Hobbies, jobs & other influences that will get me more in touch with my femininity

[cardigansissy]

I only crossdresses slightly (ladies cardigans, blouses, tops, AA bras, panties, but nothing OTT) and I'd like to investigate other aspects of my 'girlieness'. I'm thinking about taking up some hobbies or passtimes that are more often associated with women. I'm considering knitting, but perhaps that is now considered an aceptable male hobby. I was wondering if another needlecraft would be considered more feminine, perhaps sewing or embroidery. Or even crossstitch. But what other passtimes could I choose? Also I was thinking of what sports are mostly female, but came up with only netball. As for what jobs are mostly female I could only think of secretary, receptionist, cleaning lady, nanny and seamstress. I've toyed with the idea of opening a small needlecraft supplies or ladies knitwear shop or as a transitional step opening a specialist laundering service where I handwash, dry and iron. I'd really appreciate any and all suggestions

[rebekkadg]

Choosing a career seems a bit more than investigating but a bit of a dive into. I would explore feminite hobbies first and see what grows out of that. You mentioned seamstress which could grow out of some knitting/sewing/needlework/embroidery hobby.

A lot of suggestions you mentioned for careers I don't think would make you feel more feminine per se but would make you feel more sympathy for women who get funneled into careers because "men don't typically do that work" but they don't tend to be careers that a woman would feel particularly rewarded in either.

Nanny would be an excellent career. Few men follow that career path and their is always a demand for more men in it. Women are just more prone to take and enjoy a caregiver type position and you might find yourself enjoying a caregiving position. If you are presenting yourself as a man trying to explore a such a career you shouldn't have any problem finding an interested employer.

Sports if you are willing to move away from the traditional man sense of sports their are things like arrobics and gymnastics that are female dominated.

[AllieSF]

I agree with my namesake, AllieGG, that you should do what you want and enjoy when picking hobbies, unless you would like to pursue those hobbies in the company of GG's. It appears that you want to try to learn feminine characteristics in a way. I recommend reading books that women would typically read that few men probably would. The reason is that from what I have read and discussed with GG's is that these books deal with feelings, relationships, inner conflicts and less with hard action, mysteries, war and sports. Women by nature tend to be better listeners, seem to perceive more during conversations about personal issues and conflicts, are more in tune with what I like to call, touchy and feely topics. Good books are a great place to read and see these things in action, and will at the same time maybe open your own eyes to other people's feelings and needs, which us natal males tend to over look so easily. As my daughter has stated several times to others, "Yeah, my Dad reads all the books that women typically read. Ask him for recommendations."

[Karren H]

Personally I don't need to get more in touch with my fem side... If I have one.... And really don't want to go do something just because women do it. That being said there are quite a few women coal miners in our industry... And we have a lot of women in my ice hockey league!! So why would I want to go knit when I can check someone on their ass? Lol.

[kimdl93]

Personally I don't need to get more in touch with my fem side... If I have one.... And really don't want to go do something just because women do it. That being said there are quite a few women coal miners in our industry... And we have a lot of women in my ice hockey league!! So why would I want to go knit when I can check someone on their ass? Lol.

Karren, I was sure you were going to suggest women's hockey!

[Sarasometimes]

Well many jobs in the beauty industry but you in a very feminine place (hairstylist, manicurist makeup artist). Receptionist in a beauty salon is big time feminine environs. What about dance classes? The reading idea is a good one. Hobbies; baking, cooking, jewelry making, caligraphy. Retail women's clothing is another career possibility. How about interior design.

[NicoleScott]

Sewing would be a very practical craft for a crossdresser. Also, you can make your own jewelry. My local craft store has everything. My particular interest is making headbands, started when I needed a lace headband for my maid's outfit. Also, a couple of chokers. Everything you need are at craft stores, and much is available at Walmart.

I agree with Karren. If dressing en femme doesn't get you in touch with your femme side, I don't know what would.

[Karren H]

Karren, I was sure you were going to suggest women's hockey!

Noooo!!! I've seen them play together and they would totally kick my ass!! I'd rather play against a mix of women and bunch of "old guys" trying not to get hurt! :)

[VioletJourney]

IMO it's kinda sexist to associate all the "homemaking" type jobs with femininity. Is it not feminine to have a successful, meaningful career?

[Persephone]

I'd really appreciate any and all suggestions

Hi!

It looks like you've gotten some good suggestions! I'd like to build on Nicole Scotts, why not even take a class at the local craft store? The offer classes all the time, from cake decorating to sewing and most are either low cost or free. Not only would you get to sample different hobbies that you might enjoy, but you would also get to join a group of women. You'll probably find that a number of them will be quite supportive, so long as you don't do the guy thing and begin to dominate the conversation and the group.

Hugs,
Persephone.

[bridget thronton]

I guess my suggestion would be spending time talking to women and spend more time listening to them talk. Volunteer projects with women collaborators are good opportunities to have honest dialog (and learn quite a bit about yourself and your lady friends)

[Intertwined]

So why would I want to go knit when I can check someone on their ass? Lol.

And look good doing it, right?

It just dawned on me, thats why your so good at Hockey, you have that extra support and protection of the Corset while playing... :Punch:

[cardigansissy]

I like this reading idea, but what books, Mills & Boon, one's with pink covers, is there an internet resorce somewhere that shows what women read?
I agree with my namesake, AllieGG, that you should do what you want and enjoy when picking hobbies, unless you would like to pursue those hobbies in the company of GG's. It appears that you want to try to learn feminine characteristics in a way. I recommend reading books that women would typically read that few men probably would. The reason is that from what I have read and discussed with GG's is that these books deal with feelings, relationships, inner conflicts and less with hard action, mysteries, war and sports. Women by nature tend to be better listeners, seem to perceive more during conversations about personal issues and conflicts, are more in tune with what I like to call, touchy and feely topics. Good books are a great place to read and see these things in action, and will at the same time maybe open your own eyes to other people's feelings and needs, which us natal males tend to over look so easily. As my daughter has stated several times to others, "Yeah, my Dad reads all the books that women typically read. Ask him for recommendations."

[cardigansissy]

Baking and cake decorating do sound kinda good, thanks.
Hi!

It looks like you've gotten some good suggestions! I'd like to build on Nicole Scotts, why not even take a class at the local craft store? The offer classes all the time, from cake decorating to sewing and most are either low cost or free. Not only would you get to sample different hobbies that you might enjoy, but you would also get to join a group of women. You'll probably find that a number of them will be quite supportive, so long as you don't do the guy thing and begin to dominate the conversation and the group.

Hugs,
Persephone.

[CynthiaD]

Try synchronized swimming. It's virtually all women and is very physically demanding. Some say it's like running a mile while holding your breath. There are a few men who compete, but they are not allowed at some levels, like at the Olympic level. Teams with a male member have advantages over an all female team, because some of the moves, like lifts, require strength, and these moves are easier if there is a male teammate to assist.

[JamieG]

What about dance classes?

I'll second this. I've been taking ballet classes for almost two years and it's a great way to get in touch with my feminine side without coming out and saying "Hey, I'm a crossdresser." I'm frequently the only guy in class, so that makes the immersion in femininity that much stronger. Most metropolitan areas should have somewhere that offers adult beginner ballet classes, and they are usually glad to have "guys" participate.

[kymmieLorain]

Karren, I was sure you were going to suggest women's hockey!

If Karren didn't mention hockey the world came to an end. LOL

IMHO, any hobby can be enjoyed by both sexes. Men needlepoint and embroider, girls race cars and hunt.

Kymmie