We’ve all been there. The conversation is going great, so you move from dating app to texting. Maybe you even go on a few dates, and you’re vibing. Then, it happens. You get an unsolicited picture. Now you’re wondering how to respond to nudes.
Sexting isn’t just for new relationships either. You could be in a long-term committed relationship, and you’re just looking to spice things up a bit with a dick pic or a sexy pic. Maybe you’re away on business and miss your partner. Maybe you want to get their attention. No judgment! We’ve all been there.
Now you’re faced with a choice: how to respond to nudes in a way that feels authentic to you. Should you be playful? Are you horrified? Do you want to send one back? The options are limitless, and you may feel paralyzed by what to do next.
Before you balk at the idea, research shows that sexting could have positive benefits in your relationship, especially if you’re in a committed relationship. Don’t let that sway you, though. Only do what you feel comfortable with, and don’t let anyone pressure you. There are plenty of ways to feel connected without exchanging nudes.
Still on the fence? Never fear! Here’s the guide on how to respond to nudes to help you through the process.
How to Respond to Nudes?
Sexting is when you either receive or send sexually explicit photos, videos, or messages with another person electronically. It is becoming increasingly more common for adults to engage in these behaviors. Almost 90% of adults have said they have sexted in their lifetime. Those stats will only continue to grow as we spend more and more time on our phones, online dating, and so on.
You may be wondering how to respond to nudes. The answer is: it’s complicated. There’s no right or wrong way to react to a nude photo, so only you know the correct answer for you. If you’re receptive to the photo, you can flirt back, send your own, or request new photos from your partner. You’ll need to tell your partner you don’t feel comfortable and establish clear boundaries if you’re not. And, if that’s the case, be firm that it’s not acceptable behavior, and if they persist, that’s a huge red flag.
Responding to Welcome Nude Photos
Let’s say you’re into it, and you want to keep the sexy banter going. You’ve already established this is appropriate, and now’s your time to shine! Here’s how to respond to nudes positively to encourage more digital foreplay. Anticipation for the real thing has never been sweeter.
Exchange Nudes
One of the most common responses to getting a nude picture is to send back one! There’s an art form to taking the most flattering picture, so you’ll want to experiment. What works for you may not work for others, so don’t just send the first one you take because you’re uncomfortable or it’s something new.
Sure, your partner will appreciate it, but certainly, you can do better! Instead, look for the right angles. These are the shots that you’ll feel the best. When you’re feeling confident, your photos will radiate off the phone and jazz you and your partner up for what’s next.
Don’t be afraid to get props. Selfie sticks, ring lights, and mirrors will be your best friends as you tweak positioning and lighting to look your absolute best.
Also, mirrors provide an easy canvas for people to work with because they can see what they look like at the moment and make changes in real-time. If you’re trying for anonymity, you’ll want to avoid the full-body selfies and keep your face out of them. Consider also removing location tags for an additional layer of security.
Pay extra attention to your surroundings when thinking about how to respond to nudes. You don’t want your background to distract the recipient, so keep it tidy. You want to be the main focus in the picture, not your messy room. Set your environment. Now you’re ready to snap your shot.
When considering how to respond to nudes, two of the most common sexy poses are the side boob and the butt selfie – or the belfie. Side boob is all about the arm and back positioning. Make sure to arch your back upwards and put one arm above your head. You can use the other to cover up, giving just a hint of your breasts without exposing the whole show.
If you’re more about your backside, flip over. You’ll want to be on your stomach and take pictures looking back over your shoulder. Arch your back and push your butt out. Channel your inner Kim Kardashian when you think about how to respond to nudes. You can do it!
These are just two common poses, but you can do more. Straddle a chair. Show your lingerie slipping off your shoulder. Focus on your swollen lips and bed head. Sexy pictures don’t just have to be explicit, but how to respond to nudes with nudes can be super fun for everyone involved.
Ask for Nudes Back
Don’t be afraid to ask for nudes back after you send yours! That’s how to respond to nudes to keep the steamy conversation going and show you just how well your sexy photography worked on your partner. It’s exhilarating and a great way to build trust.
If you’re already sexting, that’s the best time to ask for an intimate photo. The juices are already flowing, and it’s another way to build anticipation until you can see each other next.
When asking for explicit content, you can be as specific or as coy as you want. Texting things like “I’d love to see more of you” can help with a slow reveal, while the more direct, “Let’s trade a naked picture” will get straight to the point. Think about what you want when considering how to respond to nudes.
You and your partner will find a communication pattern and style that works for you. Just make sure to keep it light and fun when exchanging pictures. You can even make it a game! Send emojis. Use code words. Play a sexy scavenger hunt. There are endless possibilities to keep the spice alive when sexting.
How to respond to nudes doesn’t always have to be serious and overly staged! You’re allowed to have fun with it, so make it your own.
Send Flirty Texts
You may not be ready for sending nudes, and that’s fine! Flirting is an entirely appropriate way of how to respond to nudes, and there’re plenty of options out there on how to sext.
If you’ve received a dirty picture, chances are you’ve already talked about what’s appropriate. Consent is sexy, and you should always ask for permission before you start.
Now that you have a sexting partner, you will get comfortable with dirty talk. That’s how to respond to nudes if you don’t want to send some yourself.
Start by commenting on the picture. You could talk about how seeing it makes you feel or what you want to do with the appendage in question the next time you see it. Be specific. Your partner will visualize every word you share, so it’s important to paint them a picture in agonizingly slow detail.
