Nobody knows for certain exactly how many naturists there are in the world, but the numbers of those enjoying a clothes optional lifestyle appear to be increasing.
Unfortunately, naturism still carries a stigma, born largely of ignorance of the truth. To some naturists are well meaning but slightly dotty individuals, who meander naked through wooded glades, pausing in catalogue poses behind strategically placed leaves. To others, they are immoral hedonists, congregating in mixed groups to enjoy pleasures of the flesh in orgy situations not seen since Caesar hung up his laurels. Or they are perverts trying to corrupt the 'normal'way of life. As with the majority of prejudices based on lies, misunderstandings and half-truths, the reality of life for the average naturist is very different indeed.
It could be said that we're all naturists under our clothes! Naturists come from every walk of life. You don't have to have taken illegal substances during the sixties, have every album Bob Dylan ever made, or have named your offspring Moonchild and Rucksack. Naturists might be doctors, lawyers, housewives, checkout assistants, teachers, priests - rich, poor, blue-collar, white-collar, self-employed, unemployed... anyone can be a naturist. The only qualification needed is a genuine desire to enjoy a clothes optional lifestyle!
Isn’t being a Naturalist just another way of getting naked with others to get sex?
Given that naturists are representative of the population as a whole, then it's entirely possible that we number an odd sex maniac amongst us. The law of averages makes it likely that there are also several fetishists, a healthy quota of gay men and lesbians, one or two celibates and a handful of free love exponents. There are probably also quite a few naturists who gain a sexual thrill from dressing up! But all of this ignores one very important point: NATURISM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SEX.
For many people, the only time they are naked with another person is before, during and after a sexual experience. So it's understandable that they would have difficulty separating the two. But separate they are.
It's a little like kissing. A kiss can be a sexual act - but it can also have many other meanings: a gesture of friendship, a welcome, a way of saying goodbye, a comforting gesture - or, if you live in Hollywood and practise the airkiss it can mean anything from 'fancy seeing you here' to 'drop dead, bitch'! You learn very quickly what is appropriate and inappropriate, depending on your audience. If you're alone with a lover, then a little tonsil hockey would be entirely correct; if you're greeting your partner's mother, then tongues are probably not appropriate.
The majority of naturist resorts are family oriented, and all are patrolled to keep away voyeurs and sort out anyone who is acting in suggestive or crude manner. Anyone staying at a naturist resort who made any overt sexual gestures or inappropriate remarks in a public situation would be asked to leave. One of the benefits of nude recreation is that it takes place in a non-threatening atmosphere, where people are free to relax and be themselves. Naturist resorts share many similarities with other kinds of resort, the exception being simply that clothes are optional for most of the activities happening there.
If its not for Sex why be naked?
It's about relaxation, freedom from restriction - and to a very large degree, it's about honesty.
Naturists are judged on their personalities alone. They take away the trappings that most of us have around us every day. They have less to 'hide behind'. This is very healthy, because it means that friendships are built on truth - as people get used to being open with each other, there is less temptation to embellish! Many naturists form very close non-sexual friendships, with a very strong bond. Honesty also spreads to most other aspects of naturist living. At naturist resorts, thefts and other crimes are almost non-existent.
Being nude can also be incredibly relaxing. The feeling of air, sun and water on the skin is a terrific stress reliever. Most people know this, of course. Even non-naturists can't wait to rush to the coast on sunny days and divest themselves of all but a tiny fraction of their clothing! It's really not that great a step to go from wearing a swimsuit the size of an amoeba to wearing nothing at all. The extra feeling of freedom though can be very big indeed. Many people suffering from stress or pressure at work have said that being at a naturist resort is the best way of alleviating it that they know of!
Many naturists engage in sporting and other leisure activities. These can obviously have a positive health benefit, provided you don't overdo it!
And just think. Women need never worry again about turning up to a party in the same outfit as the hostess!
