Shrinking violet

As a trans person, if you are completely devoid of the instinct to occasionally want to slap people, then I might suggest you are being too timid. For you need to own the space you occupy as people can be absolutely wonderful but also occasionally rude and obnoxious. As a result your guard must be ready for either scenario.

If we are to live openly in the world being a shrinking violet is hardly helpful and while we might want to celebrate hermetically controlled outings, it is not quite the same thing as riding subways and buses on a daily basis.

I am saying this not to discourage you; quite the opposite. I want to empower you and give you confidence to not give them the satisfaction of letting them see you sweat. For once you are in the right headspace, let me assure you, people can smell it.