Quick query: I don't shave, not anything - bikini, legs, underarm. I'm blonde and not very hairy. When I told my sister that my husband doesn't notice, she said, 'yes he does, he just doesn't say anything...' which was a bit deflating. I've asked him and all is good - but could it be better? I trim a bit, so that I can wear lingerie and swimsuits, and my husband doesn't do anything either - fine by me, I like a hairy chest etc. We are late 40s / early 50s. Good intimate life. I'm just wondering if I should make more effort - when I do shave it really iritates my skin, so I looked at trimmers so that I could just shape things... they are sooo pricy! Also, with summer coming up, there is a social expectation around body hair. So, is bare the way to go or are there other people out there who are happy with hair? I know these things follow trends - I'm out of trend atm and that seems to matter a lot in the current climate....
I used to epilate everything but haven't bothered for years. I just trim these days.
I asked OH several times but his honest answer seems to be hair doesn't bother him unless it's dark and coarse. One of his ex-girlfriends was quite masculine with her hair-growth and he's always said that was a bit off-putting.
I'm quite fair and not that fuzzy though (and a bit lazy), so feel if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Thanks - that's reassuring. Can I ask what you use to trim? I don't really want to spent £30+ on a gadget, but ordinary razors tend to leave blunt hairs poking out - not good:-) Should I try scissors (carefully)?
PS after our conversation on another thread I bought the we-vibe couples toy in the 50% sale... only used it solo, watch this space :-)
I only tend to remove hair if it's going to be on show. If my partner found the prepubescent look that attractive I'd have concerns. I'm dark haired but not very hairy I tend to wax or epilate if I'm removing hair because it's longer lasting and having dark hair and fair skin even freshly shaved looks like there is still stubble. I'd say its natural but neat lol. I do trim the bikini area with scissors so it doesn't look like a complete jungle. It doesn't bother my partner. Just because it might bother some men doesn't mean it bothers them all. Some might actually prefer the hair. It takes all sorts.
I use a Braun Cruzer6 body trimmer, and my wife uses it too. Just under 30 quid online and you can trim to varying lengths. It’s perfect for anything from almost bare, to various length control and general tidying up. I have had mine for nearly 5 yrs.
I don't like that your sister thinks she is speaking for your husband. What you do with your body hair is between you and him, and is nobody else's business. Young people depilate because they are influenced by porn. And you are right it's a trend. At your age and in an established relationship why would trends have anything to do with your life?
Thanks folks, reassuring all round!
I have a battery operated Remington bikini trimmer that I bought years ago and it's still going well.
if you don't mind replacing batteries there's a Babyliss very similar at that famous catalogue-on-the-high-street store for £13.99.
I'm 50 and a bit and I've been removing hair since way before it was trendy - I had my sister's old razor that took proper double-sided blades (basically an old-fashioned man's razor but in pink!). I remember going to see porn films in a cinema when all the actors had beards top and bottom 
I think maybe youngsters do follow trends more religiously than they need to, but us oldies like to follow them sometimes, too. My hairdresser started waxing it all off a few years ago when her husband suggested it. Turns out he didn't like it bare and only asked her as his younger workmates' OHs were doing it. But she's kept doing it because SHE likes it!
Even as we age it's nice to keep up with the trends we WANT to. Sometimes a new surprise in an old relationship can really wake it up.
You can always trim it with a scissors and if you both like it get a trimmer.
Bah to your sister i say!
My OH does shave get lazered and is self concious about her body hair and to be honest as it makes her happy then i am fine. But really she doesnt have a problem, but i cannot tell her that.
but personally it would change the way i feel if she didnt shave, fancy her just the same. She has had periods when she doesnt and shes just as gorgeous.
So rasberries to your sister i say.
My husband doesn't mind, hes not a fan of my leg hair but it's my body. He shaves his pubic hair, I don't like it but he does and I wont ask him to change.
Your sister is just being nosey, just like sisters do. Take no notice, do what is best for you.
If you're happy with what you do now then stick with it....never mind trends or what other people say.I'm lucky that the hair on my legs is barely noticable anyway and I only give the pubic area a quick trim just to tidy it up a bit . Have gone fully shaved in the past a few times but the regrowth is such a pain and frankly I can't be bothered with the upkeep of it all.
In the last six months I have grown my pubes and shaved them, being hairy over the winter and now smooth for the spring and summer. Don’t listen to your sister it’s all a matter of personal preference and the current porn star fashion is just a fad. I quite liked my bush and arm pit hair and will grow it again in the autumn. Your sister sounds like she is bragging that she is ‘fashionable’
Thanks folks - I really didn't mean to land my sister in it, that wasn't the point, she is just repeating vox pop and would have no idea about what my husband really thinks - I do ;-) Since my last attempt at shaving I'm going to give up, apart from gentle trims to hide what shows - and I mean all over. It irritates my skin too much and the re-growth really annoys me. My husband is 100% in agreement and likes me au nauturel, as I like him. Thanks for all your supportive comments!