Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

Looking for help


EliAtkins

Recommended Posts

So, I'm considering the possibility that I might be FtM (still questioning and trying to figure out who I am).  I'd like to experiment with a more masculine presence to see how it feels.  I don't wear makeup except like once or twice a year and I've dug out my collection of masculine looking jewelry I bought 20ish years ago, but I'm unsure what else I can try without investing a lot of money at this point.

 

I've read on quite a few posts here that body language plays a big role.  Is this something you've learned to use by watching and copying other people or is there a guide out there somewhere to help with this?

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I mainly did things by sitting in the mall (for instance) and watching people go by. This for me though served two purposes as I draw and paint people so it was good background research. There is guidance out there. A quick search on Youtube brought up a list of references. I suspect books have been written as well.

 

I think it is something which needs gradual accumulation though, as, unless one is an actor, new movements can appear strange and clumsy at first. They become far more natual with experience.

 

Tracy

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

You don't have to spend any money to experiment.  Guys really don't wear much if any jewelry.  You can cut your hair a little shorter (it will grow back!) and body language is important.  Guys are not as expressive as women, and generally don't speak with their hands.  Watching others as Tracy notes is a great way to learn.  It can also be an amusing way to spend a few hours! 

Link to comment

I've tried several little things to test myself and see if they feel right. Body language is a big one. Try sitting with your legs more spread, or let your arms come away from your sides, generally take up more space than you are used to. Women are encouraged to hold their arms and legs in and appear small. Some other things I've done is to buy a pack of men's briefs to wear. That one felt really right to me. Later when I had a couple of men's shirts, I would go out wearing my most masculine clothes and give a male name at the coffee shop for my order. I really knew I was on the right track when I heard them call out that name and thought, oh yes, that's me! I couldn't stop smiling all the way home.

Link to comment
Just now, EvanC said:

I really knew I was on the right track when I heard them call out that name and thought, oh yes, that's me! I couldn't stop smiling all the way home.

This just made me smile a lot Evan. That's such a cool feeling especially the first time you hear it!

@EliAtkins I think there's a lot you can try without spending too much. Thrift shops are great resources. A guy's button down with the buttons on the other side is a small thing but might feel meaningful as might wearing a belt the other direction. 

And of course, observing people is great. A lot of guys have a certain lumbering swagger when they walk that is something to consider, too. Have fun with it all!

Link to comment

Thanks all, these are great suggestions!

 

18 hours ago, tracy_j said:

I mainly did things by sitting in the mall (for instance) and watching people go by. This for me though served two purposes as I draw and paint people so it was good background research. There is guidance out there. A quick search on Youtube brought up a list of references. I suspect books have been written as well.

 

Do you happen to remember what specifically you searched for?  I just tried a couple quick internet searches and most of it was how to tell if a man is interested in you, which is not quite what I'm going for...ha.  People watching is something I enjoy doing, but I currently have a toddler so I don't always have a chance to pay attention to other people when we're out in public.

 

@Jani  It's funny you should mention a haircut.  I've actually been wanting to get one for the past few months, but between having a lot on my plate and not being able to decide what length/style I want to get, it hasn't happened yet.  But it's something I'm trying to make a priority.

 

@EvanC  Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely have to try them!  Also, it's great you had that experience.  Part of what set off my desire to test with this is because I think I might have been mistaken for a man.  I was at Target (looking at men's electric razors cause I was getting something for my husband) and a guy approached to flirt with me.  I was dense and didn't realize it at the time.  I just gave a thin smile and a nod when he said hi (he had a big, friendly smile as he said it) and moved to another section of the aisle thinking that I might have been in his way.  He kept sort of hovering and followed when I went to the next aisle.  He complimented my shirt so I thanked him.  As soon as I spoke, he suddenly stopped trying to make eye contact and disappeared quick.  I certainly could be wrong about the interaction, but I definitely left the store with a smile on my face and it still makes me smile to look back on it.

