Self-conscious Swimmer

[ClaraWho]

So I enjoy swimming and can tune out my self-consciousness when I'm focussed on swimming. But the times in between, I'm so awkward to be wearing so little. And it to be so skin tight...

Don't misunderstand me though, I love my body. I'm confident and happy with how I look, I just don't feel comfortable when others are paying attention. Or rather, when I catch them paying attention.

Not in terms of creepy staring, but even other girls looking at me. I dunno... I'm so confident the rest of the time that it kind of irritates me how it makes me so shy. Perhaps it's because I'm taken and am not looking for attention? I just kinda wanna get on with my swimming and daydreaming of being a mermaid in peace, thank you all the same!

So does anyone else, I don't even know, get awkward when in swimsuits or revealing clothing? I know a lot of you couldn't care less haha I mildly envy your carefree attitudes.

I'm rambling, so I shall hush.

~ Clara

[Beth]

Yes I know exactly what you are saying I believe. I hate wearing revealing clothes afraid of being stared at mostly in crowded places. I also love my body but its hard to explain. I guess I could say I'm modest of how I show myself in public.

[jenni31]

Way back in the 20"s through the start of the 50's that problem was never an issue. The fact anyone look atanother person that manner would probably get slapped .. later people began to wear more revealing clothes..but starred were appreciative. Since the internet and tv and reality shows well starts are the norm.. many of id's are guilty of it for some reason or another. I have had both guys and girls stare at me for various reasons. If my nipples are showing through my bra and whatever top o
I am wearing or wearing tight jeans or pantsand mypanty lines are showing or the pants hug my ass when I wear my bikini prior ate going to stare and yes even the creepy ones... Its a part of life.. for those of us that are self conscious of our bodies there is not much we cando except not go out or wear super conservative clothing there is no easy solution except to accept it or wear ddifferent clothing

[neledisapersonne]

I personally don't think people may look at you while you are swimming with bad intentions. You may be wearing a catchy color swimming suit or sth. The things that irritates is the intention of the looker and those creepy looks irritate even you are dressing very conservatively.
And on the revealing clothes, why do you wear them if you are not comfortable when people check you out?

[ClaraWho]

Hah I like the suggestion they may just be checking out my swimsuit, guess we all do that. I suppose it's the ones who seem to be looking at what is under that make me feel uncomfortable. I suppose I'm just a very private person! Just wondering if anyone had tips on focussing on something else. Hence I really like the idea of thinking they are just admiring my bikini colours xD.

And on revealing clothes it was more of an example, but I will wear 'shorter' dresses with sports shorts underneath. I dress attractively for my own benefit and that of my boyfriend/friends. I like being attractive, it's mainly just strangers looking that bothers me. I love designing clothes and fashion.

Plus I'm ginger haired. I mean it does kinda make me stand out!

~ Clara (Thanks everyone for the replies!)

[LITTLEANGEL19]

So I enjoy swimming and can tune out my self-consciousness when I'm focussed on swimming. But the times in between, I'm so awkward to be wearing so little. And it to be so skin tight...

Don't misunderstand me though, I love my body. I'm confident and happy with how I look, I just don't feel comfortable when others are paying attention. Or rather, when I catch them paying attention.

Not in terms of creepy staring, but even other girls looking at me. I dunno... I'm so confident the rest of the time that it kind of irritates me how it makes me so shy. Perhaps it's because I'm taken and am not looking for attention? I just kinda wanna get on with my swimming and daydreaming of being a mermaid in peace, thank you all the same!

So does anyone else, I don't even know, get awkward when in swimsuits or revealing clothing? I know a lot of you couldn't care less haha I mildly envy your carefree attitudes.

I'm rambling, so I shall hush.

~ Clara
Clara if just having people looking at in that situation why don't you get your a toweling robe here is a example of what I mean.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Women-s-3-4-Sleeve-Lightweight-Terry-Robe/14239006, you should read reviews reviews a girl uses it when coming out of the pool.
Hope it helps. :) X

[ashleigh7]

I kinda had the same problem. I Am a swimmer so when I started I was totally self conscious. But I just wore my suit at home a lot and it help with knowing its on and the prying eyes. ; )

[Taryn98]

When I was in middle school I was self conscious about things like this but now I'm really comfortable with my body so don't even think about it.

[ClaraWho]

Clara if just having people looking at in that situation why don't you get your a toweling here is a example of what I mean.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Women-s-3-4-Sleeve-Lightweight-Terry-Robe/14239006, you should read reviews reviews a girl uses it when coming out of the pool.
Hope it helps. :) X

Really good suggestion thank you! I think that may attract more attention though xD. I guess I'm not that uncomfortable, but I do wrap my towel around myself currently.

I kinda had the same problem. I Am a swimmer so when I started I was totally self conscious. But I just wore my suit at home a lot and it help with knowing its on and the prying eyes. ; )

Haha can't imagine explaining that to my sister (we share a room)! We aren't really close like that, so she might ask me to cover up :P. I have to dress appropriately around the rest of the house as my parents often have diplomats visiting and staff members. I can see how that would be a great way to get more comfortable with it though! Thanks for the suggestion! (:

When I was in middle school I was self conscious about things like this but now I'm really comfortable with my body so don't even think about it.

Hence your profile picture :D

~ Clara

[sunnieseason]

Clara, I totally feel the same way. I'm only comfortable being in a revealing bathing suit when I'm at my house. Going to the beach terrifies me. I have older female cousins who assure me that its normal to feel that way and over time it will go away. Just hang in there. I try not to care, but then I get wicked nervous when a boy looks at me.

[kailynr]

Another redhead swimmer here! :D

This is actually something that I've felt for donkey's years, for the reason that I have rather prominent labia -- or they seem to be when I've been doing my "comparing." My breasts also started their "land grab" early on as well. -agonized sigh- My go-to has ended up being a towel, but once I discovered those cover-ups like Angie posted a link to (or sarongs -- those were awesome to find), those took care of most of the self-consciousness. Note that I say *most*. I still have those moments when walking up to the platform where the cover-up is strictly not permitted (thanks, rulebook), but pretty much my focus is toward what I'm about to do rather than on the anatomical considerations.

Of course, I love my body... or rather, I've *gotten* to love it with all of its seeming strangeness at times -- even to the point of saying to myself, "oh hell, let them look, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," but there are still those moments.

[Laibachd]

Um, i´ve never felt that way, i´m not sure how i could help ._.

[BethMitchell]

Even when I was a little girl, I was always excited to get to wear my swimsuits and then when my parents allowed me to wear a bikini, I felt so mature and felt awesome wearing it. Looking back, those bikinis were SO modest. Now, I usually wear a thong at the beach or in the pool and I guess I just don't think about who's looking. Hopefully you will be able to get more comfortable wearing your bikini in public. Of course people e going to look but they aren't judging. Everyone likes to see a pretty girl in a swimsuit.