Hannah asks :

Hi Lucy,

I have been with my current boyfriend for a year and 5 months now and a couple of months into the relationship he told me about a condition he has, which I think is a form of scoliosis, he has a sticking out bit on his chest and although it does not really concern me he has never mentioned about having anything done about it and I worry that it could cause problems for him in the future. I also worry about the fact that I really enjoy swimming but have never been able to go with him as he is quite sensitive around others about his chest. What can I do?

Our Reply

Hi Hannah,

Perhaps talk to him and reassure him that it’s not an issue for you, but that it might be worth getting checked out by a doctor just to make sure it won’t cause him any problems further down the line. If you emphasise that you are only thinking of his health then he might not take it to mean that you are being judgemental about his body.

People tend to have something on their body that they don’t like to be touched or talked about- but with him it should become easier the more supportive you are. Perhaps if you compliment him when he takes his shirt off or try to touch the area, he might get used to it and feel a bit less self-conscious about it in front of you which may eventually extend to other people too.

If he is bothered about it if you were to go swimming then perhaps suggest he wear a t-shirt in the pool so you can still enjoy the activity together. 


by for relationships.femalefirst.co.uk
find me on and follow me on

Need Help?

If you need help or advice, you can ask Yin & Yang. It's quick, easy, free and you don't have to leave your real name.