Feeling more self conscious after growing a bit bigger?

[Thatguy642]

Can’t think of a good title for this, but it’s something I’ve noticed for myself and I was wondering about how other people feel about it, how they dealt with it, their experiences, etc.:

 

Ever since I started gaining a bit of muscle I notice that I get a lot more attention. With sexual encounters obviously it’s fine and I enjoy the attention (of course) but it’s a bit weirder and a little bit embarrassing when even your boss makes comments. I’m not even a bodybuilder and even now it’s at a point where even straight guys/ women will make comments on it and make it a point of discussion in conversation which is, while very flattering, pretty uncomfortable.

 

I have to admit that a part of me enjoys it because people seem to be more touchy now, but at the same time it makes me shy because I don’t really know how to respond, so I find myself wearing baggier clothes now even though I really enjoy the way a nice fitting shirt hugs the body, just so I get less attention.
 

After doing that I also start to notice a lot of huge guys in the gym wearing baggy sweaters/clothes but obviously those gains can’t be hidden, they’re like 3x my size haha. I’m still small enough to look skinny in clothes. I think the issue is that I still don’t know how to respond so how do you guys respond?

 

I used to have no issues going shirtless as much as I could but after getting slightly meatier I’m definitely more self conscious now when I take my shirt off in public.

 

I know this is kind of a ‘first world problem’ and obviously I am okay and don’t really have issues with my body or whatever, I did put in some work for it so obviously I want it, just wish people wouldn’t put me on the spot like that (and probably wish more cute gay guys would do that with me instead of women and straight guys 😂)

 

i know i should enjoy it and appreciate it all but I can’t help feeling the awkwardness. A lot of big guys on here so I was wondering if anyone had any good ways to handle this or comebacks/smartass replies i can use if it happens again. :D

 

[Veloster]

Awesome ..just enjoy the process becos you worked hard at it...just be confident and be yourself...cheers!

[Thatguy642]

6 minutes ago, Veloster said:

Awesome ..just enjoy the process becos you worked hard at it...just be confident and be yourself...cheers!

Trying to! I’m enjoying it but a part of me feels like I need to hide it. Maybe I need to be sluttier 😂

[feilyxnixx]

have it , flaunt it , make full use of it. continue with what ur doing! just remember to keep an open mind to accept friendly jokes/compliments and be humble 😃 

Edited yesterday at 06:20 AM by feilyxnixx

[Thatguy642]

7 minutes ago, feilyxnixx said:

have it , flaunt it , make full use of it. just remember to be humble 😃 

Definitely. Still an extremely long way to go until I’m actually satisfied with where I’m at but enjoying the process a lot nowadays   Thanks for the reminder!

[jcboy18]

you worked hard for this body! wear it proudly but of course not too proudly, be confident in your new self and about the part of ppl getting too touchy, maybe you can mention to them tht youre not too comfortable with people touching you like that yet! always draw boundaries when needed :)

[Startup]

1 hour ago, Thatguy642 said:

Can’t think of a good title for this, but it’s something I’ve noticed for myself and I was wondering about how other people feel about it, how they dealt with it, their experiences, etc.:

 

Ever since I started gaining a bit of muscle I notice that I get a lot more attention. With sexual encounters obviously it’s fine and I enjoy the attention (of course) but it’s a bit weirder and a little bit embarrassing when even your boss makes comments. I’m not even a bodybuilder and even now it’s at a point where even straight guys/ women will make comments on it and make it a point of discussion in conversation which is, while very flattering, pretty uncomfortable.

 

I have to admit that a part of me enjoys it because people seem to be more touchy now, but at the same time it makes me shy because I don’t really know how to respond, so I find myself wearing baggier clothes now even though I really enjoy the way a nice fitting shirt hugs the body, just so I get less attention.
 

After doing that I also start to notice a lot of huge guys in the gym wearing baggy sweaters/clothes but obviously those gains can’t be hidden, they’re like 3x my size haha. I’m still small enough to look skinny in clothes. I think the issue is that I still don’t know how to respond so how do you guys respond?

 

I used to have no issues going shirtless as much as I could but after getting slightly meatier I’m definitely more self conscious now when I take my shirt off in public.

 

I know this is kind of a ‘first world problem’ and obviously I am okay and don’t really have issues with my body or whatever, I did put in some work for it so obviously I want it, just wish people wouldn’t put me on the spot like that (and probably wish more cute gay guys would do that with me instead of women and straight guys 😂)

 

i know i should enjoy it and appreciate it all but I can’t help feeling the awkwardness. A lot of big guys on here so I was wondering if anyone had any good ways to handle this or comebacks/smartass replies i can use if it happens again.

 

It's going to sound counterintuitive but people's response to you is actually a reflection of your self image.

 

You strive for self acceptance of your own body. People pick it up and try in various ways to validate you. But it ends up feeling awkward cos you never asked for such validation outwardly anyway. 

