Was I read, or checked out?
Hi everyone.
Let me just start with a thanks, when I first started posting here, I was really struggling confidence wise, and over the years with peoples encouragement and helpful criticism I have really grown as Sophie.
I wonder if you can perhaps give me some insight, or even perspective.
This Sunday I went shopping at Deepdale Retail Park in Preston and really had a GREAT, GREAT time.
I spent about an hour and a half there arriving at 10.30 firstly going into M&S. I was in for about 20 minutes, I was looking for some black evening trousers, I plan on going to the MEN Arena Manchester in a couple of weeks to see "Classical Spectacular" and I am trying to put an outfit together.
I had no problems at all in the store, and as far as I am aware was passing fine. I could not find what I was looking for so I moved onto the next store, spent around 10 minutes in there, again with no problems, (problems by the way, mean I have been read) still did not find any trousers that will do.
I then visited a store called Borders, they sell books, and I have a voucher to spend, so wandered around there picked up around 4 titles and paid using the card, again as far as I am aware I had no problems, I can talk now with my female voice (although still uncomfortable using it, but gaining more confidence) I was able to answer the assistants questions and paid etc. she gave no indication that she was aware I was male.
I left Borders and moved next door to Boots, and was in there about 15 minutes, I knew I needed a new lip liner and so got one, 2 lipsticks and mascara, I really did not need the mascara, but they had a 3 for 2 deal on.
I had to queue for quite a while, but my confidence was good, I paid and was able to talk to the assistant, and again as far as I am aware had no problems.
I then went back to the car put my purchases in and called in at Sports World store, I needed some tennis balls, again wandered around for a bit, but could not find the brand I needed so did not get anything.
Made my way back to the car and shot the short video of me at the retail park, ( the bit with the pink coat at the end)
Now here is the thing, near the end on my way back to the car I pass a man carrying a small carrier bag and after I have walked passed, he makes a definite look back, I would not have been aware of this with out the video.
Was he checking me out?
Had he read me?
I do have this thing about being read, because when I am out, I am Sophie a woman, I am not just dressing up, and if I am read, it breaks the "spell"
And it can take the edge off the absolutely fabulous trips out shopping, and with my night out at the MEN Arena coming up can hit the confidence a bit.
Spending a few hours with a few thousand people as Sophie is quite a challenge, but I am looking forward to it.
I do have to accept that I am going to be read, because I can spot my male features in the videos.
I have had some very memorable and joyful moments going out as Sophie.
I wanted to post this both as an acknowledgement of everyone's help here, and to hear comments, private if needs be.
With thanks Sophie.
Full size video if needed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-iDN5_GUR0