How do I stop feeling like this?

[Nadeest]

Led,
Definitely don't give up. I had the same problem, long ago, but in the opposite corner. I was shopping for women's clothing, while living as a male. I did find, though, that the more that I was comfortable with myself, the less problems that I tended to have.
If people start making you uncomfortable, think about how they would react if you started telling them how they should be dressed. They would quickly become indignant, I'll bet. Therefore, don't worry about their opinions.

[Dominique]

I realize my piece of advice is easier said, than done. It also took me a *few* years to reach this point.

I owe nobody any explanations as to how I live my life. I stopped explaning myself years ago, and all of those pressures went away.

I'd also like to add, in someones signature line I read (paraphrasing) *Who said my life is defined by your rules*

[LaneyDoll]

When I was younger, I worked in retail in and one thing you need to remember is that a lot of non-straight people work retail. I once worked in a local Macy's and my department was responsible for covering the plus sized women's area when that staff was on break. We were taught "men come in here to shop for themselves. Should they want to try something on, you are to make sure the dressing room is clear of women and that they get absolute privacy. Their money spends just as well as everyone else's and we will not lose their business to another store."

Try to remember that most large scale stores are all about the bottom line. If someone was in my business dropping a few hundred on clothes, I wouldn't care a bit about who was handing the money to me. And, if you are a regular, the employees will always look out for you.

As for the customers, don't worry about them. I just tell myself that the haters are jealous of me

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by LaneyDoll

When I was younger, I worked in retail in and one thing you need to remember is that a lot of non-straight people work retail. I once worked in a local Macy's and my department was responsible for covering the plus sized women's area when that staff was on break. We were taught "men come in here to shop for themselves. Should they want to try something on, you are to make sure the dressing room is clear of women and that they get absolute privacy. Their money spends just as well as everyone else's and we will not lose their business to another store."

Try to remember that most large scale stores are all about the bottom line. If someone was in my business dropping a few hundred on clothes, I wouldn't care a bit about who was handing the money to me. And, if you are a regular, the employees will always look out for you.

As for the customers, don't worry about them. I just tell myself that the haters are jealous of me

I worked for Dillards. Same thing. Most of the sales people, especially during the week during the day work for commission and want our business.

I worked for Dillards. Same thing. Most of the sales people, especially during the week during the day work for commission and want our business.

[ArkansasPiscesGrrl]

Originally Posted by LaneyDoll

When I was younger, I worked in retail in and one thing you need to remember is that a lot of non-straight people work retail. I once worked in a local Macy's and my department was responsible for covering the plus sized women's area when that staff was on break. We were taught "men come in here to shop for themselves. Should they want to try something on, you are to make sure the dressing room is clear of women and that they get absolute privacy. Their money spends just as well as everyone else's and we will not lose their business to another store."

Try to remember that most large scale stores are all about the bottom line. If someone was in my business dropping a few hundred on clothes, I wouldn't care a bit about who was handing the money to me. And, if you are a regular, the employees will always look out for you.

As for the customers, don't worry about them. I just tell myself that the haters are jealous of me

for some reason, what I keep flashing on is the scene from "Pretty Woman", where the sales clerks were really mean and snide to Julia roberts. After she went in and got all those clothes from another shop, she stopped back at the first store. Asked if they were paid from commissions. "BIG mistake!" Great line, and a great thing to remember!