Things done nude that don't make one a nudist

[walter05]

I see where there are people who consider themselves home nudists. They live alone and are often nude.

Others sleep nude and for them, this is a big accomplishment.

Others camp out and skinny dip nude.

All of these nude activities are ones that I would think many non-nudists do.

I am now wondering what nude activiities are done by non-nudists?

[NudonyII]

That's a hard question to answer, because I've known skinny-dippers, nude beach visitors and people that even socialized nude, that did not consider themselves nudists. So my answer would be: Anything that a nudist does can be done by non-nudists - without considering themselves nudists.

[DenitaLC]

My personal thoughts: Nudism is social and practiced outside the home 'as well' as in the home. Home nudity is just that: home nudity. I'm sure some will disagree but those are my feelings on this subject.

[NudonyII]

My personal thoughts: Nudism is social and practiced outside the home 'as well' as in the home. Home nudity is just that: home nudity. I'm sure some will disagree but those are my feelings on this subject.

I don't disagree. But how would you classify then someone who never practices outside of home; yet have family and friends come over and skinny-dip and socialize nude as a group? For example members of a non-landed group that only practice nudism at each other's home?

I think the "real" difference is in whether it's a private practice at home or not.

[Lord Drakkus]

I would say it has to do with how often one does it. If you spend most of your time nude, or wanting to be nude, then you're a nudist. If you just like to go skinnydipping, sunbathing, drip-drying, etc. that doesn't make you a nudist. It just means that you enjoy being nude on occasion.

Nudism is not something you DO, it's something you ARE. That's what I believe the difference is.

[DenitaLC]

"Original post by DenitaLC: My personal thoughts: Nudism is social and practiced outside the home 'as well' as in the home. Home nudity is just that: home nudity. I'm sure some will disagree but those are my feelings on this subject."

I don't disagree. But how would you classify then someone who never practices outside of home; yet have family and friends come over and skinny-dip and socialize nude as a group? For example members of a non-landed group that only practice nudism at each other's home?

I think the "real" difference is in whether it's a private practice at home or not.

That would then be outside of their own home. Of course there are exception/additions to every situation. I'm not trying to cover/classify them all, just the generalization of what it means to me and my own personal definition. Everyone will have their own guidelines, exceptions, etc.

[OZJames]

I think one only becomes a nudist when that person openly promotes the nudist lifestyle to others regardless of whether he/she is nude only at home or also at public places.

The "open promotion" may be only in the form of joining in with others at nudist venues or events (in other words supporting the cause) but it may also be talking to others , telling them of the desire to be nude etc.

I consider that I am a nudist because I seek out places and times to be nude. Not only at home but whenever we go anywhere or travel on holidays. I would love to increase my circle of nude friends (currently a very small number) . Most people I know, know I like to be nude. I am inclined to walk around nude when visitors come but only if I know the visitors wont mind.

On the other hand I think my wife is NOT a nudist. She Likes to be nude at home but only in the morning when it's cool. She doesn't like to be out in the sun all day or anywhere where she may be bitten by mozzies, bugs etc. She loves swimming nude and is happy to go to any nudist beach etc WITH ME. last year we went to a naturist village for a weeks holiday. At that village she was not nude all the time as I was. She is happy to be nude with friends that come to visit but only if they are nude e.g. swimming. She will not promote nudity as a way of life and has no desire to increase our circle of friends just because the new friends may be like to be nude.

So to get back to the question, what can you do nude without being a nudist - well just about anything. You need to take a holistic view of the person to determine if the nude activities he/she undertake make that person a nudist.

[redlevin908]

I agree with DenitaLC. I don't know why, I just do. That seems to make sense tome.

[richo]

I think one only becomes a nudist when that person openly promotes the nudist lifestyle to others regardless of whether he/she is nude only at home or also at public places.

...

So to get back to the question, what can you do nude without being a nudist - well just about anything. You need to take a holistic view of the person to determine if the nude activities he/she undertake make that person a nudist.

I agree with OZJames here - the actions aren't the prerequisite, the attitude is.

I honestly don't consider myself a nudist. I spend as much time in the nude as possible, I speak openly about it with other people (generally proving to them that *they*, not I, have an issue if they don't like it), and I'm starting to try various clothing-optional or nude resorts, but don't think of myself as a nudist. I'm simply more comfortable naked and don't believe I should have to sacrifice my comfort for irrational reasons.

I don't think of it as a political cause, though. I doubt I'd participate in something like "Nudes in the News", not for moral objections but merely for a lack of interest. I have no inclination to go to nudist or naturist events. My only real excursion into the naturist "lifestyle" has been on these forums, and that's mostly been to see what the various ranges/dispositions of folks here are in relation to nudity.

