This year the first day of spring seemed to be the first shirtless day. Usually cold and in the 50s, it was sunny and a balmy 75. I think every guy in the neighborhood came out from winter hibernation and ripped off his shirt, myself included. The guy next door did yard work. The guy down the street sat on his porch steps. The guys across the way took their shirts off and played basketball.

Sitting and taking in the views I began to think about this strange male behavior. On the first warm and sunny day after winter passes, males — young, old, fit, fat — take their shirts off and bare their chests to the world. It’s not like it’s talked about or planned… “Hey dude, tomorrow is gonna be really warm and sunny. I think it should be the first shirtless day. Whatdoyawanna do?” Some say it’s because guys don’t like to be hot or it’s just more comfortable being shirtless. Others say guys just want to show off that they are “men.”

All are valid and can be true for some, but I think there is something more instinctive and primal to it that drives guys to wanting to be shirtless, especially outside. You go out and it just feels right and so the shirt comes off. There is something about the caress of the wind and warmth of the sun on your naked skin that is hard to explain.