Telling Friends

[TXK NUDE]

I have recently had the most interesting expereince! A few weeks ago, while several old college friends were down for a wedding, they stayed in our home. I felt obligated to tell them that in our home we often go nude, and that if they felt more comfortable that way, they could join us, or if they were not comfortable, we would understand. To our surprise, most of them were very understanding, and though they did not wish to join in with us, they said it would not bother them for us to be comfortable. One friend did eventually become comfortable emough to run around in her underwear with us before she left, admitting that in her own home, she was often nude.

Then again, while walking around in Books-A-Million, we met a couple that we had seen in classes at the local community college. They had a young son and so we started talking--only to find out they were nudists too, and attended the same club that we frequent! Of course, they had some friends like ours who knew they were nudists, but didn't always want to join them. They were thrilled to find us, another nudist couple so close by!

Combined with the friends we've made at the club and over the internet, we are finding more people than we would have believed that enjoy being nude with others in a NON-SEXUAL manner. This is so cool!

Aside from a few people who just WOULDN'T understand, we are finding a new bravery to broach the subject with others who might be willing to at least listen. It's very freeing to share this lifestyle with others.

[TXK NUDE]

I have recently had the most interesting expereince! A few weeks ago, while several old college friends were down for a wedding, they stayed in our home. I felt obligated to tell them that in our home we often go nude, and that if they felt more comfortable that way, they could join us, or if they were not comfortable, we would understand. To our surprise, most of them were very understanding, and though they did not wish to join in with us, they said it would not bother them for us to be comfortable. One friend did eventually become comfortable emough to run around in her underwear with us before she left, admitting that in her own home, she was often nude.

Then again, while walking around in Books-A-Million, we met a couple that we had seen in classes at the local community college. They had a young son and so we started talking--only to find out they were nudists too, and attended the same club that we frequent! Of course, they had some friends like ours who knew they were nudists, but didn't always want to join them. They were thrilled to find us, another nudist couple so close by!

Combined with the friends we've made at the club and over the internet, we are finding more people than we would have believed that enjoy being nude with others in a NON-SEXUAL manner. This is so cool!

Aside from a few people who just WOULDN'T understand, we are finding a new bravery to broach the subject with others who might be willing to at least listen. It's very freeing to share this lifestyle with others.

[Lab]

Hello all! was a beautifull weekend that just pased!And a very happy one for me! Saterday I informed my five girs that im a nudist! they took it very well!Two of them are married with kids of there own,one isnt married but also has a child and the other two live with there mother.They all live in Conn,so we dont realy get to see each other all that much being that i live 3 hrs away,
this weekend the three younger ones 14,17,20
all came up and spent the week end with us and we went to the local textile beach.They were all amazed at the tan that i had and wanted to know where and how i got it.Well I was a little imbarresed to explain but I said what the hell your all old enough to know!So with that I began to explain that I was a nudist! The responce that I got was special!no negitivity at all! but a lot of questions!They all feel great for me and hope that Im enjoying myself.They were a little surprised that my g/f was a nudist also but they are all ok with it also.So I guess that being open and honest with loved ones is the best policy.I feel that I have made a big step in the growth of my nudist life style this week end.A lot of my courage to be open with them came from reading the many wounderfull posts that I have been reading here in the fourm.thanks for the encouragement.My g/f and I are going to a new place in maine ths week for some sun and fun and a litle relaxation in the nude.It is a bran new place just starting up this year not sure exactly where it is as of yet but we are going to get there no matter what.I spoke to the owner an he is sending me all the info on Monday.I will definetly let you all know how it was.

[Trailscout]

Good going Lab!
I only wish someone had told me about nudism when I was younger. It was all so mysterious. I used to wonder why these people were nude and what they did.
Well the answer is they simply realize that lots of times clothes are uncomfortable and it's just nice to get back to nature, the way we were meant to be. As for what they do, why they do what everyone does in a public park or campground. If only someone had told me.
God bless you for mustering the courage to tell your kids. Maybe they will think it over and try going natural someday! The ball is now in their court.

I told my daughters, aged 28 and 31, that I joined a nudist club. The younger one took it surprisingly well, but the older one was shocked! I don't understand why. I was always nude at home when they were little. She apparently had forgotten, or maybe she didn't think being nude at home would turn into being nude with other people.

I've told a few people at work. Most take it very well and are positive about it. I often get, "I could never do it" or "It's not for me". I have a 27-year-old nephew living with me who just recently went nude in front of me for the first time. It took him a long to do that because he was uncomfortable with my nudity and said he would be embarrassed for me to see him nude. Now he has agreed to go to Turtle Lake Resort with me this July 4! He said he would probably never get as serious about it as I am, and I told him, "You never know; you just might get hooked on it just as I have."

