Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I've always been a leg crosser. For me it is the most comfortable way of sitting although I appreciate it isn't for those with large thighs. I went out with a woman once who sat with her legs fairly wide apart even when in a skirt, she seemed oblivious to the fact her knickers were on display. I rarely see women seated that way, usually it is the guys...I sometimes get on a train to see five seats taken up by three men because apparently their junk is too massive to let them sit with their legs together.

So how about you?!

together not crossed

I've always crossed my legs like a woman, one knee over the other.

Generally at the ankles, but sometimes at the knees.

Hmmm, together with calves vertical, or with both feet slightly off to one side (depends on how high the chair is :D) and crossed, one knee over the other, particularly on the metro to annoy people trying to pass.... ;D

Big thighs so crossed at the knees is the best i can pull. When in restricted spaces knees together. At home alone whichever i feel  ;D

No position remains comfortable for me for long so I am constantly shifting my position to stay comfortable. I do all of the first 3 choices, but never sit like a guy with my legs splayed out.

I have crossed my legs so much in the past that I have a habit of wearing out the pants above the knee area where the other leg rests on it.

Well sometimes I sit like a guy some like a girl , depends on my mood and wether Im comfortable or not... no big deal

Being a larger girl with big thighs I will sit with my legs closed or crossed at the ankles.

Keeping my knees together is quite uncomfortable for me even beyond crushing my male bits.

Mostly knees together. If I do cross then I make sure it's not for long periods because of potential issues with pins and needles and blood flow restriction.

In public, crossed at the knees, at home my default position is splayed out like a cat.

I have yet to wear a skirt or dress, so I don't really have a need to keep my legs together. I know I'll never be one who crosses my legs, because that position is just unbearably uncomfortable for me to hold for any length of time. I like sitting with my ankles crossed. It just makes me feel girlier somehow. And sometimes I sit with my legs together and my knees folded and pulled up towards my face... Honestly, my sitting position probably changes constantly. I don't stick with any particular one. :P

It's funny... I really have no idea how most cis women sit when wearing skirts or dresses. All the cis girls I know are more of the casual blue jeans and T-shirts types.

How to sit like a woman: A beginners guide.

Are you female and identify as being a woman? Are you sat down? Congratulations you are now sat down like a woman.

Not crossed but together at the knees must of the time.. but sometimes I cross my legs one knee over each other..

but it depends what I am wearing.. tighter skirts always not crossed but together at the knees

Sitting like a lady for me took some getting use to.. that one of the finer things about passing. sitting correctly

I've always tended to sit with my ankles crossed. It just feels natural to me, so that's how I'll keep doing it.

I had no idea crossing at the ankles was girly. I guess I've been girly all my life because I just did it without a second thought.

Quote from: ImagineKate on September 08, 2014, 10:59:50 AM
I had no idea crossing at the ankles was girly. I guess I've been girly all my life because I just did it without a second thought.

Haha... I remember when I first came out, I thought everyone would be so surprised because I had worked so hard to keep my true self hidden. I was sure everyone saw me as this uber masculine manly man. Apparently, it's a lot harder to hide who you really are than I thought. Looking back on it now, I'm sure there were a ton of things I did that most guys didn't, and I didn't even realize.

Try to sit with knees together or ankles crossed. Sometimes crossed at knees or semi open, still together at thighs most times.

90% of the time, ankles crossed. Super comfortable and natural for me. The rest of the time is knees together (or close together, at least) since I'm always wearing shorts or pants. Sitting like a guy (legs splayed and trying to occupy a lot of space) just feels bizarre to me.

And I cannot sit with my knees crossed (much too uncomfortable for me).

Quote from: Dread_Faery on September 08, 2014, 10:16:10 AM
How to sit like a woman: A beginners guide.

Are you female and identify as being a woman? Are you sat down? Congratulations you are now sat down like a woman.

Exactly.

Even though crossing my legs is comfy it cuts off blood flow and my leg starts to fall asleep so I just keep them close together.

It varies between crossed at the knees and crossed at the ankles usually, depending on where I'm sitting, right now I'm sitting on my sofa with my legs crossed at the knees.

I've always sat with my legs crossed above the knee and often even double crossed, basically once above the knee and then park my ankle behind the calf of the other leg so that I'm sort of like a twist tie...

Quote from: Jaime R D on September 08, 2014, 07:11:03 PM
I've always sat with my legs crossed above the knee and often even double crossed, basically once above the knee and then park my ankle behind the calf of the other leg so that I'm sort of like a twist tie...

Just like me : ) I have quite wide hips and am really flexible, I seem to only be comfy if I'm twisted into some odd shape lol, also when I'm standing. Right angles, symmetry and straightness have never worked for me when standing or sitting, my legs try cross even when I'm diving, on long straights I often end up with the ankle of my clutch leg resting on the knee of my other leg.. lol. Everyone is different, I don't feel that comfortable with both legs just tight close together, they try to cross almost straight away.

