Becoming Feminine

[Karin]

I figured that I should start working on stuff that's cheap as free. I'm trying to pick up mannerisms and whatnot. I have tried observing some, but I'm not the most observe type. So perhaps some advice may be offered to help me.

For instance, I'm trying to improve my posture and walking. What's the difference between men and women on that, especially posture?
What minor acts or mannerisms give off the aura of femininity?

Thanks for any advice or pointing in the right direction.

[Tawny Frogmouth]

In the world (THIS world, anyway...)... women are hunted.

Mostly by psychos like you.

[aliciadarling]

I figured that I should start working on stuff that's cheap as free. I'm trying to pick up mannerisms and whatnot. I have tried observing some, but I'm not the most observe type. So perhaps some advice may be offered to help me.

For instance, I'm trying to improve my posture and walking. What's the difference between men and women on that, especially posture?
What minor acts or mannerisms give off the aura of femininity?

Thanks for any advice or pointing in the right direction.

Hi Karin:

It should come pretty natural.

I would suggest not sitting with your legs spread wide apart for one thing.

I would also suggest not walking like Arnie in the Terminator.

Also try not to exagerate hand movements or sashay as a drag queen might.

Also don't emulate Emily and Florence from Little Britain.

[elliebean]

For me, it's best not to overthink it; it has to come from deep within myself (shouldn't be quite so deep within, but it's buried under decades of repressive masculine overcompensation). Actually, it comes almost automatically whenever I put on heels. People who have known me in both forms tell me it's like I'm an altogether different person when I'm dressed. Part of that is by design, but I think it's more obvious the more "deliberate" it is. I try to see myself from the inside and then let myself be that person. So, in a way, it's a matter of shedding all male pretense.

The most difficult part for me is sitting properly. I try to be very ladylike, but crossing my legs is such a painful contortion and almost impossible to get right. If i'm wearing the kind of dress that allows me to go "untucked" it's a bit easier, but I still have way too much unnecessary "cargo" to really sit the way I want to. That and massive thigh muscles.

Another difficulty is smiling in a feminine manner. If you observe carefully, men's and women's facial expressions are very, very, different - especially their smiles. I'm told women actually practice theirs, though I haven't witnessed hard evidence of this. You'll want to show as much upper teeth as possible. For me this seems impossible to do while expressing anything that could remotely be described as a smile. I'm not sure exactly why, but I suspect it has to do with the length of my upper lip (from nose to mouth). It's not exceptionally long, but I have noticed that part of the face is usually a lot smaller in women than men. And nevermind the chin. I'll just have to keep practicing.

Voice.....[AAAHHH!!} don't get me started. Just subscribe to this vlog:
http://www.youtube.com/user/candiFLA#p/u/42/zRhit3CGMeA

There are other ones, too, but....I'm sure you'll get other recommendations.

[aliciadarling]

Hi:

I think if someone really is feminine its one thing, but to try to act or or outwardly portray being feminine
or rather a contrived interpretation could come off as pretty fake or over the top.

It is an area where subtlety is better than trying too hard and overdoing it.

If you want to see some examples of overdoing it carefully watch a group of cross dressers at a get together.

[Peta]

I started practicing walking when I was about twelve. I watched the girls and that took a long time. Now I can't walk like a guy which is a bit of a give away. Walking take smaller steps and also more inline with the foot you have left. If you want to wiggle your ass more then walk more in line and swing the hips as you do.

It's easier to practice when you have heels on. I hope I have explained it ok.

[aliciadarling]

I started practicing walking when I was about twelve. I watched the girls and that took a long time. Now I can't walk like a guy which is a bit of a give away. Walking take smaller steps and also more inline with the foot you have left. If you want to wiggle your ass more then walk more in line and swing the hips as you do.

It's easier to practice when you have heels on. I hope I have explained it ok.

Hi Peta:

So are you recommending someone wiggle their ass when they walk?

[Peta]

only if they want too. Up to them.

I enjoy it sometimes, but I see the Thai ladies doing everyday and they walk really sexily. Yes I like.

Yes I have been copying some of their walks, and it's great fun.

