One of the things many people like about me is my aura confidence. I have worked hard at it my whole life and it has opened doors for me that would not have opened without it. Some days it is little more than a facade, some days the feeling is spot on, but the key is I present myself with it daily - regardless of how I really feel inside, because it makes me stronger as a woman.

I see women who fidget, always look down - or off to the side, women who walk kinda slumped or dragging their feet, women who don't even try to put themselves together. These are the kinds of women who can become the worlds punching bags whether they are GG's or TG's. It's just the way this messed up world is. There are plenty of people out there just waiting to pass their judgements on any one of us, it is up to us to to leave them with little doubt as to their absurdity.

Holding ones head up high and being able to look people in the eyes is an important part of being a woman.  IMO, for a TG, it is an important part of passing. People tend to shy away from confronting a woman of confidence on any issue regardless of any thoughts in their heads.

Being confident, or presenting it even when you don't feel it, will build upon itself. There is a difference between a level of confidence and a marker of arrogance. We all have to be careful to know where the line is, however the added spring in your step matched to the smile in your eyes goes a long long way.

Thank you for this reminder TWC.  I think due to all the stress I've been under lately, I have kind of let my confidence level slip.

Melissa

I agree wholeheartedly.  Humans are often times just like the animal world, predators and prey.  When you appear vulnerable the predators feel it's safe to strike.  When you hold your head up and look them in the eye, they shy away.

I've known many women, GG and TG alike, who have this lack of confidence that makes them vulnerable to predators.  A couple of months ago I walked into my doctor's office, all smiles.  I greeted the receptionist and started up a conversation.  So happy I was just being me I was brimming with confidence.  I sat down in the waiting room and then another TS walked in.  She checked in, found a seat in the corner and sat there with her head down.  I looked at her hoping she'd look up so I could let her know with a smile she was among friends.  But she never did.  It almost seemed as if she was ashamed of who she was. 

Even if you don't have that natural confidence it can be gained by acting as if you do.  Then you'll see that these predators aren't really as tough as they pretend and begin to gain confidence from within.  Before long you realize these predators need weak people so they can feel they are strong because they themselves are weak and insecure.  And you realize you don't have to be one of their victims.

Survival of the fittest in the world of mind games.

Julie

Exactly.

And, in general people treat you differently when you exude confidence. It doesn't always have to really be there, so long as others think it is

Mmmmm...  confidence.  Yummy.  It's how I've always tried to live my life.  Fresh and vibrant and utterly expressive.  It doesn't mean always being chipper and polite for me, it just means being unafraid of expressing my feelings and opinions.  I have VERY strong feelings and opinions about a number of things (no way!)  For the most part, people just view me as an imposing woman.  I'm actually glad I'm tall, with broad shoulders and a defined, Armenian nose.  It gives me a very serious edge socially, especially as a woman.  People don't screw with me, and while I haven't quite gotten to the point of dressing out in public all the time, I intend to carry this confidence with me no matter what.

Eye contact, though.  It's all about eye contact.  I hate people who can't look me in the eye when they say something.  It makes me want to slap them.  Too many people live like bloody cowards, and it has nothing to do with one's lifestyle or gender, believe me.