Wanna Trade?

[Guest amie]

Ideas and instruction, that is?

I don’t know. I’ve stayed clear of this side for a few reasons. One of which is that I know way too much about bein’ a boy and have been afraid of how I may react upon reading how one of you claim it to be a wonderful and rewarding experience to rake a razor over your face, for example.

But I think I’m ready to lend a hand if I can? Though we (m2f/f2m) want what each other have and often maybe shake our heads at one another in disbelief at times, we’re all in the same boat so to speak. I think we’re a community that should look after one another if we can.

I like the thought of helping some of you guys if I can and as well, maybe enriching myself in the process. I’m thirty-seven and have tried like hell to make the boy thing work by doin’ most everything I can up until just recently to pull it off.

The good news is, for you guys anyway, I have a great deal of advice and instruction to offer. Most all the guy stuff I’ve attempted I’ve kicked donkey at despite the partial heart involved.

As an indirect result of this, gabbin’ with some of you and providing tips n’ such, maybe I can make a few friends. I’m always out to try and do that.

I’ve reached a point where my mind is hyperactive with ideas on how to try and develop myself further as a person and this is one that I’ve come up with. Hit me guys. Maybe I can help. Somethinz on your mind, let it off! IM me or simply post. Maybe I can help? I don’t wanna promise anything, but if called upon I’ll sure try and deliver.

Be good and be good at it!

[Sally]

That is an excellent idea, Amie.

So guys, this can work both ways, you know all about having to be a girl - it was forced on you the same way that being a guy was forced on Amie and the rest of us girls - some of us got really good at it and might have some helpful advice.

And you have been doing the girl thing successfuly too, so you would know better how to teach someone that than I would, since I am learnig it all as I go along.

We are all here to help - so first off guys and gals should venture into the other's forums (Oh no, not the other's looker room!) and see what concerns them and maybe you can help.

Never be afraid to help or to ask for help.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest amie]

That is an excellent idea, Amie.

So guys, this can work both ways, you know all about having to be a girl - it was forced on you the same way that being a guy was forced on Amie and the rest of us girls - some of us got really good at it and might have some helpful advice.

And you have been doing the girl thing successfuly too, so you would know better how to teach someone that than I would, since I am learnig it all as I go along.

We are all here to help - so first off guys and gals should venture into the other's forums (Oh no, not the other's looker room!) and see what concerns them and maybe you can help.

Never be afraid to help or to ask for help.

Love ya,

Sally

Nice, Sally. See, somehow I knew you and I were more alike than we may have thought early on. Yu read my mind.

[Sally]

Nice, Sally. See, somehow I knew you and I were more alike than we may have thought early on. Yu read my mind.

I always knew that, it took you a while to get over a few anger issues for you to realize it.

We all have things to overcome.

And isn't life so much better without the anger?

You are even happy now!

I am so glad that you have made such wonderful progress in accepting and actually embracing who we are - we are gender gifted (no matter how much some people don't like that) and this very topic shows why.

You go girl!

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Elizabeth K]

YIKES Amie

All your "Great Aunts" coming in. I am not quite as old as double your age, but your avatar is really good- it shows you as you are in heart. Mine does too I think. So we are really kinda like 16 year old girls here at Laura's sometimes, don't mean to be - just sorta happens.

Anyway - there I go off the subject.

GREAT TOPIC

I do lunker down into the FTM forumn every once in a while - to everyone's dismay in that area probably! Its a real mind trip (70s talk people) to know you are in a place where everyone CRAVES what you are so desparately trying to leave behind, and HATES what you so want to become.

I have used this before - I took a train trip from N.O. to Chicago. These trains going so fast, passing so close, going opposite ways! That us here in a way -MTF and FTM. We are inches from each other in desire and need, and travelling so fast we don't always communicate. And we KNOW we are the same.

The some of the best talks I have had on chat and forum have been with those FTM. I go to the GLBT meetings and the FTM are there nodding their heads in agreement when I talk of how hard it can be - they give me hugs! Oh my - I really try to be there for them too.

Lizzy

[Guest Linus Thomas]

LOL... so many questions.

My biggest problem is figuring out what looks good on me. I'm short (5'1") and very stocky at 215lbs. I also run into an issue with finding shoes (I'm vegan so no leather shoes for me) as I have a size 6.5 mens.

So where does one go for proper clothing advice that's flattering?

[Guest mia 1]

Like you Amie I'm on the same track. But to see you lose that anger and be not only rational but so empathetic and helpful, warms this old girls heart. Well off I go to "flower land" and get ready for Valentine's Day.. From one almost grown up to another Congrats to you.. Now you guys start asking Amie for advice.... Mia.

