Summer is rolling around, and our time at the beach or pool
just skyrocketed! I think we can all agree that the majority of girls wear
bikinis at any place involving water. However, I don’t. Most of my friends
think I shy away from bikinis for the wrong reasons. They either think I am
insecure, am forced away from bikinis like the plague, or have some weird
hatred for skimpy swimwear. All of those reasons are wrong.
First off, I’m not insecure about my body. Secondly, no one
is forcing me to do anything, I am independent in my swimwear choices. Lastly,
I don’t hate 2-piece swimsuits. I think some of them are really cute. I really
like the vintage bikinis in style now, so retro! And I’ll share a dirty secret,
I really like the nautical inspired, strapless bikinis. If there is one style I
love, it’s nautical.
But wait, you say, I thought you don’t wear bikinis? You’re
absolutely right, I don’t. Then why am I telling you all of this? Because I
want girls to know that dressing modestly is a SACRIFICE. It’s not always fun or easy. Sometimes
you’d rather wear something else. I would like to wear a bikini at the beach, I
think they’re cute. I also find all the extra fabric of tankinis annoying when
trying to swim. And lastly, more material on swimwear = more $$$.
So why don’t you just wear a bikini, you ask? Why? Because I
am making a sacrifice for the guys around me. I’ve heard the excuse, Guys just
have an imagination, it’s not a girl’s problem. Frankly, I think that’s stupid.
Part of it is our problem. The way we dress impacts those around us, especially
guys. I don’t really want a guy to look at me and notice me for my butt, upper
thighs, or chest. I’d rather him notice my smile or God-loving personality.
Well sure, you say, that’s all fine and good, but guys should be able to
control their imagination and look beyond our bodies. That’s true, they should
control it. But it’s important for girls to help them as they try and do so.
Let’s try and put ourselves in a guy’s shoes. I think we can
all agree that as girls, exercise is important to us. We want to stay healthy
and are often working on getting fit. We work out and stay away from carbs or
sweets. We use all of our willpower to not eat the chocolate cake on the
counter! Now, let’s pretend that someone picked up that chocolate cake and
followed us around all the time, 24/7. We can never get away from the
chocolate, it’s always right there, tempting us and even smelling all ooey
gooey and chocolate-y. Most of us, myself included, would find it easy to break
down and eat the cake. And we would probably continue to break down and eat
cake, because it would always be there. Our exercise goals would be long gone
in no time.
This is how I imagine it is for guys. Girls are walking
around all the time with barely any clothes on at the beach or pool! Guys can
never get a break from it, even if they’re trying to see past all the bodies to
find the smiles and personalities within the girls.
So really, how hard is it to not wear a bikini? If you’re
like me, it might be a little disappointing. You also might have to save a little more babysitting money
to buy a cute (yes, cute ones do exist) tankini or one piece. But honestly, a
little disappointment and a little extra cash aren’t that hard to swallow.
Especially when such things are to fulfill a God given responsibility. Let’s make a commitment this summer to ditch the skimpy swimsuits,
earn self respect, and help our brothers in Christ.
Places to find modest but cute swimwear:
