This is a great question. Let me first get this out of the way: we’re going to assume that your presentation is good and your clothing choices are not overly flamboyant. This is not a comment on how well you pass.
Ok, from this point there are a few things to keep in mind. I’ll bullet point them to keep it succinct.
- people often react if this is the first time they have seen someone like you and it can be a bit unpredictable for many.
- people can react because they feel threatened. Do you make a gorgeous woman? That can rile some people up.
- people with low self esteem often try to take others down a peg. I feel sorry for these people.
- groups of people are usually worse, the tribalism kicks in.
- you may hit a nerve with someone. I like to say that the louder someone laughs, the more likely it is that person has something to hide.
- finally, no matter what, some people are just flat out jerks.
Luckily for us, most people do not say anything. Whatever they think, good or bad, stays in their heads. As for the others, I just don’t care! I like who I am, I carry myself with pride and know my self worth. The few negative reactions I get just plink off my back because I simply am not fazed by the opinions of people who are rude. I pity them back. I wonder how sad their lives are. And then I carry on! The compliments I receive obliterate the snark. Love yourself, Val, and all the hate becomes impotent.
