As we crawl toward the end of the semester, the snow is starting to fall and the degrees are dropping; it’s enough to make you want to bundle up in layers of flannel and fleece, turn your bedroom into a blanket cave and never leave.
But, sometimes it’s worth it to strip off the layers, adjust the lighting and send the holiday gift that keeps on giving ... Nudes!
I reached out to my fellow Badgers to find out about their experiences with taking pictures that are sure to get them on the naughty list.
1. How do you feel about nudes?
Sans Clothing:
I’m pretty indifferent, if someone wants to send them, then good for them. However, they should be smart and be aware of who is receiving them and what the receiver is doing with them.
Dis Robed:
Nudes are fine, but the real thing is better.
Miss New Booty:
I’m a strong advocate for the nudes. I’ve taken plenty of them in my life, but I didn’t really start until senior year/college, because I was so insecure. I hardly looked at myself naked; I, for sure, didn’t want photographic evidence. But, once I started I could feel myself being more vulnerable. It sort of went hand in hand with masturbation—this idea of self-exploring! As a teen girl, it’s not often encouraged. The process of taking nudes is so liberating once you start. Seeing the different angles, the ways of looking at yourself that you can’t quite experience in a mirror.
Garment Less:
I generally like them, but I like them if you want to take them, not because you’re begged to.
Beeday Suit:
I feel confident when sending nudes spur of the moment or at my own leisure, but I hate it when a guy asks for nudes—it makes me feel like a piece of meat.
2. Have you ever sent any? How did it make you feel?
Nudy McGee:
I’ve always sent nudes! I have had times that I worry someone will spread them around, but for the most part, I do it to celebrate my body and send them to my boyfriend when he least expects it.
Sans Clothing:
Yes, at first it was awkward as hell, but I soon grew to be confident and be like I look damn good naked, I’m gonna rock this picture.
Dis Robed:
The only time I’ve both sent and received a nude was in 7th grade with my girlfriend that I had my first kiss with. Back then I felt like hot shit, but I haven’t sent or received one since then (except for a drunk snap of my dick I sent to one of my buddies earlier this month). But now, being in a long-term relationship, all sex-related things happen in the bedroom and I’m content with that.
Au Naturel:
I have sent them; it made feel good sending them to a long-term boyfriend, because I knew they were safe and would be reciprocated, so it was fun and sexy. Once when I was sending them to scout out hookups a guy started screenshotting them and then I didn’t feel safe anymore, and I didn’t feel good about it in that case. I guess it’s situational how sending them can make someone feel!
Miss New Booty:
I think another beautiful part of the experience is sending them. Relationships over technology are becoming more and more common (like Tinder, etc.), so it allows you to be more intimate with a person when you’re not physically able to be. As a babe that is busy as hell, it’s nice to just exchange personal photos at any time/any place. It allows me to get intimate and romantic with a person while I’m studying or getting ready for bed. And more selfishly, it’s a somewhat empowering way to fish for compliments. You’re exposing yourself to a person and (usually) you get a response that makes you feel confident and sexy as hell! When we as ladies get content shoved down our throats of airbrushed Gigi Hadid’s, it’s easy to get down. So if a simple compliment of your tits is a pick-me-up, then hell yes, go for it! Obviously, finding validation from your partner isn’t healthy, but if the VS fashion show has got you down, there’s nothing wrong with sending a bomb ass pic of your ass and having your partner feed your ego for a bit!
Garment Less:
Yes, I have sent many! I generally feel super great, unless I’m begged to do it, then I’m just annoyed.
3. Have you ever received any? How did it make you feel?
Nudy McGee:
Yes, I have received a good amount of nudes. I have gotten a few that made me feel uncomfortable, such as a picture that I didn’t ask for and a video of someone masturbating. They’re not my favorite thing to receive, but if someone feels comfortable enough to send me that, then I’ll act like I was happy to receive it.
Sans Clothing:
Yes. It depends, sometimes I’m like, “That’s gross,” and other times I’m like, “Hot damn, panties are dropping!”
Au Naturel:
I’ve received in many contexts, when I want them they make me feel good to receive. It is a fun way to be playful with your boo. But when they’re out of nowhere, from old Tinder strangers I’ve never even met, it comes off as inappropriate. Did I ask to randomly see you nude? If not, don’t show me. That type of deal.
Miss New Booty:
When it comes to receiving them, I’m more than comfortable as well! Obviously dick pics are a blessing and a curse (more of a curse when unsolicited), but it is nice to get your fella a little vulnerable, even if it’s a picture. Though in my experience, I’m far more guarded than my partners have been, so sending nudes is a bit more vulnerable and my effort to open up more, than it is for my partner—at least, that’s what it feels like to me.
Garment Less:
Yes, I have received them. I don’t like it when I get random dick pics during class, but if we’re chatting and getting sexy, then I like them!
The Takeaway
Sending and receiving nude photos can be a fun and sexy way to turn each other on. But, as the responses showed, it can be an intensely vulnerable experience as well. Oftentimes feeling vulnerable is what makes the experience fun, but it also means there needs to be a lot of trust—that means no screenshots unless the sender gave the go-ahead. In addition to trust there needs to be respect, meaning if someone wants nudes they should ask for them in the most respectful way possible. Also, as Miss New Booty put it, nudes can be either a blessing or a curse—it all depends on if the receiver wanted it; the easy solution is simply to ask before sending.
Anna’s Sign off
I would like to give a special thanks to all of the lovely respondents. Also, I want to send the warmest, fuzziest vibes to anyone who has read Between the Sheets over the past three semesters. I am studying abroad next semester and could not be more excited to place this column in the incredibly capable hands of Sydney Thomas; I hope it brings as many gifts to her as it has to me.
As always, feel free to send questions, comments or concerns to sex@dailycardinal.com Also, I probably shouldn’t have to say this, but please don’t email me any nudes—Happy Holidays!
