How To Feel More Comfortable Being Naked Around Someone New, According To Experts

1

Be Naked At Home On Your Own

Practice is key, you know? Spending more time naked can make you feel more used to it in general.

"To become more comfortable in your own skin, do what you normally do when you're at home alone, just try to do it in the nude," dating coach April Batz, tells Bustle. "This will make being naked feel more normal and natural, helping to decrease anxiety when being naked in front of someone else."

2

Wait Until You Feel Ready To Be Naked

Also, remember that there are no rules for when you should or should not be ready to be naked in front of someone else.

"If you're still feeling extremely uncomfortable with the idea of being naked in front of your new partner, maybe you aren't ready to show yourself to them in your entirety," Batz says. "That's totally OK! Take your relationship at a pace that's right for you."

3

Fantasize About It Ahead Of Time

Mental preparation is always a good thing.

"Fantasize ahead of time about being with a person," Dr. Greer says. "See the two of you together in bed, being intimate, or sitting up naked and talking afterward. Imagining these moments can help you feel more comfortable when it actually happens."

But don't be hard on yourself if it doesn't go exactly as planned. You might feel suddenly anxious in the moment, you might start sweating, or get tongue-tied. All good. Take it at your pace.

4

Be In Control Of The Environment

Being in control of your environment can go a long way towards helping you feel sexy and safe getting naked.

"Be in control of the room," Dr. Greer says. 'You may feel more at ease with dim lights, a lit candle, or the lights completely off. Do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable."

Have fun with it, too! You can blow out the candle before getting completely naked, Dr. Greer says. Add music to help you feel relaxed and ready for romance. Have a glass of wine to loosen your inhibitions — whatever makes you feel safe and like you can have a good time.

5

Know That They Are Probably Also Uncomfortable

You are in this together, after all. And let's be real, just about everyone can feel pretty self-conscious at the end of the day. Chances are if you get nervous about being naked, they probably feel it, too.

"Keep in mind that [the other person] is likely feeling equally uncomfortable, and your confidence will help you both feel more at ease," Dr. Greer says.

And remember, you can also communicate your discomfort. It might be really helpful for both of you to simply say "wow, this makes me feel shy."

6

Remember That It Can Be Fun

Remember that being naked with someone new doesn’t have to be a serious endeavor, Dr. Greer says.

"Being naked makes people feel silly and may even make you laugh," Dr. Greer says. "It can be playful and lighthearted, so lean into it and enjoy the experience."

7

Do Things That Make You Feel Good In General

Generally being in touch with yourself and caring for your wellbeing, whatever that means to you, can really help in the self-love department. It can boost self-acceptance and appreciation of your body no matter what, Batz says.

If it's specifically connecting your body that you want to try working on, doing anything from taking baths, exercising, meditating, dancing, or masturbating are all good examples of ways you can practice feeling embodied.

8

Ignore Negative Outside Influences

Easier said than done, for sure. But as much as you can, remove those outside influences that make you feel any kind of shame or inadequacy when it comes to being who you are.

Try your best to ignore how the media portrays what a sexy body should look like, Batz says. That goes for things like negative self-talk, or going to exercise classes where people talk about "changing your body for the better."

Remember that feeling some resistance or discomfort being naked with others is totally understandable. With a little practice and preparation, it gets a lot easier.