I always have a hard time with chats and the like - they seem to be the most sure-fire way to bring out my maximum shyness. 
@Chel Likewise. In SL, I'll always check a sim is empty before going there for some photography. ^_^;
@Chel Second Life. ^_^
Second Life
@porsupah omg, the bun-ness on display in that pic is just adorable 
and that doesn't sound bad at all for cosmetic stuff, tbh
Second Life
@Chel It's pretty affordable. ^_^ avs are a completely one-off expense, too.
I really like the Kani. ^_^ There are newer, more elegantly sculpted avs out there now, but there's just something about the face, and those ears..
I wish I'd listened to myself more - I transitioned in SL a few years before I finally accepted that that was really possible IRL too. (Those shells can be *incredibly* durable..)
Second Life
@porsupah it definitely looks very well made :o
and... oh god, I know that feeling.
I've always been a master of Being in Denial, so it took me longer than I would have liked to punch through my own shell :/
Second Life
@Chel I'm admittedly terrible at remembering to go in-world, but when I do, I always enjoy the sheer creativity, and simply exploring the landscapes and small worlds people create. ^_^ And there's a vast choice of avatars available - some free, some paid (usually around the $3-5 mark, nothing heinous, going to their creators, not the company). I'm still on a venerable Kani - just feels so comfy. ^_^
https://www.flickr.com/photos/porsupah/5225048180/in/album-72157603274348762/