I'm a male member in my late 50s. For a while now, the woman I'm seeing has repeatedly asked me to help her choose lingerie in a store, but I'm so embarrassed about being seen that I keep dodging her. Do I still have a lot to learn?

I’m Paper Airplane, a male member. If you’re already comfortable shopping for clothes together, I don’t see any problem with lingerie either. Recently, the girl I’m seeing tried on something that was a little too small. While she was struggling to pull it on, she called me over, still in her underwear and trying to cover herself. The store clerk was briefly surprised, but she kept herself covered so no one else could see—and honestly, I was pretty happy. When she tries on several outfits, I’ll sometimes go into the fitting room with her and take a look together. I often look at lingerie as an extension of that, but now that I think about it, I’ve never actually bought any for her. I wonder why? I really enjoy watching her try on clothes that suit her. It makes me feel happy, gives me a rush, and gets me excited. Oh—and another thing: Looking back, every woman I’ve bought clothes for has stayed in my life without us ever breaking things off. They’re all still around now. On the other hand, there are women I’ve lost touch with after buying them bags or wallets. I’ve just discovered something.

This is Mac. Since Joe made his answer public, I’ll paste the other two answers here as well. I may be saying this myself, but this kind of thoughtfulness is what makes Mac so kind(^^; ↓　↓　↓　↓　↓　↓　↓　↓　 Respondent Female member I’m Meg, a female member. The training takes place in bed, okay?☆ If you’re embarrassed to go to a lingerie shop, you don’t have to force yourself. Instead, why not tell her what colors and styles you like—such as whether you prefer something with lots of lace—and let her choose something that she thinks would suit her? Likes: 0　Posted: 2020/01/27 15:52 Respondent Female member I’m Papua, a female member. I’m embarrassed to go to lingerie shops too. That’s the kind of thing you’re supposed to choose alone in your room, grinning at the computer screen as you carefully browse—not something you go shopping for with someone else. If you’re with someone else, especially with people around, I don’t think you’d be able to choose the lingerie you really want. Things so sheer they look almost nonexistent, for example. Likes: 0　Posted: 2020/01/27 13:42

I’m Joe, a columnist. It may not be a matter of overcoming embarrassment, but please go with him. The only embarrassing part is the beginning. The Aubade counter at Ginza Matsuya is used to having male companions, so the staff are comfortable with it. They won’t let you into the fitting room, but they will let you peek inside. Give it a try—you might be pleasantly surprised! I don’t really like to say things like this, but in lingerie shops in Paris and Milan, having a man accompany you is perfectly normal. In fact, men can even go into the fitting rooms. Let’s create this kind of culture in Japan too! ※As far as Joe knows, the only Aubade counter in Japan that allows male companions into the fitting-room area is the one at Hankyu Umeda. There’s a waiting area for men in front of the fitting rooms, and it’s separated by curtains as well, so it may be perfect for someone shy like you. If you live in the Kansai area, this is my top recommendation. P.S. Mac, thank you for your thoughtfulness. More than anything, you must have been exhausted dealing with that nonstop barrage on that certain message board. Still, everyone really does love you, Mac. I’m one of them too, but even I have to admit I’m jealous, lol.

I’m Meg, one of the female members. The best training happens in bed, right? ☆ If you’re embarrassed about going to the store, you don’t have to force yourself. Instead, why not tell the woman what colors and patterns you like—such as lots of lace—and what you think would suit her?