[HelloWorld18]

So I'm 18, and I've always acted 4 years younger. Essentially, growing up, I watched stuff like Peter Pan and Codename: Kids Next Door, which taught "Never grow up". I guess I took that to heart as a commitment lol

When I approached puberty, I started to fear what was happening to my body. I'm a guy, so I, as it would be expected, got hair. Everywhere. What I did, was use my parents razor, and I shaved all the hair off of my body. I feared my parents seeing my body changing. Worst part, is I still do! I have not worn shorts, or been shirtless in front of my parents for 5 years! I know what many if you would say, "Whats the worst that could happen? They make a snide comment?" And that's probably the worst. But for some reason, that scares the crap out of me!

I look at guys my age, and even younger, and I'm honestly amazed how they can go in a pool, gym, etc. in front of their parents, I'm amazed how they wear tank tops in front of their parents, I'm amazed how they even do something as simple as wear shorts in front of them. I want to act my age, I really do, but thinking about it and thinking about my parents, simply put, terrifies me and fills me with anxiety. I've gone through great lengths to make sure my parents don't see me shirtless, or see my legs or anything revealing like that. I have a descent body, so it's not that, but it's what puberty has done to it.

So, my questions are:

How do I act my age?
Why am I so terrified to show my adulthood?
What can I do, to not be so terrified of wearing something as simple as shorts around my parents?

[growlycat]

Do you have anyone to talk to about this? A counselor can really help. I don't think it is unusual for teens, male or female, to feel the impending pressure of adulthood. Being a kid is much more fun it it's nice to have people to take care of you if you need it.

If you need a quick excuse for your parents until you can sort it out, you can tell them that someone you like prefers guys without too much hair or that you are interested in swimming and less hair=more speed. If you have one parent who is easier to talk to, maybe you could try talking to them? A counselor may be your best bet, they are trained to be nonjudgmental

[lostinbooks]

Your parents know you are an adult. You are not really hiding anything. Talking to someone might be a good idea. Although I don't really see anything wrong with you dressing and acting however you feel comfortable.

[yellowfrog268]

I agree with Lostinbooks. Do what makes you comfortable.

I am 41 and don't dress the part. I wear graphic tees and jeans and I enjoy wearing odd colored nail polish. But then again, I don't concern myself with how others see me. Don't like it, don't look.

As for the issue with your parents, a good counselor can help you sort out why you are afraid to show physical evidence of your adulthood to your parents.
Without knowing a whole lot more about you, we can't possibly say why you feel the way you do.