Nudity is not so much an issue with me now as when I was going through the early stages of puberty. Then I felt so strange that I was changing and developing in ways that I didn't fully understand. But I realize now that everyone's human and it's not a big deal at all to see someone naked — or to be seen naked. I actually enjoy it a little now. I feel proud of my body, especially my penis. It does make a difference whether guys or girls see me. Not many girls have seen me naked, but the ones who have usually act embarrassed, and this makes *me* feel awkward. With guys, it's no big deal — we'll comment on each other's appearance (usually positive), and it's never an issue.
- age 17, Virginia
When I was young, I was afraid of being seen naked because of my education. When I entered puberty, I was afraid of an erection because just getting naked would give me one. So I avoided being naked in public places such as showers. When I was about 20 years old, I started a "program" to learn not to be so ashamed. I started to visit saunas and tried to have a shower naked even if there were people around me. In time, it worked and now I don't feel shy when I am naked. Rather, I like being naked and it does not make any difference whether I'm seen by guys or girls. I just try not to bother anybody.
- age 48, Austria
I am more comfortable being naked with girls in a sexual situation; but otherwise, it is weird. With guys, I don't really like being naked, but I can stand it. Other guys see me naked only at the gym and I don't really care at that point.
- age 17, Canada
I usually feel uncomfortable [naked] unless I am around members of my family.
- age 22, New Jersey
I don't like to be seen naked by anyone. Maybe, if that special person would finally say "yes" that would change. In high school showers, it was kind of an out-of-the-body experience to get past, especially to avoid embarrassing erections.
- age 48, Missouri
I really do not like it if I have to dress in the same room with my friends (girls). I feel really embarrassed and hide myself until I am all dressed. But around my boyfriend, I have no problem with dressing or dancing naked in front of him. I feel totally comfortable.
- age 16, Michigan (female)
I am happy to be seen naked. It doesn't matter to me whether guys or girls see me naked.
- age 50, Maine
Either way, I don't care! Like taking showers at school with the team, or after gym class — it doesn't make any difference to me. No girl has ever seen me naked, so I can't say for sure — but I think I would like that better.
- age 14, South Dakota
I have no qualms about being seen naked in the sauna and shower room at the gym, and at the nude beach; however, I do not feel the least bit comfortable being seen nude when children are around. Even so, there were families at the nude beach this summer and they appeared to handle the situation very well. I have never seen my grown-up children nude, nor have they seen me.
- age 55, Canada
I feel fine in front of my girlfriend, but I'd rather not be seen by guys. I don't have too much reason to be seen naked by anyone besides my girl.
- age 18, California
I would like it (would even find it a turn-on) if being seen naked was a private situation; but I would not like it in public.
- age 16, Australia
I like to be naked in many circumstances, indoors and out — but only when I am alone. I am comfortable being seen naked only in locker rooms, by doctors, and with friends (male or female) that I'm going to masturbate or have sex with. No streaking; no nude beaches; no walking around the block naked at 3 a.m. just for kicks.
- age 39, Texas
I feel pretty uncomfortable if a guy sees me naked. When I was around 14, I would masturbate with my guy friends all the time — usually completely naked so that everyone saw each other. Now that I'm older, I would never be naked in front of another guy (such as at the gym). With girls, I don't feel too uncomfortable. The first time I was with a girl I didn't want to show her my penis because I was unsure of her reaction. However, she really "liked" it a lot, so now I wouldn't be too hesitant to show a girl.
- age 17, Canada
It depends on whether I'm interested in the person who sees me naked. If I'm interested, then I love it and feel sexy and attractive. If it's somebody I don't care about, then I'd appreciate it if they kept their eyes to themselves. I'm naked all the time in the locker room at the gym, but well-ingrained etiquette keeps people from staring.
- age 41, Florida
I've never been seen naked by a girl, but I have been seen by guys in showers or changing rooms. It's usually kind of embarrassing because I'm not circumcised and everybody else is. So, I just pull my foreskin back to look circumcised.
- age 15, California
For a long time, I was quite shy about being naked. But around age 16 or 17, I started to become more open. Now I'm actually more comfortable naked, even with people around. Guys or girls — it doesn't matter. The only time it becomes an issue is when I'm not sure whether the people near me are comfortable with my nakedness. Overall though, the show Rugrats says it best: "Nakey is good, nakey is free!"
