How to overcome my fear of nudity?

Question

I have had a fear of nudity for as long as I can remember really (and I am in my early 40's). It has never really caused me any issues in the past, but I have now been in a very solid and healthy relationship for two years, and he would like nothing more than for me to be nude. I completely trust him and feel loved, etc. (and he is now my fiance), but the thought of it just feels so overwhelming to me! I am in no way a prude, and I have been mentally trying to work on it (along with being nude and sleeping nude when I'm home alone, etc.), but I still feel so exposed and vulnerable just thinking about it. It does have a lot to do with my body image, but I know he is definitely into my body type, but I am still having a hard time with it. I do think it's time to move past this, and I guess I need to "just do it", but the thought terrifies me.

Answer 1

Actually if you go to a nude weekend retreat you will feel great in your body no matter your flaws. I remember the first morning I was home after my first nude weekend retreat. I stopped halfway between the bedroom and the bathroom (nude) and all of a sudden I realized I didn't feel any shame! The frantic feeling of needing to hurry and cover up was no longer there, at all. It was amazing to be free from all that shame I never even knew I had.

Most places you go to will be very non-sexual, non-judgemental environments with spa treatments and restaurants, etc. I highly recommend it.

Answer 2

If you like, start working out and eat better, this way you will built up your self esteem..he loves you for you..and you need to not ruin anything you have with him...take baby steps..all will be good in time...have fun with it..

Answer 3

Soo? Are you like the 40-year-old-virgin, the remake?

Answer 4

as far as sexually...maybe you should try something different that you wouldn't typically do, kind of immersion therapy. Like, letting him tie you up, so you can't move and let him take off your clothes, so you feel even more vulnerable, but then letting him take control of you (gently of course) and have some excellent, freeing s*x with someone you totally trust...at which point you can relate to that moment being the "most terrified" you've ever been and the "most vulnerable" you've ever been and the rest of the times will seem like a cake walk...give it a try, I bet, in the end, you'll feel exhilarated and immensely turned on...

It's a form of desensitation therapy

just an idea,

Baldy

Answer 5

You could take a look at me nude, then your nudity wouldnt bother you so much.

Answer 6

u haven't had s*x and your over 40? with your fiance? i would kill myself...  

Answer 7

You're already on the right track. Just keep going nude, going into more nerve-wrecking situations when you feel comfortable to, and it gets easier. It's the same with any irrational fear, really.

Answer 8

Don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable!

I don't think you need to be nude. He's just a silly guy. Do what you want!

Answer 9

You could always try joining a nudist colony.  You know, face your fears head on. :)

Answer 10

wax

Answer 11

I say if you're 40 years old you should have been over your fear of nudity. I say you start slow by doing what you've been doing. Being naked alone at home, sleeping naked, etc. Then build up to being naked in the locker room at the gym. Shower naked at the gym, and don't cover yourself with a towel until you go to dry yourself. Being naked around other people will help you build up enough courage to be naked in front of your man.  

Answer 12

It is difficult to determine whether there is something going on here ; meaning that you would benefit from therapy.

It may just be that you are modest AND you don't think your body is up to par, even though you know intellectually that he likes it . What you may want to try for starters is mental imagery, the more vivid the better. Imagine yourself, naked and looking fine and feeling quite comfortable. Then once you've got that down pat, you imagine the same, only this time include your boyfriend, and exactly how he is reacting and all the wonderful details. This may sound kind of strange, but I feel if you give it a chance it will work for you.

We are all the commanders of our ships. We have to be able to imagine something before we can actually make it happen and truly get the most out of it. Good luck!

Answer 13

  Just do it, but make sure he is aware of how you feel so he doesn't do anything stupid to make you feel worse!  You'll feel better when you see his reaction.