I usually sit without crossing my legs but with my knees pretty close together. Strangely when I'm standing waiting for something I usually cross my legs at the ankle XD

Quote from: lemon_ice on September 09, 2014, 03:18:58 AM
I have quite wide hips...

Now that's quite an interesting point, I wonder if hip width is a contributor to ease of leg crossing?

Ohke! I voted for Akimbo and got no idea what it is xD.

I sit as how is comfortable and depending on the situation. At an interview I have my legs crossed. Often when uncomfortable I got my knees together =/. Sometimes I even sit all guyish and slouchy but that really depends on where I am and how lazy I feel :P.

My younger sister and I are just a couple years apart and when our mother was teaching her how to be a "lady" I paid close attention as well.

This how I always sit, it just feels natural. Also ankles crossed works best in closer places like transit seats, airplanes etc.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg4%2FKR3259%2Fodds%2520n%2520ends%2F5CBE7528-5D4C-42EB-8670-805AB1E57EC6-24628-00000C38746C29E4_zps1c147928.jpg&hash=2f7614767c67ddbe13e05cadd1ea62bdcb9315e4)

All of the above?

They are all various means of body language, and I use them depending on how I feel and what I want to communicate.

Legs spread is confident, relaxed, even arrogant. It's a show of force and dominance to spread out your body and take up space.
Legs together--thighs, knees and feet--tends to be neutral, professional, alert. Interview legs! Among other things.
Crossing your legs really depends on how you do it. Legs crossed and feet tucked under is defensive, nervous... or just cold. You never know. ;)
On the other hand, legs stretched all the way out and crossed at the ankles is the single most dominant posture a human can present. It's often how the boss (particularly men) will sit in a business meeting.
And there are endless variations and combinations. Knees together and feet spread is childish, vulnerable, cute. Etc.

Body language is fun!

Quote from: Michelle G on September 09, 2014, 10:28:54 AM
My younger sister and I are just a couple years apart and when our mother was teaching her how to be a "lady" I paid close attention as well.

This how I always sit, it just feels natural. Also ankles crossed works best in closer places like transit seats, airplanes etc.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg4%2FKR3259%2Fodds%2520n%2520ends%2F5CBE7528-5D4C-42EB-8670-805AB1E57EC6-24628-00000C38746C29E4_zps1c147928.jpg&hash=2f7614767c67ddbe13e05cadd1ea62bdcb9315e4)

I pretty much sit with my leg crossed at the same angle, except the crossed leg then wraps around the back of my vertical leg and my foot locks it into place. (So my legs are crossed but my feet are parallel again)  not sure it that's a feminine way to sit or just odd lol.

I always sit with knees together and ankles crossed.  My thighs are rather large and crossing leg over leg takes up so much space and just feels awkward. 

I really can't answer on the poll because for me it really depends. I have fatter thighs and longer legs so if I'm sitting at a table, I might not be able to cross my legs at the knee, so I cross at the ankles like I would in a car. If I don't have anything restricting legs though I'll cross at the knees. Oh and sitting "Indian Style" never happens anymore, I'll instead either sit knees together and feet under me, or knees together and feet to the side with my ankles crossed.

Just wondering though does anyone still follow the "a lady should use as little room on the chair as possible" rules? I ask because sometimes you still see it (outside of a cotillion) but more often you see women sitting all the way into the chair with their back against the seat back.

 how about this one,    legs  spread wide apart going commando   

So is "akimbo" when you sit with your legs apart? I'm getting really curious.

"Akimbo" really means "to stand with hands on hips", but I prefer to use it to mean "limbs all over the place in random directions". ;D

I sit hoever I feel like at the time, even if its like a dude.  :P

I voted crossed at the ankles . TOO Fat to cross at knees

"I don't always sit like a lady..but when I do" - I sit like a boss!  8)

Legs crossed, Back arched.. Causing guys to run into inanimate objects.  All in a days work  ;)

chose crossed at knee...this was also one of the first things my therapist wanted me to try. idk why

I have always sat with my legs crossed.....even before I was a woman. In fact I can't sit comfortably without doing it. What's really strange is I can't sit down and eat unless my legs are crossed. I never thought this was an over feminine thing, and I do see some men that do....but it now does appear a little feminine when I see them.

The one thing that has changed dramatically is how I stand. I don't think I ever stood very manly  before (can't recall) but now if standing in place for more than 30 seconds, I will inadvertently cross my legs or put one in front of the other.

Another thing I do at times but not sure why, is double cross my legs. This isn't something I see too often....probably cause most people can't, but I do see some women doing it at times. Lets see how many here can do it????

I'm surprised no one else has mentioned the other half of sitting like a lady...posture.  Most of the time women don't lean back all the way in the chair and settle in like guys do.  They tend to sit with their butt against the back of the chair and keep their back straight up...often not touching the back of the chair at all.  It's not 100% of the time, but pretty close.  I noticed this a couple years ago, and since then I've noticed that most do sit this way.