 

Your feeling awkward or self-conscious is just a reminder for you to learn to be at peace with yourself.

[yhtang]

Initially, I thought your post is about your penis having grown bigger, and I was all interested.  Turns out it was your body instead.  Still, I am happy for you that your body is drawing you lots of attention.

 

You have worked hard for it, and there is no reason not to bask in the attention you are receiving.

 

In my case, the only growth I managed was my belly, and I am wearing dark coloured loose clothes to try to hid it.  😁

[Thatguy642]

59 minutes ago, Startup said:

It's going to sound counterintuitive but people's response to you is actually a reflection of your self image.

 

You strive for self acceptance of your own body. People pick it up and try in various ways to validate you. But it ends up feeling awkward cos you never asked for such validation outwardly anyway. 

 

Your feeling awkward or self-conscious is just a reminder for you to learn to be at peace with yourself.

Doesn’t sound counter intuitive at all. Pretty interesting observation. I think we all want to be better and that’s what drives us forward but I don’t think that’s the whole issue either at least for me.
 

Sometimes it’s something simple like just being at the beach or something and taking off my shirt now makes me feel self conscious because I get comments, etc. when before I never did. Almost makes me feel like I’m showing off because of the unwanted attention when I’m just trying to get a tan and swim haha. But yeah who cares? Sounds silly now that I write it but maybe some day someone can relate!

 

52 minutes ago, yhtang said:

Initially, I thought your post is about your penis having grown bigger, and I was all interested.  Turns out it was your body instead.  Still, I am happy for you that your body is drawing you lots of attention.

 

You have worked hard for it, and there is no reason not to bask in the attention you are receiving.

 

In my case, the only growth I managed was my belly, and I am wearing dark coloured loose clothes to try to hid it.  😁

haha well it does seem like my penis might have grown but I think it’s just because there’s less belly blocking it now! 

[Steve5380]

8 hours ago, Thatguy642 said:

Can’t think of a good title for this, but it’s something I’ve noticed for myself and I was wondering about how other people feel about it, how they dealt with it, their experiences, etc.:

 

Ever since I started gaining a bit of muscle I notice that I get a lot more attention. With sexual encounters obviously it’s fine and I enjoy the attention (of course) but it’s a bit weirder and a little bit embarrassing when even your boss makes comments. I’m not even a bodybuilder and even now it’s at a point where even straight guys/ women will make comments on it and make it a point of discussion in conversation which is, while very flattering, pretty uncomfortable.

 

I have to admit that a part of me enjoys it because people seem to be more touchy now, but at the same time it makes me shy because I don’t really know how to respond, so I find myself wearing baggier clothes now even though I really enjoy the way a nice fitting shirt hugs the body, just so I get less attention.
 

After doing that I also start to notice a lot of huge guys in the gym wearing baggy sweaters/clothes but obviously those gains can’t be hidden, they’re like 3x my size haha. I’m still small enough to look skinny in clothes. I think the issue is that I still don’t know how to respond so how do you guys respond?

 

I used to have no issues going shirtless as much as I could but after getting slightly meatier I’m definitely more self conscious now when I take my shirt off in public.

 

I know this is kind of a ‘first world problem’ and obviously I am okay and don’t really have issues with my body or whatever, I did put in some work for it so obviously I want it, just wish people wouldn’t put me on the spot like that (and probably wish more cute gay guys would do that with me instead of women and straight guys 😂)

 

i know i should enjoy it and appreciate it all but I can’t help feeling the awkwardness. A lot of big guys on here so I was wondering if anyone had any good ways to handle this or comebacks/smartass replies i can use if it happens again.

 

 

Congratulations!  Your posting makes you a role model.  Especially for us gays who start out as shy guys easy to be intimidated.  Your message is: pay some good attention to your physical body,  work out hard to build a better, bigger physique, and your self-esteem will get a boost from the reactions of those around you.  

 

As a teenager and young guy I did like you do and I had a similar result.  But even more so now as a senior, still working out, practicing a martial art, and doing exercises to keep straight and fight the tendency of us older men to bend forwards and look to the floor.  With this, people don't think that I am an octogenarian,  and only know it when I tell them.  Ohhh... ahhh... is their response .  And now there is not much merit with this since I have all the time in the world to do it!

[XgymX]

Haha I had such a phase too. But i soon got used to it, whether it's people's praising or them being more touchy. 

Maybe it is also because I got more confident too.

So no need to intentionally hide the bod that you painstakingly trained!

[radiusulnar]

Congratulations! Such a wonderful problem to have.

[egal]

i wish i had this prob

 

lol

 

[doncoin]

I experienced similar feelings and was super self-conscious when I was younger and training to get bigger. But after a while, I just got used to it and accept that this is my body now and stopped worrying what other think.  I wear what I like and compliments my physique, i.e. thong on the beach/pool, short shorts, etc.  Suits I used to wear to work were altered and tapered to enhance the physique. Definitely on the vain train. Guess what? Like you I worked hard to get that physique, and if I want to flaunt it, it is my right. At least when I am in a tiny thong on the beach, i am not a joke. Stop worrying about what others think. 

[ReubenH]

Haha I feel you. At a similar phase now where ppl ask if you’re into body building, on contrary, I’m trying to cut. It’s conflicting and I’m still searching for a better response. Ha would love to know how you respond to that.

[Thatguy642]

17 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

Congratulations!  Your posting makes you a role model.  Especially for us gays who start out as shy guys easy to be intimidated.  Your message is: pay some good attention to your physical body,  work out hard to build a better, bigger physique, and your self-esteem will get a boost from the reactions of those around you.  

 

As a teenager and young guy I did like you do and I had a similar result.  But even more so now as a senior, still working out, practicing a martial art, and doing exercises to keep straight and fight the tendency of us older men to bend forwards and look to the floor.  With this, people don't think that I am an octogenarian,  and only know it when I tell them.  Ohhh... ahhh... is their response .  And now there is not much merit with this since I have all the time in the world to do it!

I do need to consider picking up a martial art! Much better functionally and probably will help so much with overall fitness. But yes, it definitely does wonders for my self-esteem, as cheesy as that may sound. I do appreciate it but I figured I’m just not used to it yet and am unsure of how to react, but in time it’ll be second nature.  

 

17 hours ago, XgymX said:

Haha I had such a phase too. But i soon got used to it, whether it's people's praising or them being more touchy. 

Maybe it is also because I got more confident too.

So no need to intentionally hide the bod that you painstakingly trained!

well if I had a body like yours I’d definitely want to show it more! I’m still not fully satisfied yet with where I’m at (but are any of us, really?) but also I think I’ll get used to it the same way hopefully! It’ll just take time I’ve figured.

 

8 hours ago, doncoin said:

I experienced similar feelings and was super self-conscious when I was younger and training to get bigger. But after a while, I just got used to it and accept that this is my body now and stopped worrying what other think.  I wear what I like and compliments my physique, i.e. thong on the beach/pool, short shorts, etc.  Suits I used to wear to work were altered and tapered to enhance the physique. Definitely on the vain train. Guess what? Like you I worked hard to get that physique, and if I want to flaunt it, it is my right. At least when I am in a tiny thong on the beach, i am not a joke. Stop worrying about what others think. 

 I guess for me I haven’t fully realized that I am actually slightly more muscular than average because I still feel skinny and weak, but I’m already feeling a bit more aware and conscious of it so I’ll definitely get used to it eventually. Thanks for sharing  
 

Actually really curious about maybe finally getting a proper tailored suit but I have a little more size to add before I’ll be happy!

6 hours ago, ReubenH said:

Haha I feel you. At a similar phase now where ppl ask if you’re into body building, on contrary, I’m trying to cut. It’s conflicting and I’m still searching for a better response. Ha would love to know how you respond to that.

With pecs like that of course people would assume you’re into bodybuilding! For me at least I’m always pretty sheepish and unsure what to say but the past couple of times I had people asking how often I worked out, etc. I just say yeah it’s a newfound hobby and it’s been really fun, and it’s almost like a challenge to yourself to beat your previous scores (weight, reps, etc.) 

 

but when people are just pretty much giving compliments I really don’t know how to respond gracefully. Hence, the post! Haha.

 

[ReubenH]

35 minutes ago, Thatguy642 said:

I do need to consider picking up a martial art! Much better functionally and probably will help so much with overall fitness. But yes, it definitely does wonders for my self-esteem, as cheesy as that may sound. I do appreciate it but I figured I’m just not used to it yet and am unsure of how to react, but in time it’ll be second nature.  

 

well if I had a body like yours I’d definitely want to show it more! I’m still not fully satisfied yet with where I’m at (but are any of us, really?) but also I think I’ll get used to it the same way hopefully! It’ll just take time I’ve figured.

 

 I guess for me I haven’t fully realized that I am actually slightly more muscular than average because I still feel skinny and weak, but I’m already feeling a bit more aware and conscious of it so I’ll definitely get used to it eventually. Thanks for sharing  
 

Actually really curious about maybe finally getting a proper tailored suit but I have a little more size to add before I’ll be happy!

With pecs like that of course people would assume you’re into bodybuilding! For me at least I’m always pretty sheepish and unsure what to say but the past couple of times I had people asking how often I worked out, etc. I just say yeah it’s a newfound hobby and it’s been really fun, and it’s almost like a challenge to yourself to beat your previous scores (weight, reps, etc.) 

 

but when people are just pretty much giving compliments I really don’t know how to respond gracefully. Hence, the post! Haha.

 

Haha I would usually just say ‘thank you.’ 

[davlim76]

Was at the barber and he complimented me on my build and asked if I'm into bodybuilding. I just laughed it off trying to downplay it and said no lah I'm just playing around in the gym. His reply: wah just playing around and already like that! Me: ok lah (smiling)