Nudity

[Rach96]

How comfortable are you with somebody other than your partner or children seeing you naked? Would you feel comfortable being naked in front of close friends?

The only time I have been naked around friends is on a spa day, in the changing room. I tend to just get on with changing and my friends do the same. I don't outwardly parade my bits at them, but I don't do the dance of 6 towels either. I'm the same around strangers in gym changing rooms - I just get on with changing.

I went away with DH's cousin this year (without our husbands), we are very friendly, but have never spent much time alone before.

I wore a bikini in front of her, and one evening, when getting ready for bed I wandered to her room in my underwear, to be told I looked much slimmer without my clothes on!

We plan to go away again together next autumn.

I just worry that if we are sharing a room it will look akward if she is happy to undress in front of me and I am hiding in the bathroom getting changed. If you are changing into say a bikini that involves stripping off completely. It's not as if I will be able to keep my underwear on when changing. I know I can use a towel when changing but it will look as if I am a prude is she is happy to strip off and I am hiding behind a towel. Perhaps I should just relax and stop worrying about it.

Most people are sensitive to others needs in terms of privacy. Either get changed at the same time - she will be too busy sorting herself out and worrying about you looking to look at you - or make an excuse which means you're delayed when she goes to get changed. Or you could quickly get changed while she's in the loo.

Honestly, people don't look. I've learnt that while breastfeeding all over recently - social norms dictate that you don't look.

I have been away with a group of friends a couple of times. Both times I have shared a bedroom. It has never been an issue. Either I was alone in bedroom when changing or I went to the bathroom for a shower and got dressed in there. Ditto for my room mate.

I think it will be fine Rach like others have said you will just happen to be changing at different times / take your stuff into bathroom when you have a shower etc

Thanks for all of the advice I feel more confident now.

My friend once treated me to getting my eyelashes done and a spray tan. Went to a lovely boutique thing and chatted whilst I had my eye lashes done. Then I realised the spray booth was just a tent in the corner. My friend just kept chattering away to me as I got naked and had it done. I was burning with embarrassment but actually felt better after it and she said I'd lost weight

I have been to saunas in Germany when on holiday and you soon overcome any fear of embarrassment.