[Vicarious]

The most difficult part for me is sitting properly. I try to be very ladylike, but crossing my legs is such a painful contortion and almost impossible to get right. If i'm wearing the kind of dress that allows me to go "untucked" it's a bit easier, but I still have way too much unnecessary "cargo" to really sit the way I want to. That and massive thigh muscles.

Having been born female maybe I can add some insight. (Not that I usually sat correctly ANYways) First off, crossing your legs demurely at the ankles is a viable option I should think. Equipment might not get in the way so much. (Watch the Princess diaries where she is learning to be a Princess to get what I mean I guess)

Walking, well move your legs and not your arms so much I'd think. (Again... too masucline to -really- know)

Men tend to shlump, ladies sit straighter...

Mannerisms I can't help much with. I have Asperger's which makes facial expressions tricky anywho.

Hope I helped and not added to confusion!

[elliebean]

Thank you for that insight, Vic.

I have tried to cross my legs at the ankles as well, but it's still a bit off. My knees don't touch when I sit, unless I squeeze them together mercilessly. Also my calf muscles are quite large. They look awesome in heels, though.

If I continue losing weight, maybe that will get easier. For the time being, I'm just really choosy about where I sit.

[Peta]

It's so difficult as women have started wearing jeans they are behaving more like men. Try getting yourself a neat pencil skirt just below the knees that might help. Women mostly cross their legs at the knee but not like guys. They smile a lot more than males in agreement with what they hear. From a car swing your legs out first then move your body. The more you watch the more you will learn. Like another said don't over do it be subtle.

Watch movies a lot. Don't worry about Asbergers and don't let that hold you back. It is learnt behaviours that is all. Watch and learn. I was lucky it all happened naturally. Different races do things differently as with the different clothes women wear.

If a Thai woman wears a short skirt then she will wear shorts under it. If a Thai wears any skirt she will wear shorts under it. It is forbidden to show panties at all. It makes it easier for the Thai's and it's not the same behaviour as the Western women. Don't worry so much. Can you teach me guy behaviours please maybe then I could keep jobs.

[Peta]

Elliebean maybe women do cross their legs at the ankles, because I always cross them there I thought it was guy behaviour. Oh I am confused. I have actually realised I really don't know how guys behave. Gosh no wonder I have problems.

[Karin]

Well, good news. I actually own clothes now and went out in public to my therapy session dressed up, with a bit of help in the makeup department from a friend who taught me the art of thrifting. I enjoyed it, and I'm glad I chose the top I wore, it made me look like I had a little bit up top.

Anywho, what would one recommend to getting a more feminine shape? I mean, I'm thinking about saving up for padding, a cincher (not for super-tight use, just enough to give me the slight shape), and breast forms. Anyone have experience with any of those and can give off recommendations for vendors, as well as types?
I've looked at some breast forms online. My main question about them (aside from the previous question) is what is the difference between triangle-shaped and teardrop-shaped?

[Vicky]

http://www.tgboards.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5427#p70356

Back on Feb 23, I gave a pretty good description of the difference, see if that link works, and I think you were the one who started the thread??

[Karin]

Hurp...I'm so forgetful. Thanks for the link.

[needtotransition]

I just act completely natural and I happen to act very feminine. I have to pull some Hilary Swank shit to go into boy mode.

[Karin]

Alright, so today I bought a bra to give the impression that I actually have something up top. I'm not able to afford an forms yet. I'm measured at about 38-40 AA or A right now, but could only find 38B so I have quite a bit of room. Any suggestions on stuffing or anything of the like that's cheap but decently effective?

[Vicky]

Well, Kleenex, but take it out of the box. Square boobs are only for 13 year old blonds!!

Old stand-bys are birdseed in a nylon stocking, which will give a general illusion, (but watch out for low flying sparrows). Water balloons also give the weight and feel of breast forms, but you can imagine the problems there too. Never the less, I know girls that have used them many times. (Jello filled balloons have also been tried.) There are cheap foam rubber forms that have buckshot in them for adding weight. They are about $9 to $10 apiece mail order, Old socks can be used, but wash the socks first! "Athlete's bra" itch can be very painful. You can get womens swim suit pads at fabric shops that will give some fullness. A fabric/craft shop will also have other stuffing material thats pretty cheap and can go in an old stocking or sock.

I've tried to use most of the stuff listed above at one time or another. You may have better or worse results than I did, but its all part of the learning process.