Did you always equate nudists with swingers?

[cplnuswing 4,713]

Before becoming a swinger yourself, did you think all nudists were swingers and all swingers were nudists?

 

I won't say in my mind it went quite as far as stated above, but it was probably close to that. I just assumed that if someone was open in one regard, then they probably were in the other. Honestly, I think much of society believes that too, so why that was in my head is more a reflection of that than anything I had really given much thought to or even knew anyone who was in either of those groups to really base it on.

[kikonkrome 844]

I will honestly say naive me was exactly the opposite.

 

I always equated the two as separate. When other swingers actually told me err noo. I was dumbfounded. I definitely have a tendency to trust things at face value. I also do not exactly equate a naked human body as always sexual.

 

So basically I will admit I can be a supremely naive, idiot.

[GuyInMD79 1,500]

I have not automatically associated nudists with swinging. I guess always I thought of nudists as "naturists", just enjoying being free of clothing, and not necessarily looking at it as a sexual thrill. I had trouble understanding how one could think that way, but I guess I thought they had that figured out! It was only after being in the lifestyle, and spending time in some places that were clothing-optional, that I came to understand how you can have your times of being "nudist naked", without being sexually aroused all day long.

 

The surprise for me is that there are so many swingers who are not comfortable in a nudist setting. I suppose there are some swingers who still have body-image issues, even though they play with abandon, and even do it with the lights on! Perhaps also some swingers are not comfortable with the "nudist naked" thing, unable to contemplate being around all those naked people without being aroused.

[robaval 219]

Our experiences are there are nudist/naturists, there are swingers (soft and hard lifestylers and the variations in between) and yes there are nudist-swingers too. A couple of our favorite resorts really frown on open sexual displays where you'd be asked to leave engaging in anything sexual at all, but behind closed doors not a problem. Julie and Rob

[GoldCoCouple 4,065]

We were the same as robaval: we figured that there are some swingers who are nudists and some nudists who are swingers and some who were neither and that's pretty much what we have found.

[cplnuswing 4,713]

I'm wondering if it was just the area I grew up, which was/is still very much the rural small town Leave It to Beaver version of America, or at least that is what they strived to present. Needless to say, very repressed and inhibited. Since until you get old enough to seek out the truth, or at least not ignore it when it is hitting you in the face, then you naturally kind of just go with the flow, and there, nudity=sex, no question about it.

[njbm 2,868]

We were nudists for many years before we tried swinging. So we are comfortable at nudist resorts. Some swingers are not.

[Fundamental Law 2,885]

Since until you get old enough to seek out the truth, or at least not ignore it when it is hitting you in the face, then you naturally kind of just go with the flow.

 

There is extraordinary wisdom in these words. It's worth pausing and reflecting on those conforming activities that are essential and what expectations are optional.

 

Some conforming activities tend to focus on safety. We drive on one side of the road and stop at red lights. We pay taxes so that the roads and red lights are there. We do not yell "fire!" in a crowded theater. And so on.

 

Many if not most conforming activities have limited value. Neckties on men. Textiles of any sort when swimming. Fish on Friday (you have to be old enough to remember). These are usually about power: if one willingly "goes with the flow" on a dress code, other things follow and whoever prescribed the activity gains further authority. Prep schools have known and understood this for years. Fads induce temporary conforming about typically ridiculous things -- yet power still accrues to those who started the fad. (Pet Rocks? Yep.)

 

It takes an enormous amount of maturity and self-confidence to assert the truth in the face of broad denial. Yet this is something that both the nudist community and the swinger community do. The nudists say that clothes are of practical use, and when not needed can be shed without stigma. The swingers say that marriage is about the emotional bond unrelated to monogamy. The nudists assert that the fashion industry sells clothes that are not really needed. The swingers assert that marital stability is compromised by expectations of sexual exclusivity, the latter being neither natural nor logical.

 

Focusing on the intersection of those two communities--those who are both nudists and swingers--might be less important than focusing on the union, meaning all who are nudists or swingers or both. Being a member of either or both communities means that a socially imposed conformity is being rejected as nonsense and another choice is made.

 

In the end, nudists do have sex and swingers do get naked. That doesn't make the two communities congruent. But it does help explain why a fair number of people are both literally and figuratively "comfortable in their own skins" around others who are equally comfortable.

[oc1234 435]

We were nudists for many years before we tried swinging. So we are comfortable at nudist resorts. Some swingers are not.

 

We were also nudists for many years before we became swingers. We still keep the two activities completely separate, even though the couple who got us into swinging were our best friends who were also nudists.

[jnrswinger 62]

There are many more swingers who are not nudist and definitely many more nudist who are not swingers!! Most Swingers probably do not have access to nudist facilities and don't vacation nude.

[kellimc 226]

I think most swingers whether they consider themselves nudists/naturists or not, are comfortable with nudism. I've found that a lot of nudists are actually pretty prudish and want nothing to do with swinging or swingers.

[njbm 2,868]

We just got back from Caliente, a nudist resort. I told a couple in the pool that we went on a lifestyle cruise and we could tell that they were alarmed. On another evening, in the hot tub, a single guy asked my wife if he could touch her boob. He tried (unsuccessfully) to ask out of my earshot. My wife said no. So this resort is divided.

[TricianMike 772]

Being nude has nothing to do with swinging. Nudists will say it’s just a feeling of freedom and nature. I have seen families enjoying the sun together. Maybe there are more swingers percentage wise on a nude beach vs a regular beach. That doesn’t mean everyone on the nude beach is itching to swing with you.

[let's do it again 414]

I have to say that I have loved nude beaches and I have to tell you about my first experience on a nude beach. It was in Jamaica and no it wasn't any of the Hedonism resorts. My ex and I quickly stripped of and went straight to the ocean where we were immediately surrounded by 4 couples inquiring if we were in the lifestyle, while we weren't looking to swing, but not opposed to it, I couldn't believe how friendly and upfront about their offer. This is my sole opinion, but I have read many threads on this site about where to find potential swap partners,  my advice is go to a nude beach! Never thought about the nude beach swinging connection but it is certainly there!

[couplers 4,614]

I do not equate nudists and swingers at all. 

[divenaked 325]

We have known many swingers and many nudists over the years. We are in both camps. The most surprising thing to me was a couple we met through common friends. She was so anti nude that her husband had never seen her naked. Even during sex. None of her play partners has either. She always had a large flowing gown on when being intimate.

[hunterdonNJcpl 1,383]

There is definitely some crossover, but nudist does not equal swinger (and vice versa)

[Billygoat 443]

We never did.

 

we started dating in High School February 1976.  We were a bit advanced for most our age.  Not shy about being nude…..skinny dipping etc.  We were a custom to being nude with each other and from time to time would secretly be nude while swimming in local lakes.  Swimming out to the bouy line at the public beach and hang our suits over the ropes and slip them back on before swimming ashore.  Always slept nude and sat at home nude until the kids got older.  But we still found us time.

 

A lighter version until my daughter was 17ish…..allowing us to venture out.  We are both very open minded and accepting of others.  We have not assumed much about anyone or their lifestyle as long as it harms none.  Yup, Pagan, Celtic with a dash of Clan/Tribal spiritualism.  Guilty as charged.

 

We have been to many non sanctioned “nudist” areas as well as nudest events and organized parks.  The closest to us is as many are family orientated so any form of outward affection is frowned on and sexual contact activity gets you banned.  They do not even allow jewelry, worn or pierced.

 

we have been to adult camps and camping trips that are nudist based, yet open about activities.  You would see non swinger nudists enjoying their SO as well as swinger activities by nudists….yet most often never shared between the two.  Campsite by campsite….camping area by group area.

 

just like labeling anything activity or people as an assumption in any walk of life would be a grievous error so would assuming that just because they were nudist they were also swingers or that just because they were notice that in an adult only gathering there would never be any erotic touching or stroking or more with Store not qualify them to be swingers and just as swingers would get nude to enjoy sex play with someone else or others or in a group situation does not mean that they are also comfortable being nudist in public.

 

we live in an interesting yet a bit crazy world don’t we isn’t it great we’re not all the same.

 

 

 

 

[Billygoat 443]

……damn Siri and auto correct…..and it wouldn’t let me save the edit………

 

Last paragraph should read…..

 

just like labeling any activity or people as an assumption in any walk of life would be a grievous error so would assuming that just because they were nudist they were also swingers or that just because they were swingers they practice nudist behavior. But in an adult only gathering that adults choose to attend for their own comfort, interest or adventure there would never be any erotic touching or stroking or more with their SO not qualify them to be swingers and just as swingers would get nude to enjoy sex play with someone else or others or in a group situation does not mean that they are also comfortable being nudists in public.

[Only4Fun85 6]

We’ve seen it both ways. However we have had the best luck connecting to lifestyle couples at clubs where the guy is dressed and the girl is topless. Btw, that’s how we roll too so..

[reveur 60]

All nudist aren't swinger and all swinger aren't nudist, we are both. 😊