I've seen a number of threads around lately about guys complaining about their girlfriend's doing something to their own bodies that the guy doesn't like (e.g. arm hair, putting on weight, upper lip hair) and I don't know if any of them are trolls (I really hope they are) but even so I I'd like to address the issue. This advice also goes out to girls whose boyfriends approach them about an issue with their body.
Guys.
First things first, appreciate the fact that 1) You do NOT own your girlfriend's body, this means you cannot do anything to it without their consent. Not your body, not your choice.
Everybody has preferences, you may prefer no excessive bodily hair on a girl or you may love it or have no opinion on it. However, just because you have a preference doesn't mean you have to voice it!
If NATURALLY occurring bodily hair or a bit of weight gain offends you to the point that you maybe want to break up with her. 1) You're probably not mature enough for said relationship and perhaps you should do her the courtesy of breaking up with her. 2) Approach her nicely about it and explain the issue (but be prepared for her to be angry with you and/or embarrassed). Don't be judgemental, you may not understand all the causes of a sudden change and she may not be willing to indulge you just yet.
Appreciate that in winter, for girls when you're mostly covered up anyway, waxing and shaving isn't really a top of the necessary to do list. Some girls are just forgetful and forget to do it, some just don't do it for a few months over winter. I know when I get really busy with exams and I'm constantly wearing tights/trousers then I really cannot be bothered to wax my legs or go get them done for me.
Don't hold girls to a different standard. If you hate excess body hair and you want your girlfriend to shave it all off, be prepared to do shave all your own excess hair off if it offends your girlfriend. Relationships are about compromise after all ;)
Girls
You do not have to change just because your boyfriend says he doesn't like something about you. It is your body, it is your choice!
If he approaches you and tells you he doesn't like X about your body and you feel hurt/embarrassed about it, TELL him! Explain to him nicely that you don't think it was appropriate for him to say that and that it hurt your feelings.
Talk to him (if you feel comfortable) about his issue with your body and stress to him that ultimately it is your own choice over what you do with it.
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Relationships are all about compromise and communication is key. This goes for both girls and guys, but you can never force your partner to do what you want if they don't want to. If you love them, a slight change in their aesthetics is hardly going to matter.
Put the internet to work for you.
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