Do you know how many times when I hear your thoughts, if we were sittin in lawn chairs next to the pool, I would take a sip of what ever I was drinking, lean your way and say "man, we got it made"

fun

Man, we definitely got it made!!! This is the best trailer park this side of the Mississippi. And Sweet, I'll bet that's some scrumptious T

Why thank ya' Darlin.

=)

From my limited observations, the general consensus of the active members on the board is remarkably consistent with what we've seen here in the DFW area.

Seems also to match those which are evident in southwestern Pennsylvania as well.

Rules of the community tend to be based on historical mistakes. We know a particular behavior should be discouraged because smarter folks than us have tried and failed. All rules must be compatible with the Golden Rule. A collective wisdom develops when we communicate our successes and failures. We can better enjoy our sexual adventures when we avoid well known detractors. I think it's interesting that long-standing rules must be periodically refreshed with the blood of Ignorance and Obstinance. Some rules may become obsolete - like, "use an easily recognizable wad of keys at the party".

Even those who create drama can eventually return to the collective grace of the "community".

Is it wrong that I heard Jack Nicholson's voice when I read, "Damn, I love a good metaphor"?

Thanks for the confirming data point. I truly believe The Swingers Board is a reliable barometer of the general state of swinging - especially in the U.S.

I think regaining favor of the group after rejection is not impossible, just an up-hill battle (once bitten, twice cautious). That goes well with the "shining metaphor" of the trailer park - if we're not comfortable with our neighbors, it's fairly easy to relocate (avoid THAT clique).

Good ole Jack, "You want the truth?! You can't HANDLE the truth!!"

We quote:I truly believe The Swingers Board is a reliable barometer of the general state of swinging - especially in the U.S.

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We are newer members of the Board and concur completely.

Thanks for and interesting read.

One of the reasons I was questioning the correlation between the consensus of the board and successful domestic swingers is that I suspect The Board has "some" influence on the general population of swingers - especially the novices and wannabes. I believe this is the largest and most mature discussion forum concerning responsible non-monogamy. The volume of dialog becomes an easy target for google searches in pursuit of answers sexual. Julie is the gorilla of her domain (aint that a sexy thought).

I read the threads in the forum or at least the subject line and I think it is very interesting that we've become shade-tree marriage counselors. Complete strangers spill their guts about their most intimate relationship troubles. They observe that we must have some answers because we've already gone beyond the relationship hurdles they are having difficulty with. It is interesting to watch the reaction of the poster when the advice given is not what they were hoping for. So many of them seem to want a "moral license" to go out and have sex with whomever they may choose without regard for undesirable consequences. It's almost as if they're looking for some kind of justifiable loophole in the morality code that permits them to find some nontraditional path to their sexual fulfillment - without the "work" of fixing their current troubles. Others, see the wisdom in the guidance and their relationship benefits from the ideas we share with them - either in the form of direct dialog or through the outstanding archive of relevant threads.

I believe some guests understand the logic we describe and use their newfound knowledge to adjust their perspective and perhaps their internal moral compass in a way they are likely to find a slightly more rewarding existence through a balanced and compassionate sexual interaction with others. So yes, I think the board is a positive influence on general sexual morality and also, relationship maturity.

Altruistic compassion for others, is a fundamental building block of most morality codes. I think we practice what we preach.

Well said, Socolais, and agreed.

Insightful as always.