I worked from home for about a week or so, and when I went back in, I had decided to do my hair differently, more femme-y than just the pulled-back-into-a-ponytail thing I've done for years. I'd started using a little olive green eyeliner (although it doesn't last too long, so not sure if that was even still "in effect" when this happened), and wore a button-down shirt rather than my normal slouchy black t-shirt. I'd been wearing nail polish for a week or two before my week-at-home, but I'd a new fresh coat that matched the shirt I wore (blue). I sported a neat bracelet my girlfriend gave me for my birthday, shiny links mixed with black rubber links (kinda looks like a bike chain) which was new.
Our Japanese business consultant woman came over and was obviously impressed. She complimented me on the look, on my hair, suggested I should just get it layered... But then, she's always been a pretty cool person, very trendy and very liberal.
Our investor came by to give me my paycheck, which was unexpected, and he's a cool guy, but older, too. He said, "Wow, look at you, with the hair, and the polish... You're looking great!" Both in the same day.
It was just what I needed. I could've cried. I'm tearing up now, thinking about it.
I've never gotten those kinds of compliments from coworkers when I've tried to dress up "manly". So obviously, something about going androgynous works for me...
...Paul
