Amanda22
02-03-2011, 01:23 PM
I believe we possess so much power to influence others' perception of us as crossdressers. I've always made an effort to smile a lot and appear happy even before coming out of the closet last year. But now more than ever, it seems that a smile and exuding an attitude that there's absolutely nothing wrong with myself as a crossdresser has a huge effect on how others react to me.
I live in a conservative area (Chattanooga, TN, USA), so my expectation of tolerance is pretty low. However, I've found that when I dress, my smile disarms people and shows them I'm actually human and not a freak. Don't get me wrong, my smile isn't better than anyone else's. I'm lucky to pass pretty well, so that helps. But even when I don't pass, a smile and acting like I belong wherever I happen to be works wonders. People respond positively and with respect. Especially women.
Today, I had a little extra time and headed to my local Coldwater Creek store. It sells women's clothing exclusively, and is suited to my age group (35-50?). I really enjoy dressing age-appropriately. Anyhow, I was in boy mode. I waltzed in there and browsed like I was shopping for food at the grocery. The three saleswomen loved it! I just smiled and said I was looking for some spring tops. Within minutes, they started a rack for me and were falling over themselves to match the best colors to my skin tone and put together some nice combinations of tops and sweaters. I used the employee bathroom as a changing room since their changing rooms are female-only. They all wanted to know my name and gave me each of theirs. They expressed gratitude to me for being there and asked me to come back soon. They even gave me a nice discount!
I think if I'd slinked in as though I didn't belong and doing something "wrong," I would have been treated with suspicion. It would be understandable. I'd be suspicious of anyone acting that way.
I was at the mall last week dressed in a nice grey, wool, pencil skirt, black sweater, grey ribbed tights and black pumps. I sat near the garden area where there is lots of seating and watched the shoppers go by. I presented a very natural, feminine, proud, and happy appearance. I looked quite good. I received a lot of attention, all of it positive. I think a couple of women read me, but I just smiled and they immediately smiled very genuinely in return. I definitely sensed an outpouring of acceptance in their smiles and expressions.
I hope this message will inspire others to project happiness. I can't be anything but happy and smile when I'm dressed as a woman, in fact. :heehee:
I live in a conservative area (Chattanooga, TN, USA), so my expectation of tolerance is pretty low. However, I've found that when I dress, my smile disarms people and shows them I'm actually human and not a freak. Don't get me wrong, my smile isn't better than anyone else's. I'm lucky to pass pretty well, so that helps. But even when I don't pass, a smile and acting like I belong wherever I happen to be works wonders. People respond positively and with respect. Especially women.
Today, I had a little extra time and headed to my local Coldwater Creek store. It sells women's clothing exclusively, and is suited to my age group (35-50?). I really enjoy dressing age-appropriately. Anyhow, I was in boy mode. I waltzed in there and browsed like I was shopping for food at the grocery. The three saleswomen loved it! I just smiled and said I was looking for some spring tops. Within minutes, they started a rack for me and were falling over themselves to match the best colors to my skin tone and put together some nice combinations of tops and sweaters. I used the employee bathroom as a changing room since their changing rooms are female-only. They all wanted to know my name and gave me each of theirs. They expressed gratitude to me for being there and asked me to come back soon. They even gave me a nice discount!
I think if I'd slinked in as though I didn't belong and doing something "wrong," I would have been treated with suspicion. It would be understandable. I'd be suspicious of anyone acting that way.
I was at the mall last week dressed in a nice grey, wool, pencil skirt, black sweater, grey ribbed tights and black pumps. I sat near the garden area where there is lots of seating and watched the shoppers go by. I presented a very natural, feminine, proud, and happy appearance. I looked quite good. I received a lot of attention, all of it positive. I think a couple of women read me, but I just smiled and they immediately smiled very genuinely in return. I definitely sensed an outpouring of acceptance in their smiles and expressions.
I hope this message will inspire others to project happiness. I can't be anything but happy and smile when I'm dressed as a woman, in fact. :heehee: