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Nudity: Embracing the Awkward

Naturist insecurities: A woman confidently poses nude among tall sunflowers, showcasing a serene expression and flowing hair in a natural setting.

Unspoken Insecurities We Didn’t Know We Had

One of the most surprising things we discovered when we first embraced naturism was how it brought certain insecurities to the surface. Some are naturist insecurities we didn’t even know we had.

You might think that taking off your clothes in a social setting is all about getting over body shame, but it turns out there’s so much more lurking beneath the surface.

The Obvious Worries: Are We Ready for the Runway?

At first, we thought our worries were just about the usual things, like whether our bodies were good enough, will my penis measure up, do naturists keep all their body hair because my vulva is “fully out there!”

But as we spent more time in naturist settings, those surface concerns passed quickly and gave way to deeper, more unexpected doubts. We found ourselves confronting issues we hadn’t even recognized or thought about.

The Identity Crisis: Who Are We Without Our Favorite T-Shirts?

One of the biggest revelations was realizing how much we relied on clothing as a form of identity. Clothes can be armor. A way of hiding who you are or in some situations, telling the world who you are. Without having to say a word.

But in a naturist environment, stripped of our favorite styles and labels, we were forced to confront a more honest version of ourselves. Did people like us for who we were, not just how we dressed? Were we interesting without the conversation starters of logos or fashionable accessories? Or now that they can see the real me that hid beneath a sweater, am I being judged?

Facial Expressions and Eye Contact

When you’re nude, you suddenly become hyper-aware of your face. Are you smiling too much, not enough, or am I smiling all dorky like? Am I making awkward eye contact? What do I look at, or not look at? Would we become self-conscious or make others uncomfortable without meaning to?

We never realized how much we relied on clothing to draw attention away from our faces until we had nothing else to focus on.

The Personal Space Puzzle: How Close Is Too Close?

Another insecurity that surfaced was about our own sense of personal space. Without clothes, you suddenly become acutely aware of your own physical presence. How close is too close to stand next to someone? How do you handle touch, even the most casual, like a friendly hug?

Hugging people nude was a whole new event and fear. Like… what happens if we “bump uglies?” What is going to happen the first time another women’s breasts touch my chest?

We began to notice the invisible lines we had drawn for comfort and how they varied from situation to situation.

Emotional Maturity and Small Fixations

There were even moments when we questioned our own maturity. Would we laugh at something that seemed awkward? Are we going to talk too much, or not enough? Naturism has a way of highlighting just how comfortable, or uncomfortable, you are with your own emotional reactions in social settings.

We fixated on our own small things. We’ve all got them. Scars, birthmarks, moles, that one oddly placed freckle or the last minute pimple that decides to swell up like a second head.

But in a naturist setting, those tiny details can suddenly feel like they’re under a spotlight, even though no one else is likely to notice. And they certainly don’t care.

It’s also amazing how often we use clothing or pockets as a crutch. Without those, your hands can feel oddly out of place. Do you cross your arms, keep them at your sides, or turn into a failed mime performance trying to look relaxed?

Worrying About How to Sit or Move Naturally

Of all the insecurities we never expected, simply sitting down or walking around became a weirdly complicated experience. Without the disguise of clothes, every little movement felt exposed. Should you sit cross-legged or risk feeling too exposed? Do you lounge back comfortably, or is that too relaxed? Is the chair too cold or too hot?

And standing… oh, that was another challenge. We became oddly self-conscious about our posture, trying to strike that perfect balance between confident and relaxed but often ending up looking like we were rehearsing a yoga pose.

Over time, we started noticing the strangest things, like how we never thought twice about adjusting our clothes when sitting, but now we were adjusting… ourselves. We became hyper-aware of the squeak of the chair or the accidental skin contact with a cool surface.

And walking? That’s another chapter. We learned that there’s a fine line between strolling naturally and walking like you’re sneaking out of a crime scene.

Lastly… the biggest fear! What if I drop something and have to bend over to pick it up? We don’t want to give someone front row seats to our buttholes! Do we just walk away and pretend it didn’t happen?

Heightened Awareness of Hygiene

Naturism made us suddenly hyper-aware of every little aspect of hygiene. Were we freshly showered enough? Did we miss a spot while shaving? Is that a rogue piece of lint or a piece of toilet paper stuck where it shouldn’t be… or something worse?

