I have been out about 15 or so times in the past 2 months. In those 2 months I have had a few people read me and nudge the others in the group. Most of the people have been nice.
Last night when I went out, it seemed like I saw everything mentioned in this group.
1) I had 2 women walking toward me and I never noticed either of them looking at me. Then out of the blue as the women passed, one blurted out "Oh my GOSH! (Bursting out laughing) Now I can't swear that they were discussing me, but it seemed to be the main point of their comments. It could also my feeling of being different coming through.
2) Everyone else was very nice to me and just went about their business. Until I met this middle aged woman walking toward me on a cell phone. As she got closer to me, I noticed her eyes checking me out from the shoes up. That was creepy. I know it is normal, but I now understand how women feel being checked out.
3) Later I went to JC Penney to find a few tops for winter. Since I have never been out in winter and it gets really cold here, I needed some warmer clothes. I tried a few things on, but the woman working the department would never check me out. You could tell that she was watching me, but I wasn't doing anything other than buying clothes. She was just rude and I didn't have time to be bothered by her.
4) I needed to go grocery shopping, but didn't want to get to Walmart too early. So since Kohl's was still open I decided to see if I could find a top or two. I was able to shop without being bothered. I found a nice cardigan sweater which was very cute and decided to buy it. Headed to the cashier and paid for my items with a credit card. Immediately the cashier asked to see my ID to verify who I was. WOW very awkward!
Last night was a night of firsts, but not the good kind. I have never had someone ask for ID. I have never been checked out like that before. I have never been treated rudely before by a SA. I have never had such an obvious laughter at my expense. Even through it all, I would do it again in a heart beat. I realize that I need to get my confidence up higher and that will happen over time. Mall experiences are something that I need to work on, so I guess several more trips to the mall are in order. Only one way to cure this lack of confidence, keep getting on the horse.
As Tamarav says: Attitude! Act like a woman! I still need some work there, but I will be a diligent student of the ways of women.