Hello Amanda,
First, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us here. I certainly appreciate it when a gal joins us and shares her interest with the entire forum. Please, stay awhile and enjoy!!
In reply to:
"I would perceive masculinity to be exhibited by someone able to climb a mountain, fell trees, carry a heavy load up a ladder, drive oxen through a muddy field, push my car out of the road when it's broken, carry me upstairs, build a kitchen extension and run after and tackle that burglar.
I just can't imagine any of this being done in stiletto slingbacks."
I too would agree to a certain extent as I participate in many 'masculine' activities rather regularly. I'm a motorcyclist, father, electronics/computer/network technician, enjoy mechanical challenges, do home repairs, etc. However, when my wife and I go out I don't usually worry too much about many of these things. Or even as a family to many places. When I am participating in any activity that requires flats, I wear appropriate footwear but if my wife and I, or the whole family for that matter, are going out for dinner, a movie, shopping, etc., I will wear heels. It's nice to walk on both sides of the line, you know?? But as you said somewhere in here, everyone has masculine and feminine traits - it's all in how they're expressed.
I also like similar abilities in women as well. I don't think any gal would go to a gym or park in 5" stilettos, and participate as the location dictates. They may arrive in 5" stilettos and change into appropriate footwear but that is just what I may do as well. Nor would I greatly desire a woman who wants to be in 5" stilettos 100% of the time, limiting her ability to participate in a nice hike or other flat-shoe-required activity. I prefer one who has the flexibility to engage in both seamlessly.
One of the most amazing things I have experienced is being in the military with women. You see them day-in and -out wearing combat boots...Then they get dressed up to go party and it's a whole different side of them!! A total Jekyll and Hyde effect! Some look horrible in uniform but when they hit the streets for a night out, look out!!
The reason I bring this up is are they any less feminine since they work in a very masculine world? I think not personally. It's a role they play. Women are societally allowed to transition from one role to the next without anyone saying anything...(except maybe a loud WOW!!!

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I personally long for the day when it is completely acceptable for a man to make similar transitions. The difference is women aren't labeled like men usually are. They're accepted for who they are in whatever mode they may be in. Am I jealous?? Maybe a little...But I'm also happy for all women because of this ability. And I love to have a woman who enjoys mudding, racing, horses, etc., and can go from one extreme to the other flawlessly. A true character trait to be admired!
Glad you're here and hope you stay and relay more of your thoughts with us!! WELCOME!!
