Well, I am truly laughing out loud...
I just returned from my outing in my new denim skirt, white polo men's top, men's flipflop sandals.
This is my very first outing, so coaxing myself out the door on my own was difficult.
Here's how it went...
Took a shower, knew the next event was out to dinner, so, hmm, skirt or shorts? Just put the skirt on, you don't have to commit to going out the door.
OK, skirt is on now just get in the car, you don't have to actually go anywhere. Got in the car.
Then, well, lets just drive around, you don't actually have to stop anywhere. Then I worried about the damn car breaking down and wished I had brought a pair of shorts along in case of emergency -- well, no car problems.... good car.
Found myself outside of Applebees, there were a couple big guys standing outside, chickened out. Drove to Borders Bookstore, was able to park close. Then, I actually got out of the car, held my head high and walked in right past a group of people sitting at a little table outside. I could tell I had their attention.
Went in, wandered around, found some books, did the usual -- finally checked out. Everyone was polite and didn't get any prolonged stares, at least none I detected.
Went back to Applebees, same guys standing outside. Parked the car and walked past them into the place. Could tell I had their attention as well.
Had a nice dinner, waiter was polite, everyone called my "sir", so all went very well.
Upon getting back home, laughed my butt off -- this really works! What a wonderful universe! Got my cake and ate it too.
-john
My First Time Out - LOL
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crfriend
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Well done, John, well done.
Sometimes it does take a little while to screw up the nerves to head out the door, but, surprisingly, it usually turns out to be pretty much of a non-event. Sure, you may get a snicker or two, but those can be ignored (or chuckled at, take your pick) -- and they actually represent the other person's loss.
Congratulations on getting out in a skirt as you, rather than as someone else.
Sometimes it does take a little while to screw up the nerves to head out the door, but, surprisingly, it usually turns out to be pretty much of a non-event. Sure, you may get a snicker or two, but those can be ignored (or chuckled at, take your pick) -- and they actually represent the other person's loss.
Congratulations on getting out in a skirt as you, rather than as someone else.
Retrocomputing -- It's not just a job, it's an adventure!
My First Time Out - LOL
Congratulations, and thanks for your input, very much appreciated.
Once you have done it a few times, you get your own self assured stance back again, and with that, there is no reason for other people to react, and you don't feel any different than with trousers.
Generally, if people react, they will react more readily to others who show "weakness" or are not so self assured. That makes it important that when you go for the first time, it's because you're sure of wanting to do it, for yourself, and you show that even though you are obviously a bit nervous. As you have found out, luckily, really the most people can deduct that it's nothing special and don't have to react to it. When you act "suspiciuosly", insecure, when wearing a skirt, people may wonder what is going on, and pay extra attention to you, not particularly because of your skirt but to your insecure behavior.
I am very happy for you that all went well, I myself am doing it daily now, and have been so doing only a few months now, and my first outing was much the same as yours.
It's clear sailing from now on. Welcome to the club.
Peter v.
Once you have done it a few times, you get your own self assured stance back again, and with that, there is no reason for other people to react, and you don't feel any different than with trousers.
Generally, if people react, they will react more readily to others who show "weakness" or are not so self assured. That makes it important that when you go for the first time, it's because you're sure of wanting to do it, for yourself, and you show that even though you are obviously a bit nervous. As you have found out, luckily, really the most people can deduct that it's nothing special and don't have to react to it. When you act "suspiciuosly", insecure, when wearing a skirt, people may wonder what is going on, and pay extra attention to you, not particularly because of your skirt but to your insecure behavior.
I am very happy for you that all went well, I myself am doing it daily now, and have been so doing only a few months now, and my first outing was much the same as yours.
It's clear sailing from now on. Welcome to the club.
Peter v.
A man is the same man in a pair of pants or a skirt. It is only the way people look at him that makes the difference.
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Departed Member
Fabulous, John! Just do what you'd normally do! Don't forget, for most folk these days, seeing anyone in a skirt can be regarded as unusual (I'm thinking more so in the USA?), so they may well stare, or comment amongst themselves. And for anyone laughing as to deride you, there'll be those thinking (and saying!), they wish they had the guts to try, too!
I wish more blokes would adopt the 'denim' approach, instead of wailing about 'fashion freedom' ("I'm going to wear my frilly dress - s*d everyone else!" syndrome). I've watched this, and similar, forums long enough to realise that this 'game' can only be won in stages. You'll find plenty of reference to 'invisible' denim amongst the themes here. Like denim or not, it does seem to have an 'acceptibilty' factor that is hard to explain. For many blokes, that really is important, especially if they have doubting partners/family to try and win over.
I wish more blokes would adopt the 'denim' approach, instead of wailing about 'fashion freedom' ("I'm going to wear my frilly dress - s*d everyone else!" syndrome). I've watched this, and similar, forums long enough to realise that this 'game' can only be won in stages. You'll find plenty of reference to 'invisible' denim amongst the themes here. Like denim or not, it does seem to have an 'acceptibilty' factor that is hard to explain. For many blokes, that really is important, especially if they have doubting partners/family to try and win over.
Second Trip out this AM
Greetings all and thanks for your support!
I am certain I would NOT have gone for had it not been for all of you, I just hope you are not all a figment of my imagination!
I had a second outing this morning to the diner for breakfast. I was fairly late in arriving, so had to hang out in the waiting area with several other folks. Did manage to find a bench to park myself on and crossed my legs man style. Of course, I was careful to keep my privates covered.
I did get several glances and noticed the younger gals eyes look first in my face, then down at my denim skirt then back to my face, then a smile on their face. That was the strongest reaction I got.
All in all, still a bit tense, but I walked tall and acted as normally and matter of factly as I knew how.
If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. It's quite exhilarating!
-john
I am certain I would NOT have gone for had it not been for all of you, I just hope you are not all a figment of my imagination!
I had a second outing this morning to the diner for breakfast. I was fairly late in arriving, so had to hang out in the waiting area with several other folks. Did manage to find a bench to park myself on and crossed my legs man style. Of course, I was careful to keep my privates covered.
I did get several glances and noticed the younger gals eyes look first in my face, then down at my denim skirt then back to my face, then a smile on their face. That was the strongest reaction I got.
All in all, still a bit tense, but I walked tall and acted as normally and matter of factly as I knew how.
If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. It's quite exhilarating!
-john
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crfriend
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Bob doesn't have a magic arrow; nor do I. He does it (as do I) the way that everybody else does -- by excising portions of the quote that do not need to be explicitly quoted. It's a limitation of the software. The DWIM ("Do What I Mean"!) opcode is still many many years away.I do it by hitting the quote button and deleting the text I don't want to keep. Bob may have other, more efficient, methods.... how do you quote just a segment of the text?
Retrocomputing -- It's not just a job, it's an adventure!
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Emerald Witch
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Re: Second Trip out this AM
Nope, we're all real -- just scattered all over the world. I agree that it's a pretty darned cool bunch of folks, and I'm awfully proud to have made friends with them too!JRMILLER wrote:Greetings all and thanks for your support!
I am certain I would NOT have gone for had it not been for all of you, I just hope you are not all a figment of my imagination!
John, I'm so glad you found us! It's fantastic that you've had these two outings, and I love your stories! Tell me more about your skirt, though, if you don't mind. I'm curious. (length, width at hem, etc.) It helps me get a better picture of how "fidgety" you might have been as you were walking through the bookstore and sitting down on that bench.
(Oh, no, I'M not nosy!)
