Practical FTM Tips: Mastering Masculine Mannerisms with Confidence
Do you want to exude the masculine side of you as a FTM? Have moves like Jagger? Or do you want to look physically appealing as the man that you are but are short of ideas? Your worries are valid because many FTM ask about mastering masculine mannerisms with confidence.
The thing about masculinity and the accompanying mannerisms is that they are already in you. The problem stems from how you can tap into them. Do you emulate other men? Or do you ask for advice? Both. Still, you must know that your body posture and body language are crucial to unlocking your masculinity. The same goes for your effort in navigating social interactions, self-grooming, and adopting masculine habits.
In this article, you will find practical FTM tips specifically curated to help you tap into the fountain of your masculinity. Read on to find out what about masculinity and confidence you need to know as FTM.
1. Posture and Space: Standing Tall in Confidence
Posture and space are critical to standing in confidence as an FTM. Start with the following hacks;
a) Sit with Space
Mastering our masculine frame with confidence entails sitting with our legs spread. Keeping your legs a few inches apart not only allows you to accommodate your junk but also shows dominance. Take up space confidently and engage in conversations with others.
b) Stand Tall
In his book Heroic Path, John Sowers defines standing tall by stating, ‘ Men stand tallest when they stand and pursue…others’. However, when it comes to mastering masculine mannerisms as an FTM, standing tall means embracing a straight posture.
The shoulder should be back, and chin up are the criteria for mastering masculine tendencies in your posture.
c) Walk with Presence
Women walk with their legs slightly glued together, like walking in an invisible line. As a result, women take up less space, making hip sway a common effect.
As an FTM, you should walk with a stern presence. Spread your legs wider as you walk, giving you a straight and swaggering walk.
a) Master the ‘Bro Nod’
Using hands is rare when men talk, hence the brotherhood nod. The brotherhood nod, also called the ‘bro nod,’ is a head gesture used to signal one presence. It is akin to waving at people at a crossroads, but a subtler and masculine version.
It is a fundamental saying, ‘I acknowledge your existence.’ Engage this to display your confidence as FTM.
b) Eye Contact
Unless you reside under the rock, you have come across the saying ‘the eyes are the window of the soul’ or some cheesy variety of the quote. Intuitively, maintaining eye contact is a scrutinizing gaze in social interactions.
Here are two ways maintaining eye contact will work in your favor;
● It is arousing since having someone look into your eyes can make you sweaty and fidgety.
● It holds and captures attention; as an FTM, you will not be distracted. So lock that eye-gaze in.
c) Smiles Matter
A smile comes as the most natural and powerful gift that we possess as human beings. The power of a smile for an FTM will draw others in and make you look healthy.
It also humanizes you so you do not intimidate others or make them shy. In other words, you are likely to seem friendly and approachable.
3. Grooming and Aesthetics: Small Adjustments, Big Impact
Grooming is part of the masculine deal of looking neat and presentable. Make the following adjustments to see a massive impact on your overall look.
a) Shave Strategically
Start with the following hacks if you have dry skin;
● Prepare your skin by washing and adding a cleanser. This is to remove dirt and excess oil.
● Use warm water as another shaving tip. Use a warm, damp towel on your face to open up your pores and soften your hair follicles.
● Invest in a good shaving cream or gel that complements your skin. Typically, the correct shaving cream should have hydrating properties so that there is a protective barrier between your skin and the razor.
● Invest in a quality razor that is likely to prevent skin irritation. Your skin will thank you for investing in a quality shaver.
● Shaving with the grain means shaving in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain is likely to cause skin irritation.
● Add beard oil to increase moisture and promote facial hair growth. Always consult your healthcare provider for the best beard oil for your skin.
● The last strategy entails staying consistent in your shaving routine.
b) Dress the Part
Dressing the part as an FTM means choosing clothes, shoes, and accessories that speak to your manhood.
Key clothing items include;
● Binders that help you have a flatter chest appearance.
● Pants and bottoms that make a significant difference in your overall appearance. Skinny, baggy, khaki, or combat jeans can appeal to your masculine appeal. Remember the shorts that demonstrate your FTM aesthetic too.
● FTM shirts and tops that are neither too tight nor too loose. Focus on patterns and colors that accentuate your manhood. For instance, dark colors such as grey or blue will modify your body shape.
● Underwear such as FTM underwear will provide you with security and comfort accompanied by confidence in your appearance.
● Accessories such as ties, watches, and cufflinks will enhance your masculine appearance with a touch of sophistication and confidence.
● Footwear, such as sneakers, boots, and dress shoes, can be great options if you’re looking for a fashionable and comfortable look.
4. Body Language: The Art of Masculine Movement
Mastering masculine body language for you as an FTM will help you become confident in your movement.
a) Use Your Shoulders
The trick is to walk with our shoulders high. Even if we do not have wider shoulders, we still hold them up higher because it makes them look wider and, hence, more masculine.
Also, lean with the shoulder, not the hips, while standing tall. Raising our chin higher is also a way to tap into the physical aspects of being masculine.
b) Stay Grounded
Staying grounded in your manhood is essential to mastering your body movement. For instance, men typically walk slower than women, although this is not universal.
Stay grounded by walking in a consistent fashion. Also avoid fidgeting.
c) Embrace Physicality
Embracing physicality means making peace with your masculine energy in the physical world. Spend time with your friends regularly to create meaningful relationships. Embracing physicality looks like;
● Shake hands with a good grip.
● Have healthy intimate relations. Hug someone if you want to.
● Engage in your habits and hobbies, such as lifting weights, playing competitive sports, or even going hiking. These will align you with your natural strength and independence as a FTM.
5. Redefining Masculinity: Making it Your Own
As an FTM, it is essential to redefine your masculinity by making it your own.
a) Avoid Toxic Behaviors
The first step to avoiding toxic behavior is to recognize that all the values and beliefs that surround your masculinity are rooted in how you act.
Unhealthy behaviors include passive aggression and lack of impulse control with others. Toxic behaviors are toxic for a reason; they ruin your relationship with yourself and with others.
b) Develop Your Version of Confidence
What does confidence look like for you? Is it taking pride in being completely independent? Is it having the body that you want? Is it creating meaningful relationships? Is it having a family, or is it rooted in self-development? Your version of confidence will depend on what you choose to give meaning.
6. Practical Tips for Adapting Masculine Habits
You must adapt and practice masculine habits like a muscle that needs to be built over time. For instance;
a) Learn from Those Around You
Learning from your cisgender male friends and other FTM around you is critical to learning a lot about yourself and your masculinity.
Do not ignore the roles of different genders, such as cisgender women, femmes, and sapphires, which can help you realize some of your male personhood.
b) Masculinity on Your Terms
Adapting masculine habits means giving yourself the grace to be who you are. If masculinity looks like living your journey through work, family, self-development, or with friends, it is up to you.
As long as you get genuine satisfaction from living your authentic life, everything is bound to fall into place.
Conclusion
Mastering masculine mannerisms as an FTM is all about owning who you are while giving yourself the grace to learn and evolve. In this regard, paying attention to body language, social interaction cues, dress choices, and how you define masculinity is a muscle you can train.
Learning how to be comfortable both in your body and mind is a crucial flex to mastering your masculine element as an FTM, so good luck, mate.