The Only 5 Ways to Respond to a Naked Photo

By Zoe Weiner

(Photo: Getty Images)

A friend recently told me she sent a sexy picture to her boyfriend while he was out of town, and his only response was, “Nice!” She was, understandably, annoyed. What was so “Nice!” about it?, she wanted to know. Taylor Swift in 2006 was nice. Finding a pair of over-the-knee boots on sale is nice. But a photo of a hot girl in lingerie? Come on, dude, try a little harder. 

The biggest problem with my friend’s guy’s response was that he didn’t make her feel as good about herself as he should have. If someone is willing to put themselves out there with an intimate photograph, the recipient should let her know that it is appreciated with, at the very least, a “Wow!” or similar expression of positive shock. This also applies when your guy sends you a naked picture. So what, exactly, is the best way to text back? Here are the five possible options:

Related: 6 Things Men Never Notice During Sex

1. With a Compliment
A compliment, even a simple one, can go a long way. If your guy sends you a naked photo, let him know what you like about it. What guy wouldn’t want to hear “That’s the best six-pack I’ve ever seen,” or “Where’d ya get that oak tree you’re holding?”

2. With a Sexy Retort
If a picture from your guy turns you on, tell him so. Sexting can be fantastic foreplay, especially when there are visuals involved. Tell him exactly what you want to do with whatever body part he sent, the more specific the better. Need inspiration? Check out some of Glamour’s best sexting tips to help you spice things up.

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3. With a Picture of Your Own
If a guy is sending you dirty pictures, it’s most likely because he’s looking for you to return the favor. If you trust him enough, and the two of you are practicing safe sexting (yes, it’s a thing), go for it! If full nude isn’t your style, a lingerie picture (think Kim Kardashian) can be PG-13 and still incredibly sexy. Still scared? I’m a firm believer in the “no faces” rule.

4. With an Emoji
Is a picture from your guy leaving you at a loss for words? Send him back the heart-eyes emoji (or, as I like to call it, the “smitten kitten” emoji) for a cute, simple way to let him know you like what you see.

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10 Things He’s Thinking When You’re Naked
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