I always cover my legs when I'm out so my legs are normally unshaven for 50 weeks every year (accounting for holidays when I unfortunately have to whip out the wax).
And with regard to people's opinions, I used to get bullied a huge amount in primary school and secondary school. Dark Asian hair with pale skin do not go well together! I once got so hurt by the comments that I decided to shave my body from top to bottom. Everywhere except the hair on my head and my eyelashes. I now see how silly I was being and what a ridiculous thing they were teasing me about. At the age of ten, I didn't feel ready to get rid of the hair on my legs, let alone my eyebrows, upper lip, arms, back, etc..
As said previously, it is just a sign of sexual maturity and I just think back and laugh at how pathetic some young boys can be (surprising to some, it was the boys who teased me the most!)