Here's my answer from another question just like this one: Uptight is a term used quite often to manipulate others (as in "You won't show me your tits? You are so uptight!") It's also highly subjective - what is considered uptight for one person is considered dignified for another. In the current culture of letting everything hang out and having no personal boundaries (or dignity, quite frankly), someone who holds back is thought of as an aberration when, in fact, there's absolutely nothing wrong with them. I find that when faced with decisions that about how to act, two questions come to mind: (1) What's the worst that can happen if I do this? and (2) If I do this will I look back and regret it later? And ultimately, remember to be true to yourself and try not to let others' opinions matter so much.