My girlfriend wants to see me with my shirt off and I’m nervous. Is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. Many teens are embarrassed about their bodies during puberty, when changes are taking place. You might try talking with your parents or another trusted adult, such as an older sibling, about your feelings.
Boys who have a normal condition called gynecomastia may be especially shy about being seen without having their shirts on. During puberty their breasts become tender and somewhat large. Gynecomastia usually lasts a year or two, and then the boys’ breasts return to their normal size.
Whatever reasons you have for being shy, you might consider talking to your girlfriend about your feelings. In order for relationships to have value, there must be good communication and honesty. And you never know — there may be things about herself that make her nervous, too.
Tags: relationships, body image, Gynecomastia