Just another thing, i want to know what you men think about this subject, after getting used to my newly shaped body after pregnancy and childbirth i then split up with my daughters dad and found it very hard to allow my new partner see me in the buff! i was scared he would think my stretch marks were disgusting (like i do) what do you men think? does a girl really have to have skin as smooth as a baby's bum?
I used to let stretch marks bother me, but I realized that's a trivial issue when trying to form a relationship with someone. I also realized that stretch marks are the bi-product of bringing life into the world. There's a saying that says "It's sad that what we find pleasing to the touch and pleasing to the eye are seldom the same." As long as you keep your body fit and are honest with your new mate about your having children, getting naked around someone should not be embarassing. If he makes you feel uncomfortable because you're not what he considers to be perfect, then he doesn't deserve you.
As a man i would have to say it does not bother me,personality, good sense of humour i value above looks. My wife has had 4 children and obviously has her share of stretch marks, its not important. Tell him how you feel ,if he cannot accept you as you are then get rid of him. Value yourself,easy for me to say i know, but if you do it will improve your self confidence, i wish you well with your new partner.
To get to the stage where the woman I was with was starkers, it would be fair to say I already fancied her quite a lot. Even if I noticed the marks (let's face it, we even need to be told when you've just had your hair done!) it certainly wouldn't bother me.
Thanks for all your answers everybody, it really interests me to get a guys point of view on these subjects, your comments are invaluable to me! cheers, Em x
As a married man with a wife who has given birth 4 times I think I am kind of an expert on this subject. Personaly, I think they are kind of sexy and see not reason to feel like they are ugly. My wife has worn a bikini bathing suit at a pullic beach. I would say that if your stretch marks get in the way of establishing a relationship then the guy is, to me, rather shallow and you probably should move on. If this bothers him then what next? Wear your stretch marks with pride. You earned them.