It's essential to approach this situation with sensitivity and understanding, as there could be various reasons why your friend chooses to wear long sleeves and pants and feels defensive when asked about it. There might be personal and sensitive issues involved that your friend is not ready or comfortable discussing openly.
Here are some possible reasons for your friend's behavior:
Body image issues: Your friend may feel self-conscious about their body or have body image concerns that make them uncomfortable showing their skin in public.
Scarring or self-harm: Some individuals might have scars from past experiences, self-harm, or medical conditions, and they may feel the need to cover them.
Skin conditions: People with certain skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, may prefer to cover up to protect their skin or reduce irritation.
Cultural or religious reasons: In some cultures or religions, modesty and covering the body in certain situations are considered important practices.
Privacy and boundaries: It's possible that your friend values their privacy and doesn't want to discuss their clothing choices or reasons behind them.
Emotional trauma: Previous traumatic experiences may have led your friend to develop coping mechanisms, such as wearing specific clothing.
Whatever the reason, it's crucial to respect your friend's boundaries and not push them to share if they don't feel comfortable doing so. If you genuinely care about your friend's well-being, let them know that you support and accept them as they are, regardless of their clothing choices. Being a supportive and understanding friend can help create an environment where your friend might feel more comfortable sharing their concerns if and when they are ready.