It took me about 6 months
Remember I was talking to you that some times it is just too obvious that I am from Iran? I told you that I want to practice to be less shy about showering in the gym and weren't sure how long it would take me...Well, I finally took a shower in the gym today! I was so proud of myself after the shower as if I've set a new social movement or something. I am sure that I still can't do it with friends around but at least I was comfortable with other people around me.
P.S. Talking about nudity, an elephant sees a naked man and asks:
P.S. Talking about nudity, an elephant sees a naked man and asks:
posted by Anar @ 4:44 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
I remember an episode of the Drew Carey Show, when Lewis says: "I videotaped you when you were taking a shower Drew and I sold it to an internet website. And by the way, you are the most famous guy in Japan now." That's the fastest way of breaking that barrier. LOL
Pantea, hopefully you didn't find my previous comment rude. The way you wrote your post was hilarious and it just reminded me that funny episode of the show. I apologize if it was inappropriate. I didn't mean any bad. I absolutely understand the problem, because I went through the same phase a couple of years ago. All you have to do is just keep the "who cares" attitude.
Pantea, I do remember when you talked about your difficulty with public nudity. It is great to be able to overcome one's fears. So, I am happy for you that you were able to take this step. I am curious though, why do you think that you would not be able to shower with your friends? It seems to me that if they have demonstrated that they are trustworthy and are not judgemental toward you, that you would be comfortable being nude (which is a type of vulnerability) in their presence. Of course, the way things seem to you could be very different from my perspective.
About 15 years ago, I went to South Korea with my good friend who was an S.K. native. We stayed at his house for the first few days. There was a bathroom with a shower in the house. I was somewhat surprised that there was only one bathroom, as I was used to American style houses that often have several bathrooms. Then for the next several days we did some traveling around the country. We stayed in a motel in one town, which had a very small bathroom and a tiny shower (I almost couldn't fit in there!). Apparently, this was an upscale motel, most had a community bath/shower. Another day, we stayed at one of his friend's family's apartment. They, like most Koreans I learned, did not have a shower in their apartment. They all used a neighborhood shower business that was about a block away. My friend's friend took me there, translated for me so I could pay the manager, and then he left me there. The men and women had separate shower facilities, which was not surprising. However, there was no locker room. The customers were supposed to undress in the lobby and put their clothes in a locker near the manager's booth. So, I did that and I put on a robe which I selected from several that were hanging nearby. The robe was very small. I think it would have fit me comfortably when I was about 10 years old! I walked past the manager with the tiny robe on and he immediately got very excited and spoke loudly and very quickly in Korean. He knew I didn't speak the language, so he also indicated that I should take off the robe with hand gestures. I guessed then that the robes cost extra, and as I had no way to communicate with the man, and didn't want to pay more anyway, I just took it off and hung it back up. However, I was a bit pissed off! So, I set my expression to an angry scowl and walked past the man fully exposed without looking at him. I went into the shower and there was only one other man there. He was seated on a small stool with his back to me. I picked out a stool and shower and got myself clean. Btw, for my money I did get a small towel which wasn't large enough to fully dry myself. I exited the shower still quite damp, dressed, and walked back to the apartment. About that time, I had a true appreciation of just how well off my friend's family was in Korean society!
Yey for you!!!
I still haven't done this - so I am very impressed with you...maybe you shall inspire me now :)
Psychologically it is very diff Iranians grow up. hard to change the ego & stuff but as far as problems in gyms, it is much tougher for Iranian males! Too hairy our race...
hahaha... I laughed so much with the elephant and the hair!
Seriously, congrats! I'm very proud of you. Now I shall face my gym shyness and go to the steam room! Wish me luck!
Post a Comment
<< Home