In Public

[J.T.]

Wondering if this happened to other people when they first started being themselves. 

People are starting to talk to me.  Really, like strangers striking up a conversation.  That just doesn't happen to me. There are people saying hi, asking questions. I THINK it is because they are trying to get me to talk so they can get confirmation in their minds one way or the other "what i am".  Or is it just because I am more approachable because I am finally happy for the first time in my life? 

It is very strange.  Or maybe it can be explained by the moon?  However this has been happening for the last couple of days.  Some people give me strange looks, others talk to me.

[LostInTime]

They might be doing that or it could be that since you are happy, you are less guarded. Some people can pick up on that and it is far easier to talk and be friends with someone who does not have a thick layer of armour on.

[gennee]

I have talked with a couple of people. I'm becoming less guarded. I would love to be asked questions because there are some people who really want to know why we do what we do.

Gennee

[Renae.Lupini]

Before we find our own inner-peace we are very guarded and shut out a lot of the world around us. now that you are beginning to be more open to living life and not loathing it, people might not see you as angst ridden and unhappy. I have at least one conversation a day with a complete stranger. It just usually happens to me. Humans are communal creatures and we like to socialize. having a conversation with a stranger is a perfectly normal thing to do.

Do you feel awkward in social situations or talking to groups of people? I am just asking, not pointing fingers at all.

[Kate]

Wondering if this happened to other people when they first started being themselves. 

People are starting to talk to me.  Really, like strangers striking up a conversation.  That just doesn't happen to me.

OOOh yes, funny as I just typed into my journal about it last night... it's been freaking me out more and more lately. I keep finding men giving me this weird look when I deal with them... I can't explain it, as I've never seen it before. They actually *smile*, and are friendly to me in this odd way. It almost reminds me of how someone might look at a child, almost protective, and yet it's like they're waiting for something from me, some feedback or something. I get embarassed and blush, lol.. maybe they're trying to figure me out, I dunno, but it's totally different than anything I'm used to.

And I kinda like it

~Kate~

[zombiesarepeaceful]

When I transitioned other guys started treating me more male and acknowledging me with 'the nod'. Us guys don't talk much anyhow, and I don't like conversation too much. But I felt accepted finally.

Lance

[Renae.Lupini]

Wondering if this happened to other people when they first started being themselves. 

People are starting to talk to me.  Really, like strangers striking up a conversation.  That just doesn't happen to me.

OOOh yes, funny as I just typed into my journal about it last night... it's been freaking me out more and more lately. I keep finding men giving me this weird look when I deal with them... I can't explain it, as I've never seen it before. They actually *smile*, and are friendly to me in this odd way. It almost reminds me of how someone might look at a child, almost protective, and yet it's like they're waiting for something from me, some feedback or something. I get embarassed and blush, lol.. maybe they're trying to figure me out, I dunno, but it's totally different than anything I'm used to.

And I kinda like it

~Kate~

Welcome to women's team. pretty soon they will take credit for your work and treat you like a complete imbecile. that is when you know you have made it. It isn't done intentionally either. Once they start to see you as a woman, they will treat you like a woman. The interaction between the gender's was a huge smack in the face of reality. The "guys" no longer included me in their cubicle discussions. At first I thought they were weirded out by the whole TS thing. No, not all. they are just men being men is all. However, this land of stereotypes is now our place to use them in our favor. Luckily I have had some great female friends throughout the years so I know a lot of little tricks to play on men's patriarchal views and still get what i want. It is their system and their rules so I am only playing their game.

[J.T.]

Do you feel awkward in social situations or talking to groups of people? I am just asking, not pointing fingers at all.

I used to feel awkward in social settings, I guess I'm getting a bit better!

[Suzy]

I think this is great.  Don't let it freak you out!

I'm noticing the same thing.  Needless to say, I've had a lot of conversations with people I never would have talked to as a male.  From both males and females.  Just enjoy it.  It comes with the territory.

Peace!
Kristi

[Renae.Lupini]

Do you feel awkward in social situations or talking to groups of people? I am just asking, not pointing fingers at all.

I used to feel awkward in social settings, I guess I'm getting a bit better!

A simple, yet affective, way I have learned to be more comfortable in public is to simply smile at people and say hello. Every time I lock eyes with someone I smile and say hello. It is not a "hey, lets go romp in the weeds" hello or anything. Even little old ladies get put to ease even though i am tall and tattooed.