he’s moving out next month), but now I feel like I’m reaching a point where I at least want to start transitioning at home—and eventually, I think I just want to live as a woman.

I guess I’m just looking for advice from people who’ve been in similar situations—especially balancing relationships, safety, career concerns, and the fear of taking that next step.

Everyday look feedback c: