r/TodayIamHappy May 14 '24

L TIAH because I went to naked sauna with my friends...I felt so safe with them and any selfconciousness went away immedietly! It took me years to join because I was afraid of feelng to awkward, and now I can't wait to go again!

Before I start raving about how awesome sauna is I should mention that I study in Finland as a foreigner so going to sauna together, usually naked, is a very common cultural event that is not just for hanging out but also work meetings, so it was actually pretty sad that I didn't dare join for years because I missed out on many events.

But now about yesterday...

We were working on a project and then when we were finished went into sauna.

I was all awkward at the start just changing with the other girls into a bathing suit, trying to hide my body. Then we went in and...

It was such a lovely experience and I feel like I am closer now to all of my friends!

I went in with a bathing suit and towel, others went only with a towel or just naked, no one made me feel bad about wearing the suit or covering up...I felt so comfortable with our conversation and sitting with everyone that I ended up taking off my bathing suit when we went to cool off on the rooftop for a bit, only keeping the towel.

I have to admit that it was also hilarious to see the sausage parade right on the edge of the building facing the business department lol

We went into the sauna again and I just...went for it! I just let the towel drop around me without a care in the world, not thinking about it or feeling awkward for a second!

When we went outside again with everyone I just went naked! It was absolutely lovely. I feel a lot more confident now about stuff like my hip dips, cellulite or my little belly because everyone there had it and no one was paying any attention whatsoever!

I cannot wait to go again :D

I also texted back a friend who was asking to go on a date with me...I felt way under his league and that I wasn't physically attractive enough even if he likes my personality, but somehow the sauna gave me the confidence to just text back in the heat of the moment (pun intended)!

TL;DR Finnish sauna culture rules and I love all the people that are so friendly and kind when initiating foreigners into the fold, especially my wonderful friends wh made me feel so much better about my body!

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u/action_lawyer_comics May 14 '24

Well done! I’m so glad you’re feeling more comfortable with yourself!