- age 19, Connecticut
It doesn't really bother me to be seen naked. At home, my parents see me naked sometimes, so it's not a big deal. At school, we shower together and that's cool because it's just guys. Sometimes, us guys and girls would skinny-dip together. That was fun! So I just don't see any reason why it would bother me, whether boys or girls were seeing me naked.
- age 14, Nevada
As a child, I would run around naked; but once I became a teenager, that became very different. I suppose that being the only uncircumcised guy in my high school gym classes may have caused me some shyness; but primarily, it was because I had no hair under my arms until I was well into my 20s. Even now, it is pale, short, and sparse. I did grow pubic hair early and I have a very hairy chest; but I was still shy around guys or women. A funny thing is that when I got a hot tub several years ago, suddenly I had no problem being naked with friends, male or female. That may be that it is usually dark and we are submerged; but I can also undress without much concern. I do tend to slide my foreskin back and pull on my penis so it is a little longer than its 1"-2" flaccid state, which allows me then to be a little less self-conscious. However, no one seems to care.
- age 41, Oregon
My biggest concern about being seen naked is my penis, which is only 5 1/2 inches when erect. My girlfriend is so accepting that it didn't matter to her, though. We talked about size, I told her the truth, and she didn't mind at all. We now see each other naked frequently. She wants not to have premarital sex and since she accepts my smallness, I think that's fine. We just use mutual masturbation techniques to have fun. We are so open with each other, I just love it. I don't really care if guys see my penis. I mean, hey, we all have one.
- age 15, Pennsylvania
I love being seen naked! It doesn't matter who looks at me. I love girls and they know it. If a guy likes what he sees, then he can deal with it on his own time without involving me.
- age 23, Connecticut
I don't really have a problem being seen naked. Gender doesn't matter, but I don't like old people seeing me naked for some reason. I don't really like my mom seeing me naked, either. Other than that, I don't mind.
- age 17, Missouri
I am not shy about being seen naked by either women or men. I used to be shy because of my small penis, but that no longer concerns me. I accept my body as it is and I don't care what others may think.
- age 62, Texas
I have no problem at all being seen naked, whether at home or school, by boy or girl. My mom, 15-year-old sister, and I have a sort of semi-nude family environment. We all see each other nude to some degree, but I am usually nude more often then they are when I'm at home. At school, I shower after gym or baseball practice, as do most of my friends, even though some guys don't shower at all or wear a swimsuit if they do. Once, I was skinny-dipping in our pool when my sister came home with her friends to swim, and I was naked with six 15-to-16-year-old girls looking at me. I didn't care. I just got out and went inside the house.
- age 14, Florida
My feelings about being seen naked have less to do with gender, and more to do with situation. More than anything, I do not want to be seen naked (or aroused for that matter) by people who do not want to see me so. Past that, I'm rather skittish about revealing myself, but once seen, I quickly come to enjoy the feeling of eyes on my body if they are friendly. And when I am with my lover, I want to be bared to her whenever possible.
- age 26, Illinois
I am uncomfortable being seen naked because I am "overweight" (as the medical profession puts it). It makes me self-conscious. My penis size has nothing to do with it; I am fine with the size of my penis.
- age 15, Maine
A few very special men (past boyfriends and husband) are the only ones who have seen me totally naked. I love to be seen naked by my current lover. I enjoy letting my boyfriend admire my body. Knowing that he enjoys looking at me turns me on even more. Being naked in front of female or male nurses or doctors does not bother me; they are there to do their jobs, so there's no embarrassment for me. Back in high school was the only time I have been partially naked in front of the "girls" and at that age it was awkward and embarrassing. I was a one of the late bloomers.
- age 47, New Jersey (female)
I think that being seen naked by both guys and girls is a turn-on. I had to shower before school last year and I liked the feeling of walking around naked in front of a bunch of guys. I was watching them just as I thought that they were watching me. One day I even started to get an erection, so I had to end my shower quickly so that no one would see and make fun of me. But if any one did see, I am glad because I masturbated thinking about it for days after!
