[Mountaindewed]

When I am talking people often look at me with either confusion, concern or a mixture of both. When I am not talking and am just walking around in public I have no idea since I don’t look at anyone.

[Joshua808]

Idk how people look at me, I don't take notice so they're probably looking at me like anyone else. Nothing about me sticks out, but when I'm walking and its sunny out I'm always squinting my eyes and my dad tells me I always look pissed off.

[SorryShaped]

People tell me I rarely look at them, unless I'm staring into their soul. I'm told I'm reserved or very intense. I don't know

[Goforward]

Before I went on anti-psychotics I thought people would look at me with a curious expression. I think for many years I was self-conscious and not really aware of it, if you know what I mean. After anti-psychotics, people look at me with a neutral expression, what I think would be "normal". I know now I don't pay attention to it.
It is very freeing.

I'm actually pretty friendly in public, for the most part. I like to smile at friendly-looking people, handsome guys, and sometimes people that look like they need someone to smile at them. The response is usually quite positive. It's true that some people don't look/smile back, but I understand. I also seem to talk to people in public more often than others do. I get similar responses to what I just mentioned.

I tend to lean towards the exuberant end of my bipolar illness, plus my personality is more "up" and "glass half full" than many. Sometimes if I'm some level of manic, it can yield negative reactions. That par for the illness. Other times, I can seem like a "lady in a red dress". Because of that, I sometimes have what I call my "Star of the Show Syndrome". I have a few guys at places that I get hugs and kisses from. They know I'm married, and it's just that. No more. I just like it! My husband knows I'm like this. He just rolls his eyes.

[MsLady]

Strangers talk with me all the time.. but when my social anxiety creeps up, they start looking uncomfortable because they're noticing my awkwardness and don't know how to proceed. When my anxieties don't get in the way, they either smile at me, talk to me, or don't notice me at all.

[DechanDawa]

Before lockdown when I went out random people male and female commented on my jewelry and clothes. One time a guy yelled from half a block away that he loved my purple coat! It seemed weird as I am not young. I am also somewhat reserved. I always got attention when I was young and it is like nothing has changed. With lockdown and wearing a mask I don't get much attention and it is big relief.

[cptsdwhoa]

Hmm, I got more attention in my teens up to mid twenties either because I was being hit on or someone commenting on my style. But nowadays I'm not sure. People probably look at me just like anyone else. But I get a lot of compliments or questions about my hair when it's out in all it's afro glory lol.

[DechanDawa]

IDK...maybe people like to see older women who take care with appearance. I don't do it purposely but I do love fashion.

[cptsdwhoa]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

IDK...maybe people like to see older women who take care with appearance. I don't do it purposely but I do love fashion.

That could be very true. I've toned down my style a lot, but I still like to look nice in what what feels like "me" that day. People definitely notice when I'm dressed more casually.

[MuseumGhost]

I do believe I am invisible to most people.

(Skit from the Carol Burnett Show, 6 min., 14 seconds)

[Deilla]

When I'm out in public, I smile. I like being friendly and making eye contact. Most people smile back. Those who don't are busy looking down. I figure they are unhappy or have something on their mind. So I go on and smile at the next. So I assume people see me as friendly, kind and warm.

i honestly don't know.

[pliepla]

Smart, funny, good looking, empathic. Except for the women I fall for: they find me a creep.

It could be some of the people I know do not speak the truth.

Usually that blank look that says: well you're not really wanted here

or they look at me weirdly because I act young for my age

or have an issue with the fact I have an illness

etc

[Mountaindewed]

Now that my voice is different people look at me in an even more confused way. It’s gotten to the point where I speak even less then I already do because I don’t feel like repeating myself 3 times the way I had to at work on Monday. I think I am harder to understand then I was before. The masks don’t help either. Guys are understanding me more easily though.

[mugwort2]

I dressed casually in teeshirts and cotton pants or shorts if its really hot. I make certain my clothes are clean. Comb my hair, wear sunscreen for walks more than three blocks. I like the social distancing because its much less likely people will notice my sectoral heterochromia of my left eye.

[bpcyclist]

While I am a total loner overall, when out and about, I am very extroverted and talkative and interactive by nature.

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

Now that my voice is different people look at me in an even more confused way. It’s gotten to the point where I speak even less then I already do because I don’t feel like repeating myself 3 times the way I had to at work on Monday. I think I am harder to understand then I was before. The masks don’t help either. Guys are understanding me more easily though.

Are you feeling self-conscious about your overall transition? Are you referring to strangers that you cross paths with out in public, or friends and family?

[Mountaindewed]

Originally Posted by Motts

Are you feeling self-conscious about your overall transition? Are you referring to strangers that you cross paths with out in public, or friends and family?

No. I actually feel really good about it. I’m not really self conscious but I do have to be more careful and I have to stay out of specific neighborhoods now and stuff like that. I was referring to my coworkers.

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

No. I actually feel really good about it. I’m not really self conscious but I do have to be more careful and I have to stay out of specific neighborhoods now and stuff like that. I was referring to my coworkers.

Is it because your voice pitch/tone has changed to higher or lower? Did your coworkers know you were transitioning or did you transition without telling them? I only ask because maybe some of your coworkers are having a hard time adjusting to the new you (which is normal -- some people won't 'get there' to acceptance as fast as others will).

[Mountaindewed]

My voice is changing to a lower pitch but it’s not exactly there yet and it goes in and out a lot. I haven’t really told work about my transition and I feel like It may be starting to become an issue. Although that may just be in my head. No ones giving me a hard time or anything, no one has even noticed I don’t think. But I just don’t know how much longer they won’t notice...

I don't know. I think it depends on the person, the situation, and my own mood, how I look, what I'm doing, etc.

Edit: sometimes I'm quite self conscious, especially when alone in public. But likely, no one notices me more than I notice them.

I used to really, really, care what people thought of me when I went out in public. But now? Now, I'm middle-aged. If someone is that shallow that they are going to judge my character based on how I style my hair, make-up, and how I dress, then they are doing me a favor by showing me their true colors like that.

Originally Posted by Motts

I used to really, really, care what people thought of me when I went out in public. But now? Now, I'm middle-aged. If someone is that shallow that they are going to judge my character based on how I style my hair, make-up, and how I dress, then they are doing me a favor by showing me their true colors like that.

Is this comment in response to what I said?