Reply #26: It amazes me how often [View All]

I am reminded of a conversation I had with a female colleague ugh, more than 10 years ago now. At the time it was nothing more to me than office chit chat, but I can't believe how often this subject comes up. Is this the female GroundHog Day?

She was, like me, a short curvy, woman. Cute. She was talking about whether or not to wear summer pants (like CAPRIS!) to some sort of outdoor garden to-do, IIRC. I said "why not?" It's gonna be hot. You won't have to worry about sitting down and showing anything you don't want the entire group to see. And I went on to talk about how sexy you can make that look... beaded blouse, high heels, etc...

Her response?

"Well, I don't want to lose my femininity!" What?!? Rewind that tape, please. "I don't want people to think I'm not feminine." :

:wtf:

This was someone who regularly wore pants to work. :eyes:

As we ended the convo, I got the distinct impression she thought the quality of femininity was something other people ascribe to you. Not something you naturally are.

While I realize there are varying degrees of feminine among us and that it has nothing to do with sexual oreintation either, I was just floored that she was so consumed with other people withholding something I consider part of the indivdiual, not a group title bestowed upon you.

I felt sad for her and was so flabbergasted I didn't know what to make of her after that.

And it keeps showing up in stupid shit like this painted toenails discussion.

:frustrated: :nuke: