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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I don’t feel feminine…any advice?

54 replies

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 20:41

i did post in different section few days ago but only got 2 replies so with no shame posting here for traffic🤷🏻‍♀️

i dont feel feminine for some time and it bothers me. I am not sure how to explain it. Male colleague/friend would see me as a “mate” and not a “female friend” if you know what i mean. I lack that soft, warm side. It hasn’t been always like that but now i feel lost and i dont know how to get it back. I am way too loud, i yell a lot (have two little boys, working on it!), i am very strict and harsh and come across unpleasant, but i am very likeable person and people used to love me and wanted to be around! And now people think i am
unapproachable.. What shall i do to change it? How can i get my feminine energy back? Has anyone struggle with similar?

OP posts:
Sunshineandgrapefruit · 16/08/2025 21:44

No but small kids can be hard work. Do you get any time to yourself?

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 21:46

Sunshineandgrapefruit · 16/08/2025 21:44

No but small kids can be hard work. Do you get any time to yourself?

No, not really. Husband is hands on but he works 12 hrs shifts, and when he is off there is so much to do which i cant do when alone with kids. I am
on maternity for the next few months and then going back to work. I also study acca in the evenings whenever i can. No family around to help.

OP posts:
Overnightfloats · 16/08/2025 21:54

I love my feminine energy and protect it at all costs, while managing all male team of 12 in a male dominated industry. Instead of shouting, let the silence hang to make everyone go quiet, then speak comfortably. What you project reflects how you feel.

Buy yourself some flowers and have a bath, watching make up / stylist videos. Have a fluffy fresh croissant for breakfast. Try on some new dresses, you don’t have to buy. Light a candle. Wear a pretty apron. Fluffy socks in the evening. Pretty lipstick case. New car air freshener. Delicate hand cream. Hair mask. It’s the little things that feed the sole. Feel the self love, cringey as it sounds, and it will radiate from you.

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 21:58

Overnightfloats · 16/08/2025 21:54

I love my feminine energy and protect it at all costs, while managing all male team of 12 in a male dominated industry. Instead of shouting, let the silence hang to make everyone go quiet, then speak comfortably. What you project reflects how you feel.

Buy yourself some flowers and have a bath, watching make up / stylist videos. Have a fluffy fresh croissant for breakfast. Try on some new dresses, you don’t have to buy. Light a candle. Wear a pretty apron. Fluffy socks in the evening. Pretty lipstick case. New car air freshener. Delicate hand cream. Hair mask. It’s the little things that feed the sole. Feel the self love, cringey as it sounds, and it will radiate from you.

No cringey at all. Self love is definitely something i have to practice more. Right now we are struggling financially little bit (like most of the people i guess) and everything goes for the boys, and days out, i feel bad spending on myself, so wearing old as hell pyjamas and cheap leggings at home.

besides all of the above the energy is what i want back. I feel like i dont know how to speak to people anymore.

OP posts:
VaseofViolets · 16/08/2025 21:59

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 20:41

i did post in different section few days ago but only got 2 replies so with no shame posting here for traffic🤷🏻‍♀️

i dont feel feminine for some time and it bothers me. I am not sure how to explain it. Male colleague/friend would see me as a “mate” and not a “female friend” if you know what i mean. I lack that soft, warm side. It hasn’t been always like that but now i feel lost and i dont know how to get it back. I am way too loud, i yell a lot (have two little boys, working on it!), i am very strict and harsh and come across unpleasant, but i am very likeable person and people used to love me and wanted to be around! And now people think i am
unapproachable.. What shall i do to change it? How can i get my feminine energy back? Has anyone struggle with similar?

Without meaning to be nasty at all OP, you say you’re a likeable person, but know you do things that aren’t particularly likeable - you’re too loud, shout a lot (even at your children?) and you’re strict and harsh. You know you’re behaving this way - you can hear yourself shouting - can you take a step back from yourself and really listen? And try not to do these things? In men or women, they’re not likeable qualities. You just have to stop doing it, there’s no other way.

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:07

VaseofViolets · 16/08/2025 21:59

Without meaning to be nasty at all OP, you say you’re a likeable person, but know you do things that aren’t particularly likeable - you’re too loud, shout a lot (even at your children?) and you’re strict and harsh. You know you’re behaving this way - you can hear yourself shouting - can you take a step back from yourself and really listen? And try not to do these things? In men or women, they’re not likeable qualities. You just have to stop doing it, there’s no other way.

