In the grand scheme of mental health problems the fear of being naked is not topping any charts. However, there seems to be a growing epidemic based on my own experience and reports in general. The media reports some “men” are either afraid or highly uncomfortable being naked around other men.

What is with Millennials?

Modern Western culture seems to have become more puritanical despite our claim to enlightenment and liberation.  The notion of extreme modesty among men seems to be a development over the last 20 years.  I was initially doubting my lying eyes, especially in the advent of all the dating and hookup apps in which it is not uncommon for men to send pics of their genitals.  How did we come to this point from the classic gymnasium: to train naked? Have we come to equate nudity with sex only, and now as a result men cannot be naked with other men in the locker room? This phenomenon has gained momentum and health clubs are consulting architects on how to design the millennial men’s locker room.

The modern millennial man wants the ability to shower and change in the locker room without ever being publicly nude.  I have had many men tell me that they have been seeing their doctor for years and he has never seen them naked.

The fate of the naked modern man

If you are an adult man you probably look generally the same as every other adult man. Understandably, developing boys may have some insecurities about their rapidly changing bodies. Likewise one may be insecure if they have some sort of disfigurement.  Regardless of the circumstance boys must become men who are comfortable in their skin, and the disfigured must learn to develop self-confidence to realize their full masculine potential. In short to be a man one must learn to face their fears. Manly men should be easily naked around other men.

The underwear towel shimmy does nothing but draws attention to yourself which likely raises your anxiety because now people are looking and wondering what this person has to hide.  In many cultures, communal bathing and spas are the norms. Communal male nudity tends to enhance bonding, build unity and provide the validation of masculinity that has been made out to be a bad thing in society. Masculinity and maleness are lost in a society where everyone is trying to deny their true identity.  The characteristics that make one distinctly male should not be marginalized. If your towel happens to fall off while shaving at least finishes the blade stroke before panicking and slicing your face (I saw a guy do this as he rushed to secure his towel).

Call to Arms

Gentlemen embrace your gloriously naked body, no one is looking at you that intently. If they are looking, clearly there is something very impressive. If they are not looking it is only because they are too busy worrying about how they are coming across.  You are an adult already. How much longer are you going to spend your days fretting about what others think of you?

About Metro Medical Direct

Need help facing this fear or others that are keeping you from living up to your full potential? Just do it! Otherwise, make an appointment and we should talk.

Dr. Raymond Zakhari is the owner and operator of Metro Medical Direct and provides Telehealth and in-home visits. He also provides in-home alcohol and drug rehabilitation. Book an appointment here and check out the rest of this site for more information about concierge medicine.

Also, check out Dr. Ray’s Podcast The Psychology of it All here. Also available on Apple Podcasts.