Bob S.
05-13-2008, 07:55 PM
In the May 8 column for Annie's Mailbox (http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/annies-mailbox/annie-s-mailbox-r-2008-05-08.html), a woman wrote in concerning her boyfriend who likes to be naked.
Dear Annie: I am deeply involved with a wonderful man. I was charmed by the fact that "Arnie" remained undressed until it was time to leave the house. I soon joined him and enjoyed eating breakfast in the buff.
Arnie is Dutch and was raised in a house where nudity was the norm. His parents and siblings all slept in the nude, soaked in the family hot tub together and visited nude beaches.
We are planning a trip to Europe to do some touring and visit Arnie's family. It will include nude hot-tubbing and beaches. Arnie assures me I can wear a bathing suit, but I will be self-conscious if I'm the only clothed person. But I'm not sure I'm ready to be naked in a group.
Also, we'd both like to have children, but he wants to raise them as he was raised and I am not so sure. Nudity didn't harm Arnie, but is it OK for the kids? Arnie can't understand why Americans are so hung up about this. He believes nudity is healthier, more comfortable and leads to higher self-esteem.
Should I do as the Europeans do when we visit his family? Should we raise our children to be nudists? Should I break it off because I am uncomfortable? — Chevy Chase, Md.
Dear Chevy Chase: This is a very personal choice. When it comes to raising children, it generally is best to be able to cover up when necessary by keeping robes handy. It becomes a bigger issue when the kids have friends over or when they reach puberty and are uncomfortably aware of their parents' bodies. But take one thing at a time. For your upcoming visit, try the "when in Rome" approach and see how you feel about it. Bring a swimsuit just in case.
I like that she (they--Annie is two people) said that she ought to give it a try. But as usual, they mess up with the children issue. At least they weren't as harsh as I have seen them. Nudity in front of children is nothing bad. I do agree that policies regarding friends coming over are necessary in order to make sure your children are allow to host their friends at your house. Usually, the dress code in nudist homes is open and wear whatever. Mostly, the teens become uncomfortable with their own nudity, not necessarily their parents' nudity unless it is causing problems with friendships outside the house.
Bob S.
Dear Annie: I am deeply involved with a wonderful man. I was charmed by the fact that "Arnie" remained undressed until it was time to leave the house. I soon joined him and enjoyed eating breakfast in the buff.
Arnie is Dutch and was raised in a house where nudity was the norm. His parents and siblings all slept in the nude, soaked in the family hot tub together and visited nude beaches.
We are planning a trip to Europe to do some touring and visit Arnie's family. It will include nude hot-tubbing and beaches. Arnie assures me I can wear a bathing suit, but I will be self-conscious if I'm the only clothed person. But I'm not sure I'm ready to be naked in a group.
Also, we'd both like to have children, but he wants to raise them as he was raised and I am not so sure. Nudity didn't harm Arnie, but is it OK for the kids? Arnie can't understand why Americans are so hung up about this. He believes nudity is healthier, more comfortable and leads to higher self-esteem.
Should I do as the Europeans do when we visit his family? Should we raise our children to be nudists? Should I break it off because I am uncomfortable? — Chevy Chase, Md.
Dear Chevy Chase: This is a very personal choice. When it comes to raising children, it generally is best to be able to cover up when necessary by keeping robes handy. It becomes a bigger issue when the kids have friends over or when they reach puberty and are uncomfortably aware of their parents' bodies. But take one thing at a time. For your upcoming visit, try the "when in Rome" approach and see how you feel about it. Bring a swimsuit just in case.
I like that she (they--Annie is two people) said that she ought to give it a try. But as usual, they mess up with the children issue. At least they weren't as harsh as I have seen them. Nudity in front of children is nothing bad. I do agree that policies regarding friends coming over are necessary in order to make sure your children are allow to host their friends at your house. Usually, the dress code in nudist homes is open and wear whatever. Mostly, the teens become uncomfortable with their own nudity, not necessarily their parents' nudity unless it is causing problems with friendships outside the house.
Bob S.