So, in this case, it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, and looks like a duck - but (as a friend of mine would say) it's just a chicken in drag. I probably fit a fair number of the "actions", and even some of the "promotion" side, but I don't consider myself a nudist.

[Nude in the North]

Then again, there are some that never get a chance to be nude anywhere besides their home. And some that can't really go nude at all. Yet they have the desire and openmindedness it takes to even consider nudism.
I would call them all nudists. even if they don't consider themselves to be.

Nudism is more in your state of mind than in your state of dress.

[Nude in the North]

" I'm simply more comfortable naked and don't believe I should have to sacrifice my comfort for irrational reasons."

That's exactly what a nudist is.

[bernardc]

My opinnion is simple...When wearing clothes makes you feel awkward and unnatural,and you prefer being without clothes,IRRESPECATABLE OF PEOPLE OPINIONS.A nudist also in my view is if ,lets say a visitor rocks up to your house,and youre in the nude,and they come into your house , and you recieve them at the door or gate in the nude,without feeling strange, and you are not phased by their remarks,their peeking at your privates,and you dont have to make an excuse because you are naked,and you carry on as normal.
Nudidts are also,in my opinnion,people that also promotes the nudist lifestyle by setting an example,by being naked....and if being nude gives you a sense of tranquility and pleasure,and you feel alive,irrespectable of the establishments views.
It all comes down to this...you dont justify your nudism,deffinately have a sense of dissaproval of clothes,on yourself and others,and just love being naked,and accepting nudism as a norm in your house,and its just normal for you to do things..well...naked,as an expression of what is normal life,in other words,where you loose the very conciousness of you being naked,without even realising you are naked.Recently I left for lectures,and when i had reversed the vechile out,I realised I was naked...and recently,and very often,when i climb into my car after lectures to return home,without noticing it,i undress and chuck the clothes on the seat next to me..

[Home Nudist]

Personally, I dislike labels.

I'm here as a "nudist" because this is a forum for people who can appreciate being naked. But, if being a "nudist" means that I must "promote" the lifestyle or see it as a philosophy bordering on a religion, then I am not a nudist.

I'm simply a person who likes to be naked for reasons of comfort, freedom, and the feelings of psychological well-being that nudity affords me.

Why complicate it by over-analysing it?

[DrewSea]

This seems like one of those nudity related questions/debates that has a gazillion different forms on these net forums: Who's a nudist? Vs. who's naturist? Exhibitionist? Who's a "swinger" (does anyone really still use that term?? seems so 60's.) Private vs. public? Indoor vs. outdoor? Home vs. away? Social vs. sexual? Wholesome vs. immoral? And so on.

Not being one for labels, political, religious, social, or otherwise, my sense is this name game probably doesn't really matter in the big picture. As this thread shows, there's no set of naked behaviors we have to get just right or have verified to receive official membership cards to the "nudist" club. (Not even AANR.)

But to the extent the label is useful to identify a shared interest, for me the common denominator is choosing to be naked for the sake of it, vs. because it's necessary to bathe or have sex. That allows for different types and degrees of nudist practices and preferences: Bedtime nudists, home nudists, outdoor nudists, beach nudists, social nudists.

Also, my view separates the behavior of nudity from the motivation for it. You're a nudist in any situation you're naked and don't have to be, regardless of why. This then even allows for "exhibitionist nudists", in my view: Those who like the feeling (sexual or otherwise) of being nude around non-nudists, wherever, just because. I've been known to be in this bucket. :-)

Almost always, I'm wary of the human tendency to try to put specific definitions and requirements on labels.

[inudist]

DrewSea, overall I do like your approach th this subject. One area where I disagree here is that any type of sexual motivation to be nude is not nudism as I see it. These two interests should be kept separate in my view.

[nickuma09]

It's the debate that can never be settled. But as to why I call myself a nudist (when I do) it is because i prefer to be in a state of nudity as much as possible/feel generally uncomfortable clothed.


the minute there is an official rulebook or definition is the minute i stop using the label.

[walter05]

I am wondering for a simple reason.

I think sleeping nude is pretty common.

A lot of families are casual about nudity without being nudists. I have been to many homes where people walked to and from the bathroom nude without being nudists.

Swimming nude was pretty normal.

Open nude showers and locker rooms were pretty common.

We have people claiming to be nudists that don't do the normal things nude.

I am wondering if today's nudist was like any textile 30 years ago.

[atalanta]

Personally, I dislike labels.

