Well, after 3 years on my own following the break up of a 30 year relationship, at the weekend I finally got naked with someone I have lusted after for years....

He didn't run away screaming at my wrinkly, saggy bits. I took my clothes off - ALL OF THEM!!!! And the world didn't end, he didn't laugh and I didn't die of embarrassment.

Something for me to add to my list when people ask how my sleeve has changed my life - I can do naked :-)))))))

Sorry if is is tmi, but I actually never thought at 52 that I could throw my clothes off with such abandon and without stressing -oh how I love my sleeve!

Edited December 17, 201312 yr by Indigo1991

Love this! Go go Indigo!

I spent way too much this past weekend on new lingerie at Nordstrom's (my boobs were lower than my ribs - I *had* to!), but it was entertaining to model for my husband. He's most appreciative. <lol>

You are awesome! haha

This post gives me great hope. I have recently been dating a sweet man and I think things may be headed in a more intimate direction and I'm freaking out a little bit. I think I need to do a little lingerie shopping tomorrow!

Last time I bought lingerie..

I tried it on...

Showed the man...

He smiled and said 'yep.. it's lovely.. but it's gonna look better on the floor'...

Bwa Ha Ha!!!

Sounds like a comment that I'd make...

Last time I bought lingerie..

I tried it on...

Showed the man...

He smiled and said 'yep.. it's lovely.. but it's gonna look better on the floor'...

Woohoo. Congratulations, bet you can't wipe that smile off your dial.

BRAVO! I bet that's a goal for a lot of people on here. Good to hear other's success stories!

Thank you everyone for keeping it real!!!! Sometimes we think about things that affect us but we're too afraid to mention it to anybody for fear of being judged or simply for fear that we're the only one that might have certain feelings of inadequacy or self consciousness. I am happy and honored to be one of many who will be changing my attitude on my sense of self. I just can't wait till I've lost the weight and can look at myself differently. You have all added a sense of levity to the situation and have given many of us hope for future natural healthy relationships. Way to go Sleevers.

Okay, here's a dose of keeping it real...haha. I was self conscious beyond reason, especially about my upper, inner thighs. I had carried alot of weight there and even post weight loss it was hideous in my eyes. It was bad enough that I was quite sure any man with intact vision would be ill at the sight. I came up with an ingenious solution.....thigh high stockings even under my jeans. I must have spent 20 minutes positioning those stockings with precision so the lacey top"covered" the offending spot. I had more pretty lingerie strategically hiding other horrors as well. So....first time we were together he peeled those stockings off so fast I didn't even have time to protest.. Oh no! my shields, disguise and security coverings hit the floor in about 2.3 seconds. I was momentarily shocked and nearly protested....but what happened next made me forget that I needed a disguise to hide behind.

I am quite sure that all the verbal assurances in the world would have never approached how that unbridled passion made me feel. That feeling of being a desirable woman.... It was truly an epic NSV.

Last time I bought lingerie..

I tried it on...

Showed the man...

He smiled and said 'yep.. it's lovely.. but it's gonna look better on the floor'...

Yup thats pretty much what happened!

Okay, here's a dose of keeping it real...haha. I was self conscious beyond reason, especially about my upper, inner thighs. I had carried alot of weight there and even post weight loss it was hideous in my eyes. It was bad enough that I was quite sure any man with intact vision would be ill at the sight. I came up with an ingenious solution.....thigh high stockings even under my jeans. I must have spent 20 minutes positioning those stockings with precision so the lacey top"covered" the offending spot. I had more pretty lingerie strategically hiding other horrors as well. So....first time we were together he peeled those stockings off so fast I didn't even have time to protest.. Oh no! my shields, disguise and security coverings hit the floor in about 2.3 seconds. I was momentarily shocked and nearly protested....but what happened next made me forget that I needed a disguise to hide behind.

I am quite sure that all the verbal assurances in the world would have never approached how that unbridled passion made me feel. That feeling of being a desirable woman.... It was truly an epic NSV.

Yes that is keeping it real! I didn't think of the stockings or I might have tried that too! LOL! But I did try to have a ridiculous conversation about turning the lights off which got a resounding "hell no." There is something incredibly cathartic about having all the places on your body that cause anxiety kissed and touched. To be vulnerable and exposed and loved and cherished in spite of our fears is an incredible thing!

CGJ - love it !!!! Actions speak way louder than words....hope it all stays good for you.

I came back today to delete my"reveal" post but it has already been quoted and although it is TIM I wonder if it might also be inspiring for others..LOL. So like it or not, it remains.

I came back today to delete my"reveal" post but it has already been quoted and although it is TIM I wonder if it might also be inspiring for others..LOL. So like it or not, it remains.

I'm glad you're not deleting it. It's quite helpful I'm sure, esp to single folks who are not yet dating.

Maybe its just me but I don't think it is ever TOO MUCH INFORMATION ...in this forum anyway. This is all stuff we need to hear and share. Its not like anybody else would understand our feelings about these things. Its so nice that people can be themselves .... we all have anxiety and well, it just holds us back from living our lives. Thanks to all of you who are willing to put it out there for the rest of us.