Small Benefit of Being Masked

[Carolyn Marie]

I've always passed pretty well (I think) but the last couple of years I've noticed that my once white facial hair is getting grayer.  I've had LHR but it left the fine white hairs.  My wife tells me that it isn't noticeable even after 24 hours.  But especially on my upper lip the now-graying hair is getting more noticeable, at least to me, making me a bit more self conscious.

 

Which brings me to the topic at hand. I find myself somewhat pleased at having to cover my nose and upper lip these days. I think it hides a multitude of sins issues and gives me a little more confidence.  I do a pretty fair job on my eye makeup, so what's visible probably looks OK to most casual observers.  ?

 

On the other hand, there is still my tummy bulge.  ?  But I mask that with loose fitting blouses, so it all works out.  ?

 

Carolyn Marie

[Mx.Drago]

Looks like 15 min. dance warm-up times to work that tummy in place. ? Keep fabulous, no matter how much grey appears.

 

 

[KayC]

12 hours ago, Carolyn Marie said:

I find myself somewhat pleased at having to cover my nose and upper lip these days

Mask or no mask, you look great, Carolyn Marie!

 

I have noticed though there is something about the masks, or the burka women wear that exposes just the eyes, that really draws attention to the eyes and create a unique beauty in itself.   After all, the eyes are the windows to the soul ❤️

[Charlize]

Eyes are extremely expressive and i've learned to read how others feel while shopping by glancing at eyes.

I had to think at one point whether i would have worn a mask, wig and skirt before transition to venture into the world.  Seems like it might be an opportunity for some to explore life as themselves.  Personally i miss the effect that a smile has on others who often smile in return.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[SaraAW]

30 minutes ago, Charlize said:

Eyes are extremely expressive and i've learned to read how others feel while shopping by glancing at eyes.

Charlize, I am in a security and intelligence field and I totally agree, you can definitely get a lot of clues of emotion from the eyes;

 

 the full face is better, but even masked, you can still gather a fair amount intelligence. Here is a link to a light, but still interesting article on reading folks wearing masks.  scienceofpeople.com/masks/ 

 

36 minutes ago, Charlize said:

Personally i miss the effect that a smile has on others who often smile in return.

A true smile is in the eyes. The mouth part of a smile can easily be faked. Look for eye crinkles at the outside corners (crow's feet), just under the eyes and the lifting of the mask as the cheeks rise up a little.  It's actually easier to detect a true smile with someone wearing a mask, because you won't be receiving false imput from the mouth. You'll know someone is smiling at you.

[Carolyn Marie]

4 hours ago, KayC said:

Mask or no mask, you look great, Carolyn Marie!

 

 

Thank you very much, Kay!

 

Carolyn Marie

[JJ]

I agree you look great Carolyn!

A lot of guys I've heard talking about masks worry about not being correctly gendered because the facial hair they prize and cultivate is covered up. Yet I haven't heard a single one say they were actually misgendered because of it. I think the stress of all this brings out other fears and anxieties more.

I'm having to isolate a lot but did go to the regular grocery store for the first time in two months. We have become friends with the checkers and others there over the years and a couple of people said they didn't recognize me at first in the mask. Maybe because I smile a lot usually.

 

Johnny

 

 

 

[Oh_Kay]

I've been wearing a light colored lip shimmer to work, just to feel more feminine. We wear masks most of the time so I figured that would cover it up. Occasionally, we take our masks off if we are maintaining a 6 foot distance. My manager was talking to me today and I realized that I had taken my mask off for a short break. At that point I thought, what the heck, they could never get rid of me. So I am going to continue wearing my lip shimmer with mask or no mask! 

[Carolyn Marie]

5 hours ago, Suzanne1 said:

 

Of course, the above paragraph is only my understanding, and I cannot claim any current knowledge re: virology.  I'm sure all our citizens will adhere to the laws, legislatures, or governors of their land & will follow their instructions/orders obediently.

 

Unfortunately, that has not seemed to be the case, Suzanne, with rare exceptions.  Then again, I suspect you're being sarcastic anyway.  Sarcasm is hard to detect either when masked or visible only through script on a screen.

 

Carolyn Marie