I always love and have the penchant for being unconventional. I did have body hair earlier. Watching a shirtless Leonardo DiCaprio with his neat, lean and athletic frame in Titanic (1998) was an unforgettable experience. It inspired me to shave off all my body hair.
I am aware that most men have, and allow body hair. However, my body hair used to trap sweat while I exercised, did Yoga and other physical activities. More often than not, it led to sweat acne. This is one of the reasons to maintain a neat body for hygienic and aesthetic reasons. I am happy that it has minimised the occurrence of sweat acne.
Of course, I have earned both compliments and negative comments in equal measure for my choice of maintaining a clean shaven body. Thank you, Gillette, for introducing: “Gillette Body” razor for men!
I Go Shirtless To Fight Shyness
I have been shy and introverted for the most part. I do not feel too comfortable in social gatherings with many people around.
I used to avoid trips to water spots with my friends and relatives because of my shyness. I did not want to have to remove my shirt and get into the water to join the rest in the group. I lacked the confidence to be shirtless in public.
I started doing Yoga in 2000, learning from the book “Yoga Mind and Body” published by Swami Shivananda Yoga Centre. I gradually gained confidence in myself.
In 2007, I was part of a team outing to a resort, from our employer’s place. We were to play water polo. This time, I was confident. I took off my shirt and entered the pool. I could sense admiring looks from the female colleagues as I walked past them towards the changing room. Thanks to Yoga and my clean shaven body for that!