You are right. I am mainly like this at home, i am very professional outside (work or wherever i go) but still probably just too harsh and abrupt. I know how it sounds but i really dont know how to change it now. I should have said i used to be likeable. I remember myself just attracting people (nothing sexual)

OP posts:
Nextdoormat · 16/08/2025 22:08

Curious to know why you care what others think?
Perhaps curb the shouting at kids(understandable) if possible, but if your personality is a bit loud outspoken etc so what?
Want to look more feminine, ditch the leggings go on Vinted and buy a couple of comfy dresses in non iron fabrics with a nice pair of sliders or colourful trainers still practical 😊 you do you we need strong women and life would be incredibly boring if we were all the same.💕

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:12

in a way i don't really care what others think but it just doesn’t suit me, its not me. Life, kids, all the issues and problems we go through turned me into a person i dont like

OP posts:
Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:13

Nextdoormat · 16/08/2025 22:08

Curious to know why you care what others think?
Perhaps curb the shouting at kids(understandable) if possible, but if your personality is a bit loud outspoken etc so what?
Want to look more feminine, ditch the leggings go on Vinted and buy a couple of comfy dresses in non iron fabrics with a nice pair of sliders or colourful trainers still practical 😊 you do you we need strong women and life would be incredibly boring if we were all the same.💕

And thank you ♥️ i will be checking vinted later

OP posts:
charlieandthechocolatfactory · 16/08/2025 22:15

Overnightfloats · 16/08/2025 21:54

I love my feminine energy and protect it at all costs, while managing all male team of 12 in a male dominated industry. Instead of shouting, let the silence hang to make everyone go quiet, then speak comfortably. What you project reflects how you feel.

Buy yourself some flowers and have a bath, watching make up / stylist videos. Have a fluffy fresh croissant for breakfast. Try on some new dresses, you don’t have to buy. Light a candle. Wear a pretty apron. Fluffy socks in the evening. Pretty lipstick case. New car air freshener. Delicate hand cream. Hair mask. It’s the little things that feed the sole. Feel the self love, cringey as it sounds, and it will radiate from you.

Beautifully written

i love those self care reels you see
Have a look at ‘self care by varsha’ on instagram

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:19

charlieandthechocolatfactory · 16/08/2025 22:15

Beautifully written

i love those self care reels you see
Have a look at ‘self care by varsha’ on instagram

Edited

Will be checking tonight!

OP posts:
charlieandthechocolatfactory · 16/08/2025 22:20

Start by having long baths
scrub your skin, face feet
steam your face with a facial steamer or over a pot of hot water with a towel over your head
Exfoliate your face and body.

olive oil is great for dry hair
Get outfits that look ‘put together’ look at Tesco

do your own head massage.
stretch in the mornings
drink lots of water

Ddakji · 16/08/2025 22:21

I bet if you really look you’ll find that you’re buying your boys way more than they actually need. Take some of that back and spend it on you. To add to what others have said, I would try to be clean and presentable even if just going to the playground. Iron your t shirts. Maybe start playing with make up or nail varnish - doesn’t have to be expensive stuff. Get some new jewellery. A new bag - maybe a sling bag from Uniqlo that you can accessorise.

Ramblingaway · 16/08/2025 22:25

Just in case there is a thyroid problem or hormone problem that's triggered this change, it might be worth a chat with your GP. These things can creep in slowly and be hard to spot.

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:26

Just to add…i am completely on point when i go to work, dresses, heels and make up. It does feel good but even then i think i am just too much, too strong, basically dont f* with me, dont bother me if it’s nothing important attitude. But besides the way i dress to go to work i look completely homeless, never make up, comfortable clothes which dont look good, it is changing tomorrow!

OP posts:
Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:27

Ramblingaway · 16/08/2025 22:25

Just in case there is a thyroid problem or hormone problem that's triggered this change, it might be worth a chat with your GP. These things can creep in slowly and be hard to spot.

Thank you. I had blood tests followed by a few other test not too long time ago following postpartum, nothing too concerning they said.

OP posts:
VaseofViolets · 16/08/2025 22:27

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:12

in a way i don't really care what others think but it just doesn’t suit me, its not me. Life, kids, all the issues and problems we go through turned me into a person i dont like

I really don’t mean to be unkind, because.. . an awful series of things happened and a few years later I suddenly heard myself speaking one day and thought - how dreadful I sound!

I realised I’d let myself get into bad habits… I wasn’t careful with what I said, didn’t think before saying it, was often quite bitter and nasty and made cutting remarks. I’d say terrible things during arguments that I didn’t even mean, just so I could win 🙁

It’s so embarrassing to look back on. But I really made a big effort to change my behaviour - I hated the person I’d become. I wanted to change. I paid close attention to every word that came out of my mouth. Was it kind or helpful? If not, I didn’t say it. I stopped shouting. Nowadays, I never do.

I realise I’m not really answering your question, and I do apologise. I just wanted to say that you can change your behaviour if you want to 🙂 If you’ve got into the habit of doing things that you don’t like, you can form different habits that make you happier. It’s behaviour, not personality you want to alter.

LlttledrummergirI · 16/08/2025 22:29

What the fuck is female/feminine energy?

I'm female therefore whatever energy I'm feeling is feminine. I am me, that doesn't change.

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:30

VaseofViolets · 16/08/2025 22:27

I really don’t mean to be unkind, because.. . an awful series of things happened and a few years later I suddenly heard myself speaking one day and thought - how dreadful I sound!

I realised I’d let myself get into bad habits… I wasn’t careful with what I said, didn’t think before saying it, was often quite bitter and nasty and made cutting remarks. I’d say terrible things during arguments that I didn’t even mean, just so I could win 🙁

It’s so embarrassing to look back on. But I really made a big effort to change my behaviour - I hated the person I’d become. I wanted to change. I paid close attention to every word that came out of my mouth. Was it kind or helpful? If not, I didn’t say it. I stopped shouting. Nowadays, I never do.

I realise I’m not really answering your question, and I do apologise. I just wanted to say that you can change your behaviour if you want to 🙂 If you’ve got into the habit of doing things that you don’t like, you can form different habits that make you happier. It’s behaviour, not personality you want to alter.

You are very kind ♥️ thank you. I do hope i will be able to say this about myself in a near future.

OP posts:
Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:31

LlttledrummergirI · 16/08/2025 22:29

What the fuck is female/feminine energy?

I'm female therefore whatever energy I'm feeling is feminine. I am me, that doesn't change.

Lol 😂 nah, i cant be bothered

OP posts:
TryingAgainAgainAgain · 16/08/2025 22:32

All that stuff about air fresheners makes me recoil. Have a look at this wise woman: Margarita Nazarenko.

She's focuses mainly on relationships, but she talks a lot about how to be in your feminine energy. It possible looks a bit manipulative at first, but she's actually really sensible and good.

www.instagram.com/margarita.nazarenko?igsh=dXk0YzV1OTViaWE5

Screamingabdabz · 16/08/2025 22:34

“…even then i think i am just too much, too strong, basically dont f* with me, dont bother me if it’s nothing important attitude.”

I actually think this is part of being a fierce woman. That is feminine. It’s not about being fluffy and weak and pathetic. Femininity and strength are synonymous to me.

JustFish · 16/08/2025 22:35

Do you need to feel feminine?
You are just a human getting through your days and stresses, challenges of work and parenting best you can, and using the strategies and techniques that work for you, not some archetype of how a woman should be, whether that is floaty charming social goddess, nurturing earth mother, or ball breaking bitch.

What standard of femininity are you trying to live up to? Where does it come from, how and by whom is it measured? And how much will it cost you in time, money and energy to live up to this feminine ideal?

I agree with a lot of the advice here, that self care is important, but think you should use it to focus on growing as a person, developing interests, valuing yourself by mentally and physically looking after yourself dealing with stress and learning parenting techniques so you are less shouty, rather than trying to live up to some stereotypes /feeling your social worth is judged by adherence to them, and throwing your time money and energy into frills and trapping of signalling socially accepted 'femininity'.

It's also worth remembering that however you are feeling now is only a phase of your life, you have been popular, socially confident before, you may well do so again very naturally as situations change, the current issues and stresses reduce , your kids get older and more independent. It's very normal to feel you have lost a bit of yourself /changed beyond recognition during some life stages and stresses, but these too will pass eventually.

Peggydragon · 16/08/2025 22:36

It's not 1955 OP, you don't have to have 'feminine energy' whatever the hell that is.

But, being stressed and shouty isn't good for you or those around you. Do you have time for meditation? 10 mins twice a day can make a big difference to calmness - have a look on the Insight Timer app.
And if you can afford more domestic help, that could ease things too. Be kind to yourself, you have a lot on your plate.

Newusername1234567 · 16/08/2025 22:40

Screamingabdabz · 16/08/2025 22:34

“…even then i think i am just too much, too strong, basically dont f* with me, dont bother me if it’s nothing important attitude.”

I actually think this is part of being a fierce woman. That is feminine. It’s not about being fluffy and weak and pathetic. Femininity and strength are synonymous to me.

Oh yes i completely agree. I probably cannot express myself and explain what i mean properly. (English-second language struggle!)

i just feel all this can be delivered in a “nicer, softer” way.

OP posts: