Well meaning people- so what would you do?

[tazp]

I was in this situation the other day and thought I would see how some of you might handle it.
I was at the grocery store, and as I was reaching for a dozen egg this little kid (maybe 4 or so) sitting in the cart says hello. I said hi and moved on down the aisle. I hear the kid asking her mother "is that a boy or a girl". The mother tries to explain

Comments

[ftmichael]

I'd smile at the kid and tell her that I'm a boy.

[cripplexdance]

i second this. :)

[suiway]

This! I've had this happen to me A LOT. You're not over-thinking it I don't think, I still find situations like this awkward and off-putting and then I totally blank on what to say. Before I came out I really struggled with situations like these because I knew I what I was supposed to tell people but I didn't want to tell them that and it was really embarrassing and humiliating for me at the time. I'm still trying to get past the shame that keeps me from saying I'm a boy when people ask.

Anyway, it is probably best to just keep it simple and say you're a boy. Even if you don't pass well I find most people probably won't second-guess you when you tell them. (Although I've run into one or two exceptions)

[fabfemmeboy]

My response to the mother would be "She's right, actually, I'm not a girl." That would pretty quickly shut the mom up, at least IME.

[tazp]

Maybe it is that simple and I am overthinking it or just need more confidence

[sirent_voice]

It's always interesting how perceptive children can be. She could see what her mother either consciously or subconsciously couldn't.

Agreed with ftmichael - it's a quiet screw you to the mom, which would make me feel good and the kid thinks you're sharing an awesome secret and feels smart. :)