Smiling

[Nero]

I have this habit of smiling at females in acknowledgement. I guess men aren't supposed to do this?
Well, I don't pass whatsoever, anyway, so I guess it doesn't matter right now, but if I do transition?
This is sort of this ingrained habit because I've always had a hard time around other females, and I desperately wanted to show myself friendly to girls. But, I guess if I ever pass as male, it might be taken the wrong way? What do you think?

[Andrew]

I don't think a friendly smile is out of place, especially if you know the female in question. Guys tend to smile at girls just to show they're not a threat. Just don't smile at guys in the men's room!

[LostInTime]

Right. When acknowledging guys, it is customary to do the head nod. However, in bathroom situations, it is critical that you do not nod too low and keep eye contact throughout the movement. Do not look down!   

I do not mind when guys smile, even if their eyes are usually on my chest most of the time. The biggest thing I had to adapt to was the female social rite of hugs. Yes, if we enter and leave a room. Hug. If we have not seen you in some time, it has to be noted and even marked by a quick kiss on the cheek. It is not uncommon to have conversations while still in the half hug mode. For someone who disliked being touched, it was a lot to get used to but I have done so.

So, smile away.  It makes everyone wonder what you are up to. 

[Keira]

In quebec, its the kiss on both cheek when coming and going from male (on female) and in between female, less hugs though except if you haven't seen the person in awhile and that person's close.

I find this funny, guys just love this tradition of kissing the cheeks, while I am ambivalent about it, many men have rought beards, bad breath, bad skin, etc. From a few feet its ok, but up close.... Ewww. But, if the guys attrative and smells nice... I do like the kiss :-).

[VickieDavis]

.... For someone who disliked being touched, it was a lot to get used to but I have done so.

Before hormones I hated hugs with people other then my, now ex-wife. My brother was a big hugger, and I disliked it when he hugged me. My ex hated it even more. LOL 

Now, I am on hormones, and I almost always hug my friends, when I first see them, and when we say "good by" for the day. It is funny how it changed for me.   

[Kaitlyn]

It seems like smiling is at least a bit gendered. At least in high school, guys who smiled a lot, the gentle, warm sort of smile, tended to be branded as gay-ish.

On the other hand, I think I pass better when I smile more, and I do seem to have a natural tendency to want to smile more lately. I think most guys don't smile quite as much unless they have a specific reason. Like looking at a pretty lady, or something.

[Renae.Lupini]

Not a single person can ever fit into one specific gender mold all of the time. Don't focus on the negative stuff of what are doing wrong. Focus on the positive of what makes you happy. People are going to people so don't let them take away your happiness. There is nothing wrong with smiling wither. Most of the guys who don't smile are f'n jerks anyway.

[zombiesarepeaceful]

I never smiled much at all. Not before transition. Not now. But I always gave 'the nod' to other guys. Not an upward nod..down..down to strangers and up to good friends is what I've seen. I've noticed men don't smile as much as women and  a smile might be taken the wrong way around other guys. We tend to show less facial expression.

Lance (previously Matt)