A few observations from my en-femme shopping trips a few days ago and last Sunday.
I try to dress like the other women my age out shopping so I can blend. Although my clothing probably is at the nicer end of the spectrum of retired women at the store. I wear enough makeup to somewhat distract from male facial features, and appear more feminine without over-doing it. My goal is to operate under the radar, hoping to pass, but wanting to at least blend. V-neck lavender t-shirt, capris and flip flops with toenails painted to match the t-shirt. I move about with confidence (Kandi-s wonderful advice) and try to blend in.
So how did I do? As I opened the door to Panera, there was a guy approaching the door with his arms full of bags and drinks. I politely held the door that I had opened so he could pass through. He absolutely refused to come through the door being held by me. I take this as at least blending, if not passing. The preschool girl in the next booth was bored with sitting there while her mom and grandma talked so she started playing peekaboo over the seat back with me. Her mom stuck her head over the seatback to apologize for her daughter, and I told her not to worry about it, it was not a problem. No reaction from her.
At the grocery, in the self-checkout lane. I called the attendant over twice to correct a price that didn't match the shelf tag. So I talked with him at least twice, in my best nasal feminine voice with some lilt in my speech, my usual feminine voice. After some talking back and forth, and after he corrected the price, I said thank you. He responded with "I have to take care of my girlfriend". I like to think that even with talking, I passed there.
On my shopping trip on Sunday (Mother's Day in the US), I was overwhelmed with wishes for a happy mother's day from cashiers, other shoppers etc. I don't think that I ever hear happy father's day that often on Father's day when I'm in drab. I may have to pay better attention this year to see if that observation holds up.
-peace
-Gracie
