I've been making it a point to force myself to gut it up and go out as female a lot more often, especially since starting HRT a couple of months ago (which I LOVE, by the way), and although I still get incredibly nervous out in public, so far my reactions have been unbelievably positive. So much so that I'm often taken aback by them.

For one thing, my friends don't seem to feel the slightest bit conspicuous around me when I'm out as a girl with them, and one of them even suggested grabbing something to eat with me.

But really, I have a little gasp inside when I'm complimented entirely out of the blue. I usually manage a startled "thank you," which I tend to pass off as easily as possible, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that it's a surprisingly new feeling.

Most recently, someone commented that "You have a nice height," which at first a fragile part of me took to mean "You seem suspicious." But then I realized the guy was being totally sincere, and thought I was a well-built tall girl (6'0... tall, but not unheard-of). My taste in clothes is also complimented somewhat regularly.

How do you all feel when this sort of thing happens?

I think we are taught a lot more about how to handle criticism then complements.  Though for sure, there is a lot more of the first than the second, particularly in our internal dialog.

Compliments used to make me feel very awkward, as I felt awkward, though I eventually learned just to smile and say Thank You, I still felt weird and a wee bit suspicious.

Now I just smile and say thank you, and the awkwardness is gone.


Jay

The best compliment that I have ever received is "you look very natural".  I took it as a comment on my look for the day.  A friend had said it to me.

When I get compliments from others outside my circle.  I blush and just say "Thank You".  What else can one do?



Janet

It took some getting use to for me and I didn't appreciate it much when I was young.

But as I've been learning to accept myself I am not too bothered by it.

Guys are going to stare. They will open the door for you. You will get the occasional "Wolf Whistle" from time to time  You will get asked on dates. Guys will give you gifts. That's what guys do 

When I was awkward with myself I was very awkward with compliments (the few I received ). 

Now, as I am becoming ever more comfortable with myself as Kate, I can accept the compliments with some grace (I hope) and appreciation.  Even when startled by it, I will say something like "Why, thank you" and let my appreciation of their words show.  If I'm not taken completely by surprise, I will take the compliment to be an opening to further conversation.  Compliments are fodder for social interaction.

And I'm gullible enough to believe most of them.

- Kate

Good point Kate -

The most important part of receiving a compliment is returning with a smile and Thank You. Also, returning a compliment back about the person seems to go well 

I feel they are a way of breaking the ice. With my girl friends we usually say, after Hi, then your looking nice, new skirt, top, shoes whatever that leads us into conversation.

With a guy, I always smile and say thank you, letting him have the chance to talk. Who knows, might get lucky, Brad Pitt does roam. But I prefer Johnny Depp

Cindy.

BTW Janet you have another gorgous picture

Women have often told me how much they loved my eyes over the years. Earlier in the week I decided to do some clear mascara on my lashes to help add some extra before going out for the night with some girlfriends. One knows about me as trans, one probably thinks i'm a closeted gay guy - both stared for a bit and told me how gorgeous my eyes were repeatedly.

Felt so worth it.