What do we mean by "girly"?

[Since1982]

Dawn, you said you'd soon be experiencing "full fashion freedom" I simply asked what that was. How is this question in any way offensive? To me, nothing you said was offensive, I just saw you refer to something I didn't understand, so I asked what it was. This is the only way I know to learn things. IF I have said or inferred something offensive, I apologize, but I still don't understand how I, by asking an honest question, could have been offensive.

[Milfmog]

Thanks Dawn,

I had assumed that that was what you were alluding to, but the only safe thing to do with an assumption is to recognize it and seek clarification. I meant no offence, on the contrary I wanted to avoid giving the offence that could have arisen if I was wrong.

There are number of folks on the board who have had voyages of gender discovery and I have learned a great deal about how people feel from a number of them. One of the strengths of this online community is the breadth of people represented and the range of perspectives that this brings to the discussion here, however a little context (that comes from knowing who people are) can go a long way when trying to understand other peoples perspectives in the discussions.

Welcome to the board, I look forward to reading your thoughts over the coming months and years.

Have fun,


Ian.


Edited to correct typo - Ian.

[Dawn]

since1982,

I assure you no offense was inferred or taken from the honest question that was asked, being new and unfamiliar with the culture and vernacular, I was trying to indicate that I want to fit in.

Dawn

[Since1982]

Thank you, Dawn, no problem!

[nicothoe]

Terms like "girly" and "manly" are always going to be subjective, and vary over time and space. I have never cared for sports and have no interest in the workings of cars, bikes or any other mode of transport - but that hardly makes be any less of a man. Likewise, wearing a skirt doesn't miraculously transform me into a woman.

Nevertheless, there are going to be people who think otherwise. That aggression makes them more of a man, and love and compassion are traits best left for women. Even within this community, we are going to disagree in what we perceive as "masculine" or "feminine" - and that all depends on our own particular tastes and biases. Trying to decide where that line in the sand should be drawn, if any, is a decision we can only make for ourselves, and not be applied to others.