And don’t even get us started on body odor. We’ve never thought so much about deodorant in our lives.

We began double-checking everything, fingernails, toenails, even behind our ears, suddenly feeling like we were prepping for a military inspection.

Poolside naturism brought another layer of paranoia. Did we rinse off enough before getting in? Is there a polite way to mention to someone else that they might have forgotten?

And let’s be honest, naturism can make you painfully aware of just how sweaty you can get. Whether it’s a sunny beach or a packed indoor event. It’s amazing how something as simple as a bead of sweat can suddenly feel like a flashing neon sign without clothing to catch it.

Embracing the Awkward, Celebrating the Honest

Over time, we came to realize that these insecurities weren’t flaws. They were part of being human. But the beauty of naturism is that it offers a safe space to face them. It’s a practice that invites you to be honest with yourself, even if that honesty means recognizing vulnerabilities you hadn’t noticed before.

And you know what’s really cool? Every naturist you meet has been through many of the same insecurities. So they are very accepting of your initial awkwardness. You will get more and more comfortable after each social occasion.

Embracing naturism isn’t just about body positivity. It’s about learning to stand in the open, without armor, and discovering that you are enough just as you are. Our journey continues, and with each experience, we find ourselves shedding more than just clothes. We’re letting go of fears, doubts, and those hidden insecurities that used to quietly control us.

And perhaps that’s the real beauty of naturism. It doesn’t just show you who you are on the outside; it reveals who you are beneath it all.


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18 Comments

  1. I do remember the awkward times when we first went to resorts. Sitting, standing, walking, climbing… so many new experiences.
    I remember the sign “ you must shower before entering the pool” so I marched down this path to an outdoor shower. Which was a wall with 4 shower heads on it. Within moments of starting my shower another couple showed up right next to me! Like a foot away. My first ever outdoor shower and I shared it with strangers. What a way to start a day!
    A

  2. Your delightful but thoughtful piece has served as a reminder of those until now almost forgotten small adjustments made in those early days of embracing the clothes free life. Even unclothed in our own domestic setting you awaken lost memories of those small awkwardnesses. Interestingly my wife maybe from her experience as a model never experiences such social stumbles.
    I shall be less blase when describing what to expect when encouraging newcomers anticipating a visit to Fraisethorpe, our lovely local Yorkshire nude beach
    Thank you for for your reminder.

  3. I have lived the naturist life alongside the clothed existence since my post graduate student says that I had forgotten all the small conscious adjustments one made in those early days. Thank you for reminding me, I won’t be quite so glib with newcomers in future.
    John Wymark-Hoar
    Near Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire
    England YO25 4JZ
    j.wymark.hoar@gmail.com
    9th October 2025.

  4. Thank you for this post . . The old butt trick is my downs fall . I hope I learn one day .

  5. Thanks for this . I have thought about some of these things. It helps to know that others have felt these awkward times.

  6. Thanks for the article. I agree with you, one progressively discovers yourself. I found, though, that the first time I was naked in the presence of others I wanted to be seen naked. I wanted people to appreciate my body. I think naturism is about appreciating the whole being, body, soul and spirit. I don’t have the same depth of friendship with my textile friends as I had with naturist strangers I met, simply because the first layer was peeled off.

  7. Another great blog Kevin, lots of interesting things to think about and so much to agree with. You did miss out putting on sunscreen, especially when you’re on your own. Can you ask a stranger to put some on your back, dose doing your bits n bobs look like your enjoying it too much.

  8. well done and I received these insecurities as I shed my clothes at a camp/resort and stayed naturally a naturist.

    thanks for writing ✍️ and post 📫 ❤️ for all naturists to see, (a pun intended).


  9. This was a very good post. It mentioned so much that a person becomes aware of when they take off their clothes around other people. And it mentions those things in a very straightforward way. Well written!

  10. Thank you guys, for this fascinating aspect of our first experiences and introduction to naturism. Exactly how we first felt. Me after Gary introduced me to nudism and he much earlier, especially in a social setting. But after a while, we just forgot about these simple over accentuated concerns and got on with enjoying life and naturism. Jan&Gary 😊

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