 

@SugarMagnolia  I'm not sure about the shirt (I haven't told my husband I'm questioning my gender yet so I worry about bringing home clothes that are too obviously masculine), but a belt is a great suggestion.  I used to wear them all the time and haven't in years, not since I put on some weight.  I want to get some new t-shirts though (through various wardrobe purges I currently only have 1) since most of my wardrobe is ultra feminine and dressier than is really needed for my current role as a stay at home mom.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
4 hours ago, EliAtkins said:

 

Do you happen to remember what specifically you searched for?  I just tried a couple quick internet searches and most of it was how to tell if a man is interested in you, which is not quite what I'm going for...ha.  People watching is something I enjoy doing, but I currently have a toddler so I don't always have a chance to pay attention to other people when we're out in pub

 

I would suggest you look up on 'male mannerisms' and 'male body language'.

 

Tracy

Link to comment

@tracy_j  Thanks Tracy, that really helped!

 

 

Just as a general update, I tried using more masculine body language a couple times when I was out this week and it was amazing how I felt because of it.  I felt so much more free and comfortable.  It was probably the first time since I was a kid that I've been able to sit the way I wanted to without fear that someone else won't think I'm being ladylike enough!  Anyway, I finally feel like I might be on the right track with this!

Link to comment

So far I've mostly been just trying small stuff here and there.  I got some new tshirts and wearing my hair in a low ponytail (until I can get an appointment with my hair dresser to get it cut).  I've been trying to pay more attention to body language of men when I'm out in public and copy when I'm able.  For the most part, a lot of it feels really natural for me.  Although, I definitely need more practice on my swagger.  When I'm not focused on it, I start swaying my hips when I walk, haha.  While I highly doubt I'd be able to pass for a man at this point, I can picture myself as a man and I feel closer to the person I am on the inside than I have been in my entire life.  It is amazing how good that feels!

 

I'm not sure how soon it'll be, but I'm sort of looking ahead to getting more mens clothing.  I do have a question about mens' pants/belts though.  I have an hourglass figure, despite being somewhat short and fat.  My hips are quite a bit wider than my natural waist (approx 10 inches more in my hips than my waist when I measured both) and I'm unsure how to translate this into a clothing size.  Should I use my hip measurement and expect it'll be loose at the waist or do I use the measurement for my natural waist and risk it not fitting over my hips?

 

I don't plan on getting any pants or jeans right away, but I would like to get a belt to wear.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Men's jeans are measured around where they will sit on you basically. Which is below your natural waist. Go for looks and cuts that make you look straighter when possible. Loose shirts and untucked tees help.

Because it is based on where your pants sit you may find a range of sizes fit depending on the cut. I discovered how each brand of jeans fit by going to a thrift store and trying them on. They have unisex dressing rooms and it's common for people to try on different sizes. No one pays any attention. Most of my jeans fit just at the top of my hip bones.

Johnny

Link to comment

Hello! I am Kole, and to tell you, money isn't really anything you should consider. You can be masc without spending all that money. I don't own a binder and there is not yet surgery and I feel very masc. Despite all the dysphoria I may have, I know in my head I am a male. If you want to portray yourself as a male to others, you could wear baggy clothes if you have a bigger chest size. If you want to, you can study males physical interactions and their anatomy if you desperately wanting to. In my opinion, you don't need money to appear how you want, but that is your own choice. Honestly, I say be yourself. Act how you wanna act and look how you wanna look. Just be who you wanna be. Don't let others tell you how to look or how to act. If you feel masc, act how you would be and be that guy you what to be. <3 

Link to comment

@JJ Thanks, Johnny!  That's actually really helpful!

 

@Kole Rickard I just meant that I didn't want to invest in buying a whole new wardrobe without feeling a little more sure that I want to go in that direction.  Most of my clothes are ultra feminine from 30+ years of trying to force myself to be something I'm not and it's hard for me to feel masculine in it.  But thanks, I appreciate hearing your perspective on it!