Someone mentioned legs crossed while eating, and I've noticed a lot of women do that in restaurants.  I've tried, but it's hard to cross my legs under the table.

Quote from: katiej on September 09, 2014, 09:15:31 PM
I'm surprised no one else has mentioned the other half of sitting like a lady...posture.  Most of the time women don't lean back all the way in the chair and settle in like guys do.  They tend to sit with their butt against the back of the chair and keep their back straight up...often not touching the back of the chair at all.  It's not 100% of the time, but pretty close.  I noticed this a couple years ago, and since then I've noticed that most do sit this way.

Someone mentioned legs crossed while eating, and I've noticed a lot of women do that in restaurants.  I've tried, but it's hard to cross my legs under the table.

I had actually adjusted my car seat when I decided I would transition so I could get more use to sitting in this position(used to have leaned back one handed now upright with 2 hands) it is also advice my therapist gave me

ofcourse not all girls are alike but I heard most girls do sit with the posture you spoke of

Quote from: Dread_Faery on September 08, 2014, 10:16:10 AM
How to sit like a woman: A beginners guide.

Are you female and identify as being a woman? Are you sat down? Congratulations you are now sat down like a woman.

Awesome!  I always crossed at the ankles anyway with knees together.  My wife (cis) is usually splayed wide open.

Quote from: Pebblez on September 09, 2014, 09:22:30 PM
I had actually adjusted my car seat when I decided I would transition so I could get more use to sitting in this position(used to have leaned back one handed now upright with 2 hands) it is also advice my therapist gave me

ofcourse not all girls are alike but I heard most girls do sit with the posture you spoke of

I've done the same thing in the car.  It's hard to remember to keep both hands on the wheel...but most women do.

And now that I've mentioned the posture thing, you'll see it everywhere.  :)

I was sitting watching television the other night crossed at the knee and my daughter said, Dad your sitting like a woman. I better watch myself in the future, not out as yet. I find it comfy to sit this way, must be a natural.

Quote from: xponentialshift on September 09, 2014, 11:39:12 AM
I pretty much sit with my leg crossed at the same angle, except the crossed leg then wraps around the back of my vertical leg and my foot locks it into place. (So my legs are crossed but my feet are parallel again)  not sure it that's a feminine way to sit or just odd lol.

Like this? ;)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg4%2FKR3259%2Fodds%2520n%2520ends%2FC13DA798-2ACC-4BC5-AF25-7D19A73105C4-509-0000005A85428839.jpg&hash=4cf4d56f2e760a18a4c1438e27d8fd6eb747a995)

Quote from: Michelle G on September 10, 2014, 10:29:22 AM
Like this? ;)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg4%2FKR3259%2Fodds%2520n%2520ends%2FC13DA798-2ACC-4BC5-AF25-7D19A73105C4-509-0000005A85428839.jpg&hash=4cf4d56f2e760a18a4c1438e27d8fd6eb747a995)

Exactly like that.

Or standing like a lady,

This is how I have always stood while waiting in line or just hanging around,

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg4%2FKR3259%2Fodds%2520n%2520ends%2FCF25643D-F609-4B95-9617-070A840E4BF2-4264-00000444988922AF.jpg&hash=4ae6c49b506cf9e0811207df396d2592acc6f415)

I usually sit knees together, ankles apart, toes pointing towards each other.

Sometimes I cross my legs though, depending if my tuck is sore or not :P

Quote from: Michelle G on September 10, 2014, 10:29:22 AM
Like this? ;)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg4%2FKR3259%2Fodds%2520n%2520ends%2FC13DA798-2ACC-4BC5-AF25-7D19A73105C4-509-0000005A85428839.jpg&hash=4cf4d56f2e760a18a4c1438e27d8fd6eb747a995)

Wow... I'd never be able to do that with my legs.

I don't because I'm no lady....though I wear skirts a lot lmao

Quote from: katiej on September 09, 2014, 09:15:31 PM
I'm surprised no one else has mentioned the other half of sitting like a lady...posture.  Most of the time women don't lean back all the way in the chair and settle in like guys do.  They tend to sit with their butt against the back of the chair and keep their back straight up...often not touching the back of the chair at all.  It's not 100% of the time, but pretty close.  I noticed this a couple years ago, and since then I've noticed that most do sit this way.

Seriously? This is a lady thing? I've been doing this for as long as I remember. In fact it's how I'm sitting right now.

Yeah. To comment on the posture thing too, I sit so straight and arch my back so much that while driving I have to tilt the seat back so it leans TOWARDS me it I want it to make contact. Friends always complain when they get into my seat in the car lol. I've always done it. I prefer sitting in a stool than a chair because I don't use the backrest anyway.

I still cross my legs even on the stool, but one foot usually locks around the stool leg to keep me from falling off.