[Guest Kelly Ann]

Being Vegan limits you a trifle there Linus...a lot of shoes are made in '100% man-made (YIKES!) materials' and contain no leather at all...the good side is they're usually a lot cheaper than leather and are found at most of the shoe store chains and big box stores...the bad side is they'll make your feet sweat more than would be normal so you have to keep the footsies cleaner that usual to keep away athlete's foot bacteria...they also wear out and harden quicker too. There's also the kung-fu slippers that are unisex and cloth...again they do wear out regularly. The Birkenstock stores usually carry a few lines of plastic shoes that are well made and comfy if not a tad pricey. Keep your toes happy and your dogs won't bark, Kelly Ann

[Guest Donna Jean]

Oh, Amie..That is totally awesome (sorry..using that at my age..I'm an old hippy)

Offering help like that. Now, THAT is very thoughtful and giving!

You know..we as moderators read and approve all the posts that go up, so, we can't help but read the FTM posts...But, you offering help in here with something that you have years of experience with is just very cool.

I've really grown to you, Amie...I don't have to hug and run any more...

Now....get out there and dish out some of that fine help......

You've really impressed me, Hon.....

{{{{BIG HUGGS}}}}

Donna Jean

[Guest Felicia Anne]

LOL... so many questions.

My biggest problem is figuring out what looks good on me. I'm short (5'1") and very stocky at 215lbs. I also run into an issue with finding shoes (I'm vegan so no leather shoes for me) as I have a size 6.5 mens.

So where does one go for proper clothing advice that's flattering?

well, speaking as someone who used to consider themselves male, i will be glad to get some pointers to you linus.

to answer the shoes question, i am sure there are shoes that can be ordered online that are vegan friendly (gotta a lotta love for you vegans!), but sadly, most stores where you can buy men's shoes will not have that option readily available. when it comes to shoes, men require less shoes than women do, and it shows in the selections available. i remember once telling a woman that men only need four pairs of shoes - sneakers, church shoes, work boots, and flip flops. one pair each.

as far as clothing that is flattering, the first thing to do is to consider what kind of look you are going for. for casual wear, nothing beats the american classic of jeans and a t-shirt. or, try a nice henley styled sweater on top of that. an extra degree of laid back can be achieved with a hoodie. or, if you want to dress to impress, a nice button down shirt, tie and slacks can never fail. both looks can work regardless of body type. it will be up to you to find what fits well, and what colors work well with you. but believe me - both looks are very male and will set the tone nicely. especially the nice dress shirt and tie. trust me when i say that women definitely pay attention to a well dressed man!

[Guest Linus Thomas]

Being Vegan limits you a trifle there Linus...a lot of shoes are made in '100% man-made (YIKES!) materials' and contain no leather at all...the good side is they're usually a lot cheaper than leather and are found at most of the shoe store chains and big box stores...the bad side is they'll make your feet sweat more than would be normal so you have to keep the footsies cleaner that usual to keep away athlete's foot bacteria...they also wear out and harden quicker too. There's also the kung-fu slippers that are unisex and cloth...again they do wear out regularly. The Birkenstock stores usually carry a few lines of plastic shoes that are well made and comfy if not a tad pricey. Keep your toes happy and your dogs won't bark, Kelly Ann

Ah.. right. I did find Keen shoes who make some nice canvas and man-made shoes. Their size 7 actually is about a half size smaller so that's one option for non-formal shoes.

I guess I may have to go to a custom made formal shoe then..

[Guest amie]

YIKES Amie

All your "Great Aunts" coming in. I am not quite as old as double your age, but your avatar is really good- it shows you as you are in heart. Mine does too I think. So we are really kinda like 16 year old girls here at Laura's sometimes, don't mean to be - just sorta happens.

Anyway - there I go off the subject.

GREAT TOPIC

I do lunker down into the FTM forumn every once in a while - to everyone's dismay in that area probably! Its a real mind trip (70s talk people) to know you are in a place where everyone CRAVES what you are so desparately trying to leave behind, and HATES what you so want to become.

I have used this before - I took a train trip from N.O. to Chicago. These trains going so fast, passing so close, going opposite ways! That us here in a way -MTF and FTM. We are inches from each other in desire and need, and travelling so fast we don't always communicate. And we KNOW we are the same.

The some of the best talks I have had on chat and forum have been with those FTM. I go to the GLBT meetings and the FTM are there nodding their heads in agreement when I talk of how hard it can be - they give me hugs! Oh my - I really try to be there for them too.

Lizzy

Heehee! Yep, I guess I thought I needed a softer image? Funny stuff.

[Guest amie]

All of you are rilly sweet for stampin' your approval on this. It would just warm me so to see a collective effort here on this. Nice smile material. 2.25 thumbs up!

[Guest amie]

LOL... so many questions.

My biggest problem is figuring out what looks good on me. I'm short (5'1") and very stocky at 215lbs. I also run into an issue with finding shoes (I'm vegan so no leather shoes for me) as I have a size 6.5 mens.

So where does one go for proper clothing advice that's flattering?

Nautica rules, Linus. The mall locations are rilly good about keepin' the sales goin' too.