We grew over the years as to the why we play with others. We didn’t care who as we were not looking for friends, we were looking for excitement. Unlike the first time I had sex being nervous and young, we were now going to be a first for couples. After meeting a the first few couples where my deep feeling was to make their first experience a memorable positive experience I found deep in my gut the I had joy over being a first. Alan called it our conquest which is more important, physical less important.
We evolved to enjoying companionship as well as physical satisfaction. Our swing partners are now our friends, great friends. Within our group are those that were friends before and remain closer friends. My feelings like others who post, it is safer to make new friends rather than risking losing good friends.