Don’t feel like you have to focus only on the picture when sexting. Instead, move on to topics you feel more relaxed about, like how much you’re into them. Sexting with your partner should feel natural.
Consider that when thinking about how to respond to nudes. It should bring you closer, and if you are uncomfortable, it will come across in the texts and kill the mood.
Flirty texts are a great middle-ground when you think about how to respond to nudes, so don’t discount it. It can also help loosen you up if you want to send nudes, but you’re too shy. You can always respond in kind later. There’s no time limit to when and how to respond to nudes.
Setting Boundaries for Nude Photos
Sometimes we receive an intimate image that we didn’t ask for, or we get a simple request to send nudes, and it leaves us feeling creeped out.
If it’s a stranger, block the number immediately. That’s easy to do, but it’s a bit more complicated when it’s your partner or someone you’re interested in dating. You don’t want to turn them off, but you also don’t want to keep getting dirty pictures. What do you do? How to respond to nudes, then?
Communication is key. It would be best if you talked to your partner, date, co-worker, or whoever sent the unwanted pictures and set boundaries that you feel good about enforcing. This conversation may be uncomfortable, but it is better to have it now than continue the incidents. You’ll thank yourself later!
Declining Nude Photos
You can take different approaches to how to respond to nudes when the answer is no. You can make a joke of it, sending a snap of some nude artwork or something similarly silly. It is just a stalling technique, so you’ll want to nip it in the bud if the answer is a hard no. It will be better for all parties involved.
Don’t do something you’ll regret because you got carried away. Instead, simply redirect if you get asked for nudes in the middle of sexting. After you’ve finished, you can approach the topic. Be clear and leave no room for ambiguity. You may want to say, “You asked for nude photos, and that is not something I want to do. Please do not ask again.” It may be harsh, but it’s direct and to the point.
Phrase it in a way that sounds like you but be clear: No means no. If the person persists, you can take legal action after blocking them. Make sure to keep the evidence so you can build your case.
If it’s something you may consider once you’re more established in your relationship, be honest. Trust is so important when exchanging pictures, so you can tell your partner that you’re not ready. Revisit the topic in a month, a year, or whenever! They will wait for you. The pictures are no substitute for the real thing!
Remember, there is no right or wrong way how to respond to nudes. You make the rules for yourself, and your partner needs to respect your boundaries.
Check in with yourself and your partner to see how they’re regularly feeling. Consent is an ongoing process. It’s not a one-time thing, so what you are feeling today may be completely different down the road. How to respond to nudes can vary from day to day and from person to person, and that’s completely normal.
How to Respond to Nudes Safely
Before you send any sexual image, you’ll want to talk with your partner about consent. You’ll also want to discuss how to safely exchange photos for feeling secure that your pictures won’t be floating around the internet one day.
When thinking about how to respond to nudes, remember to only exchange nude photos with someone you trust. You’re completely vulnerable in these pictures and the exchange, so while you’re laid bare, make sure you feel comfortable with your partner before sending nudes.
Make sure that you have a passcode set on your phone and ask your partner to do the same. And when you set it, don’t give it out to your friends, family, and especially your kids. This private passcode will help add another layer of security that these pictures are only for you and your partner’s eyes.
You can also use social media sites like Facebook messenger or Snapchat because they expire after a specific time. However, just because the pictures are gone now doesn’t mean it’s gone for good. Many people can screenshot or save images, so keep in mind what you put out there may be there forever.
Depending on the platform, you may or may not know if they screenshot, so it’s best to assume that everything you put out there will stay out there and take your pictures accordingly.
Revenge porn is a serious thing, and most laws have not caught up with technology yet. If that’s a concern, reconsider taking the picture. However, if you still want to send a nude pic, consider sharing your body without identifying information. You’ll thank yourself later.
This approach can help with deniability if it ever happens to get out, but if this is a worry, you likely don’t trust the person, and you should reconsider how to respond to nudes. Sending a reciprocal image may not be your best bet in this scenario. Trust your gut.
Ultimately, make sure you and your partner keep it between the two of you, with all photos safely tucked away. Enjoy nudes in private for the best results, and how you respond to nudes depends on trust, communication, and comfort.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, how to respond to nudes is up to you. There’s a lot to consider before you do. Are you ready? Can you trust the person getting the pictures? What will happen to you if they get out? It may seem like a fun and sexy activity, but it can have steep consequences, so make sure you’re ready to pay the price!
Still, know there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sexting your partner. It’s a healthy expression of your love, affection, and sexuality. It’s completely appropriate between two consenting adults. Still, it’s best to check in with your partner to get a pulse on their stance concerning personal pics before you send one. No one wants an unsolicited dick pic. It’s never a good idea, no matter how close you are to your partner.
If your partner is pressuring you to do something you’re uncomfortable with, ditch the partner and not your boundaries. You should never send nudes out of obligation. You do not owe your partner anything, so remember that when thinking about how to respond to nudes.
Remember, it is critical that you only share an explicit image with a consenting adult. There is a rise in sexting in youth, which can have severe and lasting emotional damage, especially in young girls. It can also lead to serious criminal charges, including possession and distribution of child pornography if you are chatting with a young person. Above all, make sure you are sexting with adults only.
The bottom line is that there are no hard and fast rules on how to respond to nudes. You do what feels best for you. Making it up on the fly can keep it sexy and interesting, and trust your gut when sending nudes. A picture says a thousand words, after all!
