Is it possible to be barefoot without being so acutely conscious of it that it's distracting?

Question

This might seem like a weird question, so please read on.

For many years now, my parents have been nagging me to go barefoot at home more often. They say that if I don't, the damp will stay in my feet and increase my chances of getting foot fungus and a lot of other icky stuff. I guess they're correct. We live in Singapore and it's pretty humid and hot here.

Well, the problem is not so much that I don't like being barefoot (because sometimes, I actually do), but that I'm so acutely CONSCIOUS of my bare feet that it's just too distracting. I'm conscious of the hardwood floor beneath my feet, conscious of every movement my feet make and every position they're in.

So when I'm doing anything that requires concentration, I just HAVE to put on socks or it'd get too distracting. It's almost like I just can't be myself without socks on because I'm so conscious of my bare feet that I feel unnatural!

Is this normal? If I explain this to my parents, will they look at me funny?

Answer 1

Hey it's your feet and your body do as you please.

Answer 2

Being barefoot CAN BE distracting. All the wonderful sensations that you feel every moment from the cool temperature of a floor to the hot temperatures of a sidewalk or street, to the wet grass or the rocks you walk on.

You may have extra-sensitive feet. Over time, you may become less sensitive as you are barefoot more and more. I have never heard of what you describe. It sounds like it could be wonderful at times and miserable at other times. Be barefoot more and explore various enviroments. Walking outside can be wonderful -- one of my favorite things is walking in wet grass. If it is cold wet grass, a long walk can make the bottoms of my feet fell amost numb. Also, find some soft things to walk on like carpeting and soft soil and even wet mud.

Whatever happens, being barefoot should be fun and enjoyable but not totally distracting. For me, being barefoot adds some type of electicity to my body, perhaps adrenaline, perhaps endorphins, or something else. Often, I get sexually stimulated from being barefoot. It is possible that is part of what you are experincing.

Good Luck with this. Go Barefoot and leave your shoes at home in your closet.

Answer 3

Yes it is normal to be "aware" of your body parts sometimes ( like when someone you respect points them out to you ) And I'm sure this feeling will pass in time- I live in phoenix AZ USA and in the summer barefoot , outside, you know EVERY position your feet are in !!! Try to pretend that you are at the beach or just keep wearing your socks, there is nothing wrong with being yourself!!!

Answer 4

With this kind of "problem" (it's not really a problem), I would say try to go barefoot ALL THE TIME. The more you do it, the more you would get used to it. Go barefoot as often as you can, even when it seem inappropriate. YOu will find yourself in so many different situations that soon you may even forget you are barefoot.

Answer 5

I guess you just have very sensitive feet. I also live in Asia, so I know what your parents mean by fungus. The heat and humidity are perfect conditions for fungal growth. If you wash your feet twice daily, you should be fine.

Answer 6

Is there something physically wrong with your feet? Funky smell... flaky, discolored nails... cracked heels? If not, I don't see why you're so conscious about going barefoot. After all, you were born barefoot!

Answer 7

I think that you are naive
your feet are fine
and they will be fine
try and find out why it is distracting besides
that you are afraid
it may be nothing
talk to your counselor\a trusted about your fear

Answer 8

yes its unnatural, you are connecting some signifigance to feet that simply has no signifigance, i think your mother is tired of washing your socks, wear sandals, geeze it all sounds totally dumb to me