Sorry if this is super gross to ask, but my app match is sleeping over tonight and I'm staring at my stomach in pure panic. I have really dark, thick hair below my belly button. I bought wax strips on my lunch break at my new job, but I’m terrified of bleeding or him being totally disgusted if I leave it. Should I just rip it all off?

Put the wax strips down and slowly step away from the bathroom mirror. Deep breath: having hair on your stomach doesn't make you a freak, it makes you a mammal. Almost everyone has a happy trail or some dark fuzz below their navel—filters and porn just love to pretend women are born hairless like dolphin statues. Emergency waxing right before a date is a recipe for disaster. You’ll end up with raw, stinging, fire-red bumps that hurt to touch, which is ten times more uncomfortable than soft natural hair. Trust me: anyone lucky enough to be invited into your bed is going to be way too thrilled about being there with *you* to inspect your belly with a magnifying glass. If you really want to remove it later for yourself, do it when you have time to soothe your skin. For tonight, keep the lighting warm and cozy. If you catch yourself spiraling, just remember: someone who actually likes you wants the real person, not an airbrushed mannequin. Toss the wax in the drawer and go enjoy your date.