I'm here as a "nudist" because this is a forum for people who can appreciate being naked. But, if being a "nudist" means that I must "promote" the lifestyle or see it as a philosophy bordering on a religion, then I am not a nudist.

I'm simply a person who likes to be naked for reasons of comfort, freedom, and the feelings of psychological well-being that nudity affords me.

Why complicate it by over-analysing it?

Bingo! My thoughts exactly.

[Running Bear]

DrewSea, overall I do like your approach th this subject. One area where I disagree here is that any type of sexual motivation to be nude is not nudism as I see it. These two interests should be kept separate in my view.
But I need an exact definition of 'sexual motivation' that we all agree on. Is puppetry of the penis sexual? If I admire an attractive lady is that sexual? Is a stripper sexual? Is donning textiles at a naturist event sexual? Is body painting sexual? Is flirting sexual? Is kissing sexual? ....not so easy now is it?
The act of reproduction is something that is done in private but you must acknowledge that some people do not believe this (voyeurs, swingers) and I accept they have a right to their beliefs. Naturists have defined a code-of-social-behaviour that is not rigid and open to evolution. Social science is in a constant flux and any rigid definitions would distress me. Even events like the WNBR creates the question "does this make me a naturist?" or streaking.
Diversity and evolution of social ethics!

[naturalmanwa]

I must agree with atalanta. I am more comfortable when nude and clothed when practical or safety demands. I also don't push my nude beliefs on others, but certainly mention it when the occasion comes around to the right person.

[DrewSea]

DrewSea, overall I do like your approach th this subject. One area where I disagree here is that any type of sexual motivation to be nude is not nudism as I see it. These two interests should be kept separate in my view.

This is the perspective I don't quite follow, although maybe I agree depending on what you actually mean. I'm just making a point of semantics/language, not ethics or morality. I can fully agree that being naked is being naked, and being sexual is being sexual, separate concepts. What I can't accept is twisting language to enforce a completely asexual definition of "nudist".

Here's what I mean. If I'm naked at home for no particular reason, not aroused at a given moment, I'm sure most fellow nudists here would say, "ok great, that makes you a nudist, enjoy the freedom". But if a minute later I intentionally get myself sexually aroused (is it ok to say masturbate on here?), am I suddenly no longer a nudist by some rigorous definition, my AANR membership revoked until I return to my original unaroused/asexual but naked state?

I say I was a nudist the whole time, in both states, nakedly practicing nudism. In other words, while I acknowledge a *distinction* between nudism and sex, I don't see a *conflict*. Again, I'm just making a semantic case, not an ethical or moral one (like the ones I've been reading over in the "Nudism and Sexuality" forums, which may be where we should be discussing this...forum newbie here).

[Ken Palmer]

Hey Danita. That seems like a pretty rational and reasonable statement and I tend to agree with you. Nudism is indeed considered a social activity because it is practiced among other nudists outside the home at recognized venues. Obvious examples are nudist clubs or resorts,nude beaches, and the like.

Ken Palmer



My personal thoughts: Nudism is social and practiced outside the home 'as well' as in the home. Home nudity is just that: home nudity. I'm sure some will disagree but those are my feelings on this subject.

[nudeM]

To me, a nudist is one who enjoys living life without clothes, whether they can all the time or not, at home or away, with others or not. It's a frame of mind and the ability to practice as much as possible, or whenever feasable. Not all nudists are able to fully practice nudity 24/7. Many of "us" would love to, but due to living around non-nudists, or those who would be offended, cannot participate in home nudity all the time.

There are those who visit resorts, beaches and/or friends houses to participate in nude activities. Many participate in physical activities while others just like to lounge around and socialize while nude. Again, many of "us" cannot do this all the time, if at all BUT, that's not to say "we" are not nudists.

I consider myself a nudist because I am nude at home in the morning hours, and usually nude in the backyard all the time. But when others are awake, I wear a wrap around that makes it very apparent that I have nothing on underneath with my leg fully exposed. But since my "privates" are covered, then that is an acceptable garb. It's as close to being naked as much as possible, but to others, it's just my "robe". On the other hand, I will change to shorts when I know when we will be having visitors since the garb is very revealing, but I can live with that.

It's the frame of mind and ability to practice as much as possible. :smoking:

[inudist]

[QUOTE=Running Bear;222816]But I need an exact definition of 'sexual motivation' that we all agree on. Is puppetry of the penis sexual? If I admire an attractive lady is that sexual? Is a stripper sexual? Is donning textiles at a naturist event sexual? Is body painting sexual? Is flirting sexual? Is kissing sexual? ....not so easy now is it?
QUOTE]

While we are at it, why don't we discuss what the meaning of IS is. Come on, this sounds like something straight out of ole Bill Clinton's playbook here.