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   7 Members, 0 Anonymous, 116 Guests (See full list)

    • Abigail Genevieve
    • Charlize
    • violet r
    • Avra
    • Carolyn Marie
    • Susie
    • Shorelinesex
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.6k
    • Total Posts
      767.9k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,013
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Newest Member
    Quillian
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. 777fleetleader777
      777fleetleader777
      (21 years old)
    2. ArinHallm3
      ArinHallm3
      (18 years old)
    3. ITakMyTime
      ITakMyTime
      (70 years old)
    4. Jess31
      Jess31
      (40 years old)
    5. Natalie71645
      Natalie71645
      (39 years old)
  • Posts

    • Abigail Genevieve
      I thought I would try my version of this. Changes in bold.   I am Transgender.  Sometimes it is remote, sometimes close. Sometimes I am euphoric, sometimes depressed. It is something I cannot get away from and cannot welcome enough. I see some things both ways that neither men as men see or women as women see.  I can be gentle and compassionate and hard as nails. I was born with male genitals but a female heart   I have my heart.  Whatever it is. When I look at a female, I wish I looked like her  Depends on the woman.  When I look at a male, I wish I did not look like him   Ditto. I envy female movements, softness, behaviors, appearances, fashion...EVERYTHING Female Depends. Sometimes I get angry at them because women spend time and energy in ways men don't.  It is not necessarily bad.  I could do without the gossip. Not all women gossip.  Excessive focus on fashion is something I find annoying. And expensive. I tolerate all things male out of social obligation...not because I feel like a man or because it makes me happy....but because that's what I was forced to believe was my only choice....beginning in early childhood. Sometimes it is helpful to put on the Iron Man suit and act accordingly.  But I have seen some tough women. When I look at myself in the mirror in only bra and panties...I can see my nude female body...and it makes me smile and feel amazing and warm inside....yet sad because that is not my reality. I could go either way, mostly. Really.  In tests in the last two years technicians have gone really quiet when they see how little body and leg hair I have.  I looked at myself this morning.  Remove a few clues and a girl is standing there. When I look at myself in the mirror in only boxers...I can see my nude male body and it saddens me deeply and makes me feel sick and depressed...and at times...even ashamed....Because this IS my reality. At this point I am not going to do that. In the mood I am in I might break the mirror. My true gender does not influence my sexual interests or preferences...or change who I am....in any form or fashion. Gender identity is in no way connected to anything sexually related on any level.  Not sure I want to make that statement so categorically. Life as a male leaves me with a feeling that something is off...that something is missing...that something is not as it should have been.   Well put. The idea of having to continue living as a male...as someone I am not...for the rest of my life...even if its only part time...causes great sadness and anxiety within myself. I've got priorities beyond this that this must fit into. The idea of living as the girl I am and always have been on a full time basis...regardless of where I am, what I am doing or who I am around...brings me great joy, happiness and a sense of peace within myself.  Would be neat. Looking like and living as a girl makes me smile.   Would be neat.  There are downsides.  Looking like and living as a guy makes me sad.   I have had lots of practice accepting this. I am Transgender....I am a girl
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
      Good listener, respect them, and show sympathy/empathy, even just being there
    • Ashley0616
      Getting dog today he's potty trained
    • Sally Stone
      Think positively, Ashley.  I have no doubt you'll find your king or queen at some point.   Hugs,   Sally
    • Abigail Genevieve
      Bob had the night off from teaching kara-tay and they planned to spend a lot of it at Cabaret.   Once in, Taylor waited for her man to park and looked around.  There was a sign "Mary, Paul and Peter LIVE tonight" and, sure enough, three microphones were standing in the open area.  A new hostess came up to her. "Are you alone?" "Oh, no.  He's coming." Taylor was led to a table. Bob was there in a minute and managed to get in there and seat her.  She smiled. "The act will be along in a few minutes. And Congratulations! I am SO EXCITED!!" Taylor responded to his look. "I got promoted." "To what?" "Head of Marketing." "You're kidding." "Nope.  