Dear Miss Emily:

My girlfriend and I send pictures of us smiling when we miss each other. I want to send her a picture of me shirtless, but she's afraid that would be considered sexting. I would be wearing pants and it's not a sexual thing. Thank you for reading this, all feedback is much appreciated.

----------------------------Miss Emily's advice-------------------------

Sending a picture of a guy's bare chest isn't sexting (a girl's yes, and any sexual parts of a male or female, or sexual act), but it can go further than that, and this is why it's something to be avoided. Any picture you send over your cell can travel way past your interaction with your girlfriend. A good rule to follow is if you don't want to be the subject of scrutiny, don't do anything that can be scrutinized. If her parents were to see it, they might interpret it to be the start to sexting. You know how parents can be, and I think it's not worth the risk. I know, it seems stupid. A guy's bare chest is seen on the beach in public. No biggie. I just don't want this girls parents to cause any problems for you. Innocent gestures can be taken the opposite way. As a minor, you don't have any leverage.