Out in public

[Aunt Kelly]

I bet you're doing fine, Olivia. Yes, pay attention to those things, they matter, but don't let worrying overwhelm you. Being out means being read. If you're truly trying to blend, (presentation age and venue appropriate, behavior likewise) getting read almost never matters. You might get a smirk or a chuckle, but that's about it. Most people, by far, either won't pay much attention, or will treat you as the person you're presenting. It won't take long and you're going to notice that what I'm saying is true.
Now, get out there and have some fun.

[Zoeytgtx]

Olivia:
I find that I tend to be more aware of it if I have not been out in a few weeks. It's almost as if my confidence level needs some reinforcement.
I was out with a friend last night to see a play and all of that went away as I walked up to the will call window and one of the ladies selling tickets complimented us on how pretty we looked. Both myself and my GG friend were dolled up in dresses.
Allisa has some great advice. If you just forget about "being" a girl and just be yourself you forget you are dressed and relax quite a bit.
Zoey

[HollyGreene]

I used to feel the same way, but I'm a lot more relaxed about it now.
As many others have said, everyone else is in their own little world, and will only look at you if you look out of the ordinary.
The really scary times for me are leaving the house and coming home again, because that's when I'm more likely to be spotted by someone I know. i.e. a neighbour.

[Patience]

I think about those things to a point, but I also try not to lose sight of the fact that I'm always doing my best and if any aspect of the presentation might be lacking, worrying about it will not improve things and may even be counterproductive.

I just make sure that I move around gracefully and confidently as best as I can.

[Leslie Mary S]

The hardest thing for me is that I must go to a big city because I know if I go out local, I am sure I will see someone who knows me.

[t-girlxsophie]

With experience it gets easier,and anyway women come in many shapes and sizes.mannerisms,ways of walking.IMO Theres no absolute correct way to try and emulate a woman.Just go out there and it will come more natural to you

Sophie

[Becky Blue]

Olivia, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a GG who had taken out many many Tgirls on escorted outings. I asked her what advice she gives to nervous girls. She said "own your space, be a confident beautiful woman" She said that being nervous and tense makes people look at you closer, making you more likely to be picked. When out particularly in busy places people see you, they see long hair, they see a dress, you are a woman.. they don't analyse each person they see, unless you give them a reason to look closer.

[MonicaPVD]

Olivia,

I used to be consumed with those very thoughts when I started going out. What I soon realized is what has been stated here. Most people are so self-absorbed that they will not even notice or pay attention to you unless you wear clothing specifically intended to draw attention (an evening gown to the supermarket, a trashy club outfit at high noon, etc.) Furthermore, the concept of passing is all in your head. People who want to see you as a woman will treat you as one. People who want to see you as a freak will stare and comment. Here's the great news: 95% of all people just want to go on with their lives and are respectful of other's choices. When I realized this I stopped caring about my gestures and changing my voice and guess what? People treat me as the woman I present. Everywhere. From the pharmacy to restaurants to gearheads at car shows. Bottom line: don't perform. Ever. Be who you are.

[Maria 60]

The only time I go out is for drives, my wife in the past has stated that even driving there is a difference. Male put there ball of there foot to the floor and pivets there foot between both pedals. But women don't want to ruin the back of there shoes so women actually lift there foot from the pedals, and the most obvious the is either be a good girl and drive with legs tight together or a bad girl and drive with legs open. But don't drive with legs open like a man. Answering your question I only go for a drive and I'm trying so hard to act like a women. Imagine if I actually go out and interact in public.

[faltenrock]

I've been going out for so long and so many times that I don#t really think about it anymore. I think I become a different person when dressed and out as Doreen. I do think I act pretty feminine.

[susan54]

I am totally relaxed when I go out. I have been doing it for years. Be confident and the rest follows. One strange experience as a man in a skirt (not bad, just strange) but none when fully dressed as a woman. 200-300 days out with no issues so why would I worry?

[Leslie Mary S]

I and the GG who lives in my house ( she rents a room and works as a fuel station attendant) were talking a couple nights ago. I told her that I didn't feel comfortable in going out in drab in this smallish town with the beautiful fresh bright red polish I had applied earlier that day.
She replied that she has seen other men of assorted ages come in wearing nail polish, long dangle earrings, and all kinds of accessories that used to be considered "for woman only", even full face make up.
Guess changes are slowly coming to this town.
The gender barriers is crumbling.

[Helen_Highwater]

Having read all the replies which if I may summarise basically say relax just do it (Where have I heard that before? ) I also feel it's worth adding that a little self awareness is necessary to keep us safe.

That level is probably only a hair's breadth more that what you'd have while in drab but a good thing to have never the less.

And these things workiboth ways. I've encountered muggles who were't threatening to me but my presence made them feel uncomfortable (say parents with children). Now I know that's their problem but I believe in showing consideration for others. Hence I'd do what I can to end or minimise the situation.

I remember being aware of someone looking at me as I walked across a park. I suddenly realised my elasticated waist skirt was halfway down my hips and heading ever further south. So awareness can be a positive.

[Krisi]

I don't think all of that ever totally goes away but it becomes less of an issue the more you go out.

Not only the more you go out, but the more time you spend dressed at home. Get used to having boobs and a butt. Get used to having long hair, Get used to women's shoes. Get used to makeup and practice walking and talking like a woman at home. When you go out, it will be more natural.

[Christie ann]

yup, since I haven’t had a lifetime of being out as a girl I have lots of manly attributes I need to disguise. Head up, shoulders back, smile and look other women in the eye, don’t stoop. It goes on and on, but just like anything, as I go out more, somethings are becoming more second nature. Do yourself a favor and go do some girl watching. Just like all humans they come in all different shapes and sizes and they all don’t act like that idealized female you have in your mind. Really, unless you are truly Neanderthal you are already somewhere on the female spectrum.
Relax, learn to be more and more feminine and enjoy your days out.

[CallMeHeather]

I had my first night out over the past weekend. (The second one's tonight!)

It was a big and unexpected step for me, but there were several factors that helped me go through with it:

• My (GG) girlfriend has been extremely supportive. This was all her idea to begin with, anyway... but she has helped in shopping and dressing me, and she does all my makeup, so I know I've got a real girl's touch.
• We live in a town well known for its diverse residents, and we spend most of our date times in particularly tolerant/open-minded parts of town.
• So far I've only gone out in the evening; the cover of night gives me a little more confidence.
• We also like to visit adult theaters and adult bookstores together, and CD girls are very popular there anyway.

The REAL test for me is: Will I be able to go out in daylight without my girlfriend to chaperon me? Time will tell.

[Krisi]

Women often travel in pairs so if your girlfriend is available and willing, that's the best way to go. One problem we have going out alone is that we are often going out just to be out and it's easily apparent that we don't have a reason to be out. It's a giveaway when we walk from the car to the store front and back again and such. Wandering around alone is not normal female behavior.