Every day, in countless moments, women share intimate photos with their partners, only to receive thoughtless replies that can leave them feeling hurt. (While this can happen in any relationship, it’s particularly common among men responding to women.) Writer merritt k has identified and categorized these poor responses, offering insights on how to avoid them and potentially earn more trust—and more photos. For instance:
The 'Clever Boy' response stands out for its attempt to appear both disinterested and humorous. Take, for example, Liz, who in her late 20s received a reply stating, 'THE NSA CAN SEE THAT, FYI.' 'Some people feel compelled to say something witty, but it often comes off as rude and not as clever as they think,' she explains. Timing and context matter, folks.
Sharing a nude photo is an act of vulnerability for most people. When you receive a desired nude, your primary responsibility is to respond with kindness and positivity. Save the clever remarks for later, when emotions aren’t at stake.
Some of these poor responses stem from an unconscious desire to shift the focus back to yourself. Others are simply failed attempts at humor. If you want to engage in playful banter with someone who has sent you a nude, you need to 'yes and' them: Acknowledge their confidence—usually rooted in 'I am attractive'—and build on it.
Take it from me—I used to be that 'clever guy' who once critiqued a partner’s nude photos. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t lead to more photos! Unless you and your partner have a unique, agreed-upon dynamic, always lean toward positivity and encouragement. Make them feel confident and glad they shared those photos with you. And if you’re not interested in receiving nudes, it’s best to be upfront about it.