People may be shocked or embarrassed, but you'll never know until you tell them. Of course, I've never told anyone at my church. I could just imagine THEIR response. I have been tempted to tell them and find out, but I always chicken out.

I wish that I had not been discouraged by everyone I spoke to in my younger years who said, "They don't let single men into nudist clubs." I've been unmarried more than I've been married. I'm 56 and been married less than 6 years of that time. I'm presently divorced and wishing I could find an unattached nudist lady around my age who loves to be nude as much as I do. Be nude and have fun. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Trailscout]

Nude always,

I think you are wise to be extra cautious with church folks about being a nudist. The teaching that it is shameful to be naked and that nudity is linked to sex is so widespread that you would probably be asked to leave the congregation if you told them that you were a nudist.

If you have true friends in church who can be trusted, I would send up a "test balloon", maybe tell a story about how you went skinnydipping as a boy and see how they react. If you say that you want to talk with them about a very controversial doctrine, and they agree to "keep what you hear in this room", then tell them that you believe that nudity is not wrong under some circumstances and be quick to explain that you are not a swinger or a peeping tom, or anything of the kind. Be prepared to study the Bible with them and answer the objections to nudism commonly raised by religious people.

I met a minister of music in Tennessee who took some people in his congregation into his confidence about one thing and they kept silent. Later, he asked them again to keep their word not to mention something to the rest of the church and they broke their word. That second "something" was his nudism and he was taken into a private meeting with the pastor and the pastor and staff asked him to leave the church. The pastor told his flock that my friend was going to serve the Lord elsewhere. I guess it could have been worse.

If these churches are so hardheaded, why do we keep going to them? Because for all their faults, they deserve to hear the whole truth about nudism. I believe that once they understand the truth, Christians can be some of the best advocates for returning our bodies to the nudity that God wants for us.

The point to all this is, by being a nudist, no matter how discrete you try to be, there is a slight chance that you will be found out and if that happens a good chance that you will be asked to leave your church.

The easy way out is just to never go nude again. But you know that is not the will of God. I also believe that it is God's will that we risk telling those who seem trustworthy, that God wants us to be nude.
Let's do the right thing no matter what it takes.

[David77]

Thankfully, I go to a liberal church where all the church members know that I attend naturist resorts and I have not gotten any negative feedback whatever, as they honor my right to think for myself. Of course, I can not read the minds of some of them who may think negatively about it.

[Wood Thrush]

Hi everybody. I'm very new to public nudism. I had wondered about it for a long time and a few yearsago, I tried being nude in the house when I was alone. Last summer I graduated to stepping ouside in my back yard after noticing tht no on could look in. Finally last weekend I graduated. My wife was away and I went to the beach by myself. Through internet reserch I learned of a nude beach. It was everything I could have wanted and I can't wait to go back.

HERE'S MY QUESTION FOR YOU OLD TIMERS: My wife just wouldn't understand. She's not a prude but sadly she has a very poor body image and I am sure she justt wouldn't get it. I hate living a lie and besides her not knowing means I have to sneak around. Any thoughts/experiences that might help me work through ths?

Wood, I'm a firm believer that "Honesty is the best policy". Well, in most cases anyway. You should be honest with your wife and tell her how you feel, and that you've discovered that being nude is very enjoyable, and that you would love to have her find that out for herself. If you have a clothing-optional nudist club or resort near you--and there's plenty of them in CA--ask her to visit one with you. Tell her that she doesn't even have to get nude while you're there since it is clothing-optional.

Tell her that most nudists are just ordinary people who have ordinary bodies. We come in all shapes and sizes--skinny, fat, tall, short, deformed, crippled, you name it. I saw one today at the nudist resort where I went whose body was covered with big clumps of skin. It looked pretty bad, but he didn't seem to care. There are men with tiny or no visible penis. There are women with very small breasts or no visible ones. Whatever her problem with her body, other people have the same problem. And you know what? We don't care. You will both be accepted and welcomed. No one will point out anything they may see that she is self-conscious about. No one will point a finger and laugh. No one will reject her because of whatever she may be self-conscious about.

I have always had a poor self image, but social nudism has helped me to overcome that. It has helped me to overcome my fear of being seen nude and being laughed at because of my small manhood. No one has ever laughed.

A nude beach wouldn't be the best place to take her for her first nude experience. A clothing-optional club or resort would be best. Good luck. Have fun and be nude. Call me Jon-Marc. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Naked Bob 2]

I agree with the prior post. I went through the same thing with my wife I think most of us men have. I would suggest that you show her some of the material on the internet and perhaps get some books on the subject, The Naturist Society has several good ones that they sell on their