So we went to Schlitterbahn today (it's in an indoor water park) in Galveston, TX (my cousin and I and one of my friends). My cousin lives and grew up in Germany. We got the two-day pass deal so we are going again tomorrow to Schlitterbahn. Anyway, he wears a speedo brief as his swimsuit. It doesn't seem to bother him at all, even though practically nobody else was wearing one. It definitely made me uncomfortable since I did notice a few people staring and laughing at him, although he didn't notice this. Is it any of my business to bring it up and tell him to wear something else, or should I let him be since it doesn't seem to bother him? What would you do?
2007-12-29 08:21:22 · 15 answers · asked by John 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Oh, by the way, I'm 19, and he's 21.
Also, he is not fat nor ugly or anything, but I just don't see other people wearing them.
2007-12-29 08:28:56 · update #1
If he's from Germany, don't worry about it. It doesn't bother him at all. Their bodies are not visualized as sexual objects like we do in the U.S. Nudity is very common there. People let their kids run around naked in public pools. If it doesn't bother him, let it go. If it bothers you, then you might say something because I'm sure he's more concerned about your feelings than his own.
2007-12-29 08:40:51 · answer #1 · answered by boomer48 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Try the subtle approach. Buy him some tasteful swim trunks as a "gift", put them in a gift bag, and nicely present them as something special that you have purchased especially for him to wear on your next trip to the Schlitterbahn. Don't mention the speedo. Because it will appear that you have gone out of the way to get him this gift, he will likely feel obligated to wear the (tasteful) trunks that you have purchased instead of the speedo. Good luck!
2007-12-29 16:32:24 · answer #2 · answered by Miffed 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
my boyf also wears speedos (he trained as a swimmer and so cannot physically swim properly in aything else) and at first I was like "ohmigod!!!!" but, he's comfortable - so who else matters? some random people you're never gonna see again or the person you gone to the pool with. Leave him to it; why the hell should he have to be uncomfortable to "fit in" with everyone else??
2007-12-29 16:50:54 · answer #3 · answered by Everyday's the same again... 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believe me, people who grow up in other countries have no problems with "letting it all hang out". We went to Ireland on a mission's trip and our eyes were opened as we went to the Irish Sea and saw all these people swimming naked at several different places. American's are more modest and we (thankfully) dress appropriately when we go out with others. Just let him be. He seems to be very self confident. Don't burst his bubble.
2007-12-29 16:26:52 · answer #4 · answered by prettylade 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
He's wearing them - not you. He's not bothered, so you shouldn't be. Other people who laugh are either small minded or have their own issues to deal with. As long as he doesn't fall out of them, just accept it. Naked swimming is much more comfortable, but you can't get away with it, unfortunatly.
2007-12-29 16:37:37 · answer #5 · answered by Gee 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I think he can see himself. He probably doesnt mind. As long as he isnt nude, there is nothing anyone can do but gawk. And gawking is rude and impolite.
Try this: ask him how he can stand wearing that thing (glancingly, like it just came to mind). Ask him if he wants to try wearing your type swimsuit.
2007-12-29 16:28:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
hes obviously very comfortable with himself so.....as long as he isn't exposing personal parts then there is no harm.
don't make him uncomfy by questioning him or suggesting something else for him to wear. if hes OK with it...you should be too. besides.....its not like he wearing that thing out to dinner with you....lol
2007-12-29 16:43:38 · answer #7 · answered by bigmommy240 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't bring it up. It isnt' a big issue. It seems like it's more your issue then his. If your embarrassed then don't go to the beach with him.
2007-12-29 17:44:20 · answer #8 · answered by Violet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its America..let him do whatever he wants...Although it bothers you..talk to your other friend about it so you wont have to let it in...For real swimmers as myself, we all wear speedos=]
2007-12-29 16:44:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
just live and let live if he is comfortable... now if he notices people staring you can just tell him the truth that it's not exactly the norm.
2007-12-29 19:34:16 · answer #10 · answered by fullofsugaw 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