I don’t care much. Mine is a long story…
I was molested as a child, so I had a lot of body image issues. I was very timid and shy sexually, and had a lot of shame tied up in nudity. Even through my first marriage and the rebound relationship after, I had a lot of hangups and inhibitions.
My next relationship was a “friends with benefits” arrangement. The rebound debacle had made me realize that I had issues to work through, and probably would be better off not in a serious relationship. In my case, having sex with no strings attached, but in the safety of a monogamous, respectful friendship was very liberating. I was free to enjoy myself and not be worried about impressing him or pleasing him – I allowed myself to be selfish and assertive in the bedroom.
Out of the bedroom, I had been given a gift certificate for a spa day while I was still married. I didn’t work up the nerve to use it for nearly a year. I convinced myself that these are professionals who have likely seen older, pastier and fatter bodies than mine. I decided to play it off like I had had dozens of spa days before. This allowed me to actually relax and enjoy the experience.
I also made a point not to act ashamed of my body in front of my son – I didn’t walk around naked, but I did in a bra and underwear (which offer more coverage than most bikinis) so that he would not have hangups or unreasonable expectations of what a real woman’s body looks like.
Also during this time, the song “Naked Eye” by Luscious Jackson came out, which had the line “Naked is a state of mind.” which got me thinking a bout being genuine and authentic in all aspects of my life. I worked on being comfortable with who I am with and without clothing, in any scenario – because my sense of shame was very deep and affected every aspect of my existence.
These things all happened through my 30s, so by the time I reached my 40s, I had developed a comfort in my own skin that defies my blubber and my social awkwardness. I do respect that most people would not find me in any way attractive when I’m naked, so I don’t ‘let it all hang out’ in the summer or in the gym locker room; but with my Love, or with professionals, I am fine with being naked.