Guys: Gym locker room etiquette question (poll form)

[Rowdyboy]

I joined a small local health club last month (my first time in a gym since high school in 1969). I go every morning early for an hour or so. Its not crowded at 7am and I quickly made a nodding friendship with a young man there. A few days ago, I learned that he had been my next door neighbor for several years in the early 1990's (he was in college, staying with his parents).

We were both there today, and when I finished my routine, I went to change for a swim. I walked into the shower room, just as he was emerging from the shower and began to dry off.

I mentioned that now I knew why he looked so familiar, he asked why, and I explained and struck up a conversation. We talked for about 5 minutes as he dried off and began to dress, and he didn't seem uncomfortable. I left, swam, and returned. He was drying his hair, so I changed and we walked out together.

Did I mention that he was as Adonis? He's obviously trained very well and is in magnificent shape. Now I didn't survive to be over 50 in the deep south by being obvious but I got several eyefuls of his body.

Let me add that I wasn't cruising (I"m in a solid monogamous relationship but I can still look all I want). I just used an excuse to carry on a locker room conversation with a beautiful naked young man. Was I out of line? I just don't want to get a rep as a perv and I'm really uncertain if I was out of line.

Better yet, how would you react?

[terrya]

1. I wouldn't give it a second thought

If he looks like you describe, I hardly think you were the first to notice his body. :-)

I don't think it's an issue at all. Let's face it...gay men (and I certainly include myself) will gravitate towards a beautiful man and try to strike up a conversation. You said that you were completely monogamous, so that isn't an problem. And we can look.

[Rowdyboy]

2. I'm probably just paranoid...I really like this place and I'd hate to make

anyone uncomfortable.

And, oh God yes, we can still look!

[terrya]

3. That's the issue with us gay guys going to the gym.

We WILL see a gorgeous man with a nice body...and seeing those guys coming out of the shower...or going in. It will happen.

And that happens...what are we supposed to do? :-)

[DS1]

4. You snagged an ogle

I'd stop worrying about it.

[Rowdyboy]

5. Hey, it made the first month's membership dues ($25) totally worthwhile

I have serious reasons for going, but DAHM at the benefits!

[Akoto]

6. I don't think it's a big deal.

It's not like you were groping him and saying lewd things (that would be the Governator). He was attractive and you enjoy looking at an attractive person. It's human nature.

I'm a straight guy, and even I'll say that I've noticed other guys in the locker room before, just out of curiosity more than anything else.

[Rowdyboy]

7. I think I'm mostly paranoid because its been 35 years since I've been

in a locker room. Probably just need to relax. Thanks for the reinforcement from a straight guy.

[Akoto]

9. Glad to have reassured you.

I'm only 21 years of age, but I've been in more than one locker room. I can assure you that you're far from the first guy to sneak a peek - even we straight dudes do it, though some often won't admit it!

Of course, you don't want to blatantly ogle guys that you don't know. That might give them the creeps, just because they don't know you. :)

[flvegan]

8. From a gym rat's point of view...

Out of line? No. Any guy (or girl, for that matter) should understand that when in various states of undress in the gym, one might stand the possibility of be viewed or ogled by a member of the same sex that finds same very attractive.

Were I this Adonis, even if I thought you were ogling my bits, pieces and various other parts, I either wouldn't care, or I'd be very flattered. Look all you want. However, if the person getting ogled seems offended or uncomfortable, end it. He obviously didn't, so he's probably either not thinking about it, or basking in an ego-boosting glow. I would be.

[Rowdyboy]

12. Thanks for the feedback....I just don't want to creep anybody out....

But, damn, I'd have to be superhuman to turn away from a chance to enjoy a sight like that.

[flvegan]

13. Nah, you shouldn't

Unless he's a homophobe or something.

Hell, if I took issue with every guy that's ever taken a glance (and not just at the bait 'n tackle, but also any other part at the gym) I'd be spending WAY too much time concerned about something that's really pretty harmless. I don't care. Enjoy the view if you do.

[newsguyatl]

10. haha, if you think this is bad

you oughta come to atlanta gym locker rooms ;-)

i plead the 5th.

[Skittles]

11. hmmmmm.......carrying out a conversation with a beautiful naked young man

I'd jump at the chance; yes INDEED !!! :D

[cboy4]

14. You hear a lot of soldiers argue they don't want gays in the military

because they don't want gay guys looking at them in the shower.

That has always cracked me up. These tough soldier guys, who are willing to dodge bullets for their country, and fly helicopters into enemy territory risking becoming prisoners of war ARE MORE AFRAID of some gay guy seeing their naked junk in the shower. I just don't get it. :shrug:

[donheld]

15. Stop stressing about it

I'm sure he didn't even think about it.

[bigwillq]

16. I don't see anything wrong with this.

I've never been to the gym (I don't like gyms) so I don't really know the proper etiquette to begin with but I'm sure they're some shy folk and I'm sure they're some comfortable folk.

If he didn't seem to have a problem with it, then I don't see the big deal.

:hi: