INTRODUCTION
The fact that this document is being read indicates an interest in the naturist
lifestyle.
It is suggested that the reader could be facing one or more of the problems outlined
above. The aim and purpose of this article is to identify and discuss these problems.
Naturism is a lifestyle in which people simply opt for a clothes.
Free environment when it is practical to do so. This means simply that one wears clothing
for protection rather than adornment.
Naturism recognises no gender, age, colour, class, race, religious, or political barriers.
Compare a random group of naturists to a similarly numbered group of `textiles'. The
difference is hard to define except possibly that one would find that nudists have a more
open view of life and a higher personal moral and healthier standard than others.
Let us now consider each of the problems listed in the first paragraph.
I AM OVERWEIGHT etc.
Does it matter? Let's be honest in western countries most people are overweight. What
you look like to other naturists is of little interest to them. The fact that you may have
scars or limbs missing is accepted. A fellow naturist will look you in the eyes rather
than stare at your body. This you will quickly realise.
MY PARTNER DOES NOT SHARE MY
ENTHUSIASM
This will always be an initial problem. You are proposing a radical change in your
lifestyle. Your partner may never have thought of becoming a nudist and your suggestion to
do so would startle him/her.
He/she may have heard all sorts of rumours and misconceptions about what happens at clubs
or on the beaches. It could be that he/she may have had a puritanical upbringing.
Whatever the causes of the lack of enthusiasm extreme care is necessary in supporting your
case. From the outset it is important that sincerity, honesty, and respect of your
partner's feelings remain the basis of your case.
According to a survey conducted by The Naturist Society, it is usually the male partner
who suggests giving naturism a try.
It has been noted however that, once they actually experience social nudity, women become
very enthusiastic club members. They quickly realise that the naturist environment is safe
to both themselves and, more importantly, the children, and enjoy their new freedom, the
friendliness of other nudists.
I MAY SHOW MY EMBARRASSMENT
Men are afraid that they will have an erection in the presence of female company. Women
have concerns about menstruation, erect nipples and flushed cheeks.
These are valid and understandable concerns to each individual. They are also over rated.
It is in fact unlikely that this will happen. A naturist environment is not a sexual one
in spite of the nudity and mixing of genders. I have been a club nudist for many years.
During that time I have never seen anything that would cause embarrassment to the
individual or others.
Should a man feel roused he can cover his modesty by laying on his stomach, taking a
shower or swim, or covering himself with a towel.
If it is 'that time of the month' for a woman, there is no requirement to strip off
completely. Clubs have toilets in which steps can be taken to rectify one's appearance.
WE HAVE A YOUNG FAMILY
Fantastic !! How often do you see your own children running about the house or sharing
the bath?. Are they concerned about their nudity there?
Young children thrive in the naturist environment. It stirs the heart to see children
enjoying themselves in club play area, or in the pool with mum (or dad). Kids mix
naturally with other children and, whether at a club or on a beach, will enjoy just being
themselves. Nudity does not worry them.
Just as importantly children are safe in a naturist environment. We are all very conscious
of the harm that unsupervised children can experience and are constantly vigilant.
DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT DOING
SO
This is easy. Take off your clothes and relax in the privacy of your own home. Feel the
freedom of being natural, enjoy each other's company, and discuss social nudity between
yourselves.
Various countries have their own National Naturist Councils. They are there to help you.
Write to or telephone one and ask for an `Information Pack' to be sent to you.
Information Packs are tastefully printed and will give you all the information that will
enable you to start learning about the naturist lifestyle. They will answer the questions
that have inevitably arisen either in your own mind or whilst discussing the matter with
your partner. Additionally they will have contact addresses or telephone numbers of the
clubs near to you. Listed below are particulars of various National Naturist Councils.
HOW DO WE JOIN A CLUB?
Find the club of your choice from the `Information Pack'.
Telephone or write to ask if you and your partner may pay an initial visit.
You will then be given directions as to how to find the club, a mutually suitable time and
date will be fixed for your first visit.
At most clubs you will be met at the gate by a committee member (dressed) who will welcome
you and give you a tour of the grounds and premises. The member will answer all of your
questions and help you get through the initial period. Neither you or your partner will be
pressured in any way to take your clothes off. If you wish to continue you may then fill
in an application form for your membership.
It should be mentioned here that clubs have vetting procedures which vary from club to
club. Generally you will find that they involve interviews with several committee members.
The normal procedure for joining will be for the committee to consider and accept your
application then admit you and your partner to membership for a probationary period,
usually of one year, on payment of your joining fee.
SINGLES :
Many clubs follow a policy of having a `gender balance'. It is felt that a higher
proportion of members of one sex is undesirable for existing members. This does not mean
that single persons are barred from joining a club although it may mean that he/she will
have to go on a waiting list.
COMMENT :
There are many misconceptions and fallacies about the naturist /nudist lifestyle. Most of
these are based on ignorance, put aboutby people who equate nudity with sex and have
little better to do than look on the down side.
Most naturists who joined the lifestyle, rather than being raised in it by their parents,
will have had initial reservations about the lifestyle and would have themselves raised
the same objections to becoming naturists. They have learnt otherwise by visiting clubs
and seeing for themselves that these fallacies and misconceptions are without foundation.
Naturism is a relaxing stress-free lifestyle. You will find that other naturists will
respect your privacy if you wish to be alone, give you space to breathe and be yourselves,
or welcome you to join them in their activities. |