Now lets move on from ole Bill to young Willy.

[QUOTE=DrewSea;222970]
Here's what I mean. If I'm naked at home for no particular reason, not aroused at a given moment, I'm sure most fellow nudists here would say, "ok great, that makes you a nudist, enjoy the freedom". But if a minute later I intentionally get myself sexually aroused (is it ok to say masturbate on here?), am I suddenly no longer a nudist by some rigorous definition, my AANR membership revoked until I return to my original unaroused/asexual but naked state?QUOTE]

As far as I'm concerned you can wank your willy to your hearts content as long it is in private. Just make sure your AANR card is out of range when it's time for the big finish or you may find it stuck to your chuck-e-cheese club card the next time you pull it out for that nudist club discount.

Come on here, these arguments are so silly they are begging for a response like this.

I'm not trying to stand on any moral high ground here. I simply stated my opinion that nudism and sex are two separate things and I'm sticking to it. OOPS, did I just say that?

[Pete Knight]

This is the perspective I don't quite follow, although maybe I agree depending on what you actually mean. I'm just making a point of semantics/language, not ethics or morality. I can fully agree that being naked is being naked, and being sexual is being sexual, separate concepts. What I can't accept is twisting language to enforce a completely asexual definition of "nudist".

Here's what I mean. If I'm naked at home for no particular reason, not aroused at a given moment, I'm sure most fellow nudists here would say, "ok great, that makes you a nudist, enjoy the freedom". But if a minute later I intentionally get myself sexually aroused (is it ok to say masturbate on here?), am I suddenly no longer a nudist by some rigorous definition, my AANR membership revoked until I return to my original unaroused/asexual but naked state?

I say I was a nudist the whole time, in both states, nakedly practicing nudism. In other words, while I acknowledge a *distinction* between nudism and sex, I don't see a *conflict*. Again, I'm just making a semantic case, not an ethical or moral one (like the ones I've been reading over in the "Nudism and Sexuality" forums, which may be where we should be discussing this...forum newbie here).

No real issues with what you've written, but if you'd decided to go for your knuckle shuffle in the company of others, that would be something else entirely, you WOULD have overstepped the bounds of acceptability within naturism. If getting your rocks off whilst being watched, or participating in group sex are your bag, again no problem, but they are activities totally unconnected with naturism, you could join dogging, swinging and/or exhibitionist groups to satisfy those needs, but when you come back to us please just keep it to plain old nudity thanks.

Pete Knight

[DrewSea]

I simply stated my opinion that nudism and sex are two separate things and I'm sticking to it. OOPS, did I just say that?

Actually inudist, I interpreted your original post as saying two related but slightly distinct things:

1) "Any type of sexual motivation to be nude is not nudism"
2) "These two interests should be kept separate in my view."

#1 simply begs the semantics question I was teasing out. #2 is more of a values statement, and what I read both you and Pete as responding to above. I'm not challenging #2 whatsoever, it's a perfectly valid personal preference and choice for your own modes of enjoying nudism.

All I'm asserting is that if/when others make a different choice to mix their sexual and nudist interests, this wouldn't stop them from being "nudists", in my view, just a different type of nudist. And I have no disagreement that doing so in today's typical nudist venues should be deemed unacceptable, no different than any other non-permitted behavior in that particular community (smoking, drinking, cursing, littering, speeding, etc.).

FWIW I do notice Pete opted to use the word "naturism" vs. "nudism", and I realize there've been many prior discussions about the distinctions. I'll just say I'm not sure what the commonly accepted view is on this, but if "naturism" explicitly implies non-sexual motivations, then its semantics may be different than what I'm claiming to be the case for "nudism".

[matthew_starsberg]

i think that it is important to remember that nudism is a way of life, not a standard. people choose to label themselves as nudists, while others do not. i would not undermine the accomplishments of home nudists, nude sleepers, skinny dippers, etc--to them, all that matters is that they are enjoying an activity in the buff--whether theu call themselves "nudists" or not is irrelevent...isn't the point of the nudist lifestyle that it doesn't matter?

[Homenude60]

Then again, there are some that never get a chance to be nude anywhere besides their home. And some that can't really go nude at all. Yet they have the desire and openmindedness it takes to even consider nudism.
I would call them all nudists. even if they don't consider themselves to be.

Nudism is more in your state of mind than in your state of dress.

Yes, this is me! I was beginning to think I wasn't a nudist after all by some of the other replies.
I can only be nude at home and even then at limited times, my wife is not a nudist even though she accepts me as one. But, I would like to be nude a lot more.