It seems the Board finally woke up to the fact that the China cash cow may come to an end and they need to do something. Did you know that the VPs on up all get over a million dollars in compensation without really doing anything?" "No." "I am supposed to figure out how to re-energize over thirty acres of factory that have laid idle for forty years or more." "Why don't they do it?" She whispered,"the head of production is the son of the previous head of production. He has never produced anything."  She explained that everything was made in China and exported back to the US and sold under different brand names. "How am I going to find someone?" He smiled. "Congratulations. Sounds like a problem.  Hey, today we were talking about problems at our Philly plant.  One, it was built before World War 2. Second the city and state are tightening regulations and the tax structure is adverse.  Third, we get protestors every day, some of whom break into the factory.  People are talking about relocating." "We are forty miles from an interstate." "That is a plus.  Makes it harder for protestors to find us if we moved here." "You are really thinking that?" "I am, right now. I can't speak for the company.  I know there is a rail line." "Spur, actually, with several sidings.  The buildings are in good shape." "Do you have about five acres we could look at? How about if I take some pictures and send them off?" "Great.  And protestors would not be tolerated in Millville.  The factory area once upon a time was the main employer and people are very protective." Two weeks later she was in Philadelphia with Gibson and a few others.  The deal was signed and by end of summer ten acres, with an option on another ten, were being upgraded and equipment was coming in by rail. Not five, but ten.  She got a $20,000 bonus out of the blue.  The company was flush with Chinese cash that they didn't know what to do with. She was developing plans. But back to dinner.  "Did I tell you what they are paying me?" "No." She told him. "That is more than I am making." "You don't sound happy." "It takes some getting used to.  You are Management and Croesus combined." "Yeah. Is this a problem?" "No.  As I said, it takes some getting used to."  The musicians arrived and were introduced: three local teenagers in Peter Paul and Mary clothing and wigs like it was the 60s.  They began singing. "They are good," she said. "They are lip-synching." "They are good at lip-synching." They listened for a while. "Work is going to be intense for a while." "I'll bet." "I won't be able to talk to you about some of it." "I bet." They had a good evening.   The high point for Bob was that she let him put his hand on hers.  The high point for her was Bob did not seem threatened by her now being Management and making more than he did with a Masters. She didn't tell him she was likely to be in on the distribution of money the Chinese sent every year to keep them fat and happy.  But she had to finish up that report, so the evening ended early.  He drove her home, checked her apartment for people and again walked away hearing her lock the door three times.  She didn't say it, but he knew she was going to have a long talk with her therapist as well.   Her therapist was a night owl.  
    • Ashley0616
      envy: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage obsolete : MALICE : an object of envious notice or feeling
    • MaeBe
      I sit back and think, am I this person? I definitely argue, but with the willingness to alter my opinion if I find that my information is lacking. So, no? I also don't go pointing fingers in faces like a crazed person, usually I am the one to argue with that kind of person; typically because they can't see past emotion and have little concern for actual facts. Sometimes it's sport that I do this (ENTP, baby!), but usually it comes from a place of trying to inform and shift opinion--or at least get them to actually obtain facts or get their facts from objective sources.
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
    • MaeBe
      How exciting! Have a glorious evening!
    • Adrianna Danielle
      I will be meeting her wife tonight
    • Betty K
      Thank you Vidanjali that is so great to hear. I'm glad the joy comes across even though the subjects are dark, and especially that my voice is pretty! This was really a breakthrough for me, and I revelled in the entire process. Never had creating music been so effortless from start to finish.
    • Charlize
      The thoughts and suggestions above are certainly excellent!  I might also suggest that you continue to reach out to the trans community where your feelings are understood through experience.  I have found that helpful.  The is especially true when i try to help another in distress, not to look for a fellow sufferer but to help another find a path to self acceptance and peace.  Funny how helping another can pull me out of my own funk. We are here to help as we can.  Remember you are not alone in your feelings.   Hugs,   Charlize
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...