Naked vs Nude

Feeling the urge to write, casting about myself for what to write about, I remember Jenny Matlock's AlphabeThursday, which I (almost) missed this week, because of trouble with my WordPress blog.

The letter of the week in 'N'.

'N' is for Naked vs. Nude...



What's the difference? Intention. Nudity is intentional nakedness.

When I was writing my memoir - telling and telling about the loves of my life, my travels, my indiscretions, my life now, the woman I'm with and her kids, my hopes and dreams, and especially the symptoms (delusioons and hallucinations) of my disorder (schizophrenia) and how I've come to cope with the illness - I came to a point while writing where I had a curious sensation. I felt very exposed and vulnerable, but not in a bad way. After a moment, I recognized the feeling. It was the same way I had felt when sitting for a portrait. All the writing about myself I had done had effectively put me posed before my reader. I was presenting myself for others' assessment and interpretation. I was nude.

By contrast, nakedness is unintentional or unwilling exposure. Like when I was sixteen and my girlfriend's mother walked in on us having sex. I don't think I have ever felt more naked than that.

And 'N' is for the nick of time. I'm getting this post submitted to Jenny's linky just before it closes. Wouldn't want to miss the deadline... teacher would be disappointed!