- age 15, Minnesota
I now like to be naked and be seen naked, but that has not always been the case. When I was young, even before puberty, I was very shy. My dad would take me to the Y to swim nude. Even though it was just guys, I insisted on wearing my bathing suit. After high school and college locker rooms for gym and swim team then several years living in open barracks in the Army I lost my shyness around guys. Now, after staying at several clothing optional guesthouses in Key West, I try to be naked whenever possible. I am always naked at home — the UPS man sees me that way often. Worry about erections? No. They happen naturally, they feel good, and other guys will know that too. Still, depending on who she is, I am somewhat awkward being naked around women, especially strangers.
- age 55, Florida
I feel kind of weird and embarrassed when I have to undress in front of other guys at PE because I'm one of the youngest. Most of the guys have hair around their penis and their penises are bigger than mine. I'm just starting to grow hair and my penis hasn't grown much yet. Some of the guys make fun of me, but I try to ignore them. It's not easy. No girls have seen me yet, except for my 3-year-old sister. That doesn't bother me. But there's no way I'd want to be seen by a girl my age — well, maybe when I'm a little older and more developed.
- age 14, California
I have a huge fear of being seen naked by anyone of either sex. I hate looking at myself, so I wouldn't want anyone else to. I know I'm scrawny and I think people would be either horrified or moved to laughter. It's hard enough for me to take off my shirt at a beach on a blazing hot summer day, let alone be completely naked!
- age 18, Washington
It depends. I consider myself to be a heterosexual but not homophobic male. I prefer to be seen naked by men as opposed to women, because with other guys it's not such a big deal. However, when I have an erection, I prefer not to be seen by other guys.
- age 16, California
Since I've been an adult it has never bothered me to be seen naked by either sex. I've always been told by both that I have a great body and look good naked. I work out hard and am strict on my diet and rest. I take good care of myself. I've heard people say they feel vulnerable when seen naked, but I don't think I ever have — maybe because I get positive feedback. I like the human body, and when someone compliments me on mine, it makes me feel good and makes me work out harder. I *love* to be naked. I don't mind one bit who sees me with no clothes on — except for my mom.
- age 27, Florida
I don't like to be seen naked. I get an erection and get all flustered. I try to cover up as quickly as possible! I can't think of a time where I have been seen naked by a girl, other than my mother when she used to bathe me! I think I would feel worse in front of a girl!
- age 17, Australia
Regardless of who it is, no one should see me naked. I don't even like to see myself naked. I don't have anything to be ashamed of. I just would like to keep that part of myself private. I mean, that is why clothes were invented, isn't it?
- age 19, Iowa
I don't mind at all being seen naked by anyone. In my family we are very open about being seen nude. We have a pool and go skinny-dipping when the weather is nice, and then go in the hot tub when it's cold. When I was in middle school we would have to shower after gym class. I was never nervous or scared to get undressed and shower as many of the other boys. Being nude is fun. I have been to nude beaches also, and I love the feel of the sun and the wind on my body. There is nothing else like it.
- age 14, California
I could become a naturist in a heartbeat. I love to walk around the house nude and do it regularly in front of my lady friend. But my children (35 to 48 years of age) can't stand to see me naked; so out of deference to them, I wear gym shorts in their presence.
- age 65, North Carolina
All of my friends and I are quite open about our sexuality. I love being seen naked; it is a huge turn-on for me. My friends and I (half girls and half guys) go to nude beaches together, and swim, play, wrestle, and dive off the rocks. I love to be seen naked.
- age 16, Greece
I have spent many years in the military, so nudity really doesn't bother me. I do not mind being seen by either sex, and have enjoyed going to nudist camps on several occasions. The only folks I really have any concern about seeing me nude are my kids — two girls ages 21 and 17.
- age 55, Ohio
I haven't been seen naked yet by a boy or girl, so of course, I have questions about myself and am a bit nervous. I could use a tan because my skin is pale white. I'm a bit out of shape — not fat, but have a small potbelly. I'm not so sure about my penis — I mean I'm okay with the length, but I'm afraid it is too skinny. Plus, I have red hair, so I have to deal with the "fire crotch" comments all of the time. I would object, but they are true. My pubic hair is red, so I don't know how a guy or girl would respond to that. I have questions, but I hope it won't matter.
- age 16, Pennsylvania
I find it very erotic to be seen naked by other people, namely other men. My favorite erotic activity is to go to the locker room of my local gym and be around other naked men. It's not overtly sexual, but the sexual tension is thick. Showering nude and sitting in the sauna completely naked is a liberating experience and the ultimate in male camaraderie.
- age 21, Kansas
Being seen naked does not bother me one bit. I frequent a local nude beach and more often than not, I have no clothes on while relaxing at home. I feel no different if seen naked by men or women. I am not ashamed of my body even though I am beginning to be affected with the "problems" common to middle age — a balding head, a beer gut, and hair growing where it never grew before. Just last night a couple of married friends came over for a surprise visit — I answered the door in my boxers having just thrown them on when hearing the doorbell ring. They entered, asked if I had been relaxing "au naturel" and when I replied yes, they went in the bedroom and disrobed. We ate dinner and watched a few movies in total comfort!
- age 41, California
I love to be seen naked! During the summer months, I always visit nude beaches and it's so cool just to lie down in the sun, knowing that I am watched by other guys. It makes me a bit aroused and I think it's exciting to watch other nude guys, in the gym shower room, in the sauna at the baths, and wherever I can. I don't want to expose myself to girls when I'm nude because I don't like girls. I think it's a very natural thing to be nude. I had an exchange year at an American college and I was surprised that so many American guys never shower after sports. I guess they don't want to be seen nude — why else? I want to know!
- age 21, Sweden
I would not be embarrassed about being seen naked if I didn't tend to get erections all the time. I always feel horny when I am naked and if I am changing and showering after sports with my schoolmates, I have to concentrate hard on boring things to stop me from getting an erection. So I try to avoid being seen without clothes as much as possible. The only exception is if I am masturbating with my brother or my friends, when having an erection is not a problem!
- age 14, Mexico
I used to feel terrible being naked around others. I remember when I was a kid, this was particularly so, mostly because I was not circumcised and it seemed that everyone around me was. Since then, I've grown up. At 18 I felt like I could occasionally take a public shower. I had a circumcision at age 19, and since then I have no qualms about being seen nude. I understand that it doesn't actually make a difference to anyone but me, but I'm definitely more confident about it now. Being seen naked around my male friends was never a huge deal, especially not since my operation. I have yet to willingly be seen naked around females! I suspect that if they were not my significant other, I might be a little embarrassed.
- age 20, Ontario, Canada
It depends who I'm getting naked in front of. I have to really trust a person to let them see me naked. The only people who have seen me naked are my family and a friend with whom I used to masturbate. I would get naked in front of any of my friends (guys or girls), but only if they were naked also. It's just a trust issue.
- age 16, Illinois
I love being naked. I get really turned on when I see a boy get aroused. I love to see them erect. I am not as excited with women, unless they are really hairy — then I am turned on!
- age 20, Pennsylvania (female)
It doesn't bother me being seen by either boys or girls. I am skinny, but have a nice butt and penis (so I've been told). I have a boyfriend who is shy, but I'm working on him about that. Girls who have seen all of me haven't complained or been embarrassed. I think it's an attitude — if you're not ashamed of your body or others and don't just think your body is about your genitals then you don't mind being seen nude.
- age 14, Texas
I have always been comfortable being naked around others. It may be the fact that I was raised around a lot of art and artists, and in that world, nudity is not a big deal. For me, it does not matter who the other people are.
- age 27, Texas
As a part-time nudist, being naked has never bothered me. I really enjoy being nude both inside the house and outside. My male roommate and I usually take our clothes off as soon as we get home from class and stay that way the rest of the night, unless we go out. We have a female neighbor who occasionally joins us but no one has a problem with the nudity or the occasional erection one of us sports. We sunbathe naked on the roof and have been joined by several of our friends, both male and female, who also enjoy stripping down for a tan. Being naked is great!
- age 18, North Carolina
In my early teens, I was somewhat embarrassed to be seen naked, especially by guys. But now I am totally at ease with my body and I don't really care whether anyone sees me naked. In fact, I've become a bit of an exhibitionist because I like to have sex (both masturbation and intercourse) outside. I've been discovered a couple of times doing both, and some people might find it strange, but I've never been embarrassed about either the nudity or the sex. I guess I feel that I am in a natural state doing what comes naturally.
- age 28, Canada