Quote:
Originally Posted by HejiraNYC
Perhaps it's an age thing too? I know that for me I am a lot more chaste than I used to be. I still have more-or-less the same physique I've had since I was in my 20s (arguably leaner and more ripped today), but ever since I turned 40 I have been more inclined to cover up when I go outside. I used to be the first guy to walk around shirtless (along the river, not on the street!) on a hot summer day. But now I wouldn't even wear a tank top in public.  Age really does seem to trigger some irrational switches in your brain. It's probably not unlike the tendency for older women to cut their hair short, adopt lots of cats, wear turtlenecks and wear Mom jeans.
Getting old sucks. |
I think I must be the opposite of you and Homer. I was a chunky redheaded kid growing up... and have
always been super self conscious about my body. Anyone who was ever a fat kid will always have those nagging feelings hanging over them as an adult. But I actually seem to be getting more comfortable with going shirtless with age. I think I just care less about everything the older I get. It's weird, though... I am pretty self conscious about going shirtless, but I have no problem taking my
pants off!
I guess nudity is just different for me. I grew up going to the nude beach here in Austin with my parents (I have pot smoking, Harley riding, tequila drinking, old hippie parents)... so nudity has always been a more comfortable thing for me for whatever reason. There's something disarming about nude beaches, too. I think because you just see
all types there. No matter who you are, there's somebody who looks better
and worse around you. And though the person next to you may have nicer abs, you may have other areas of your body you look better, etc. Nude beaches just teach you that no matter what you've got, it's okay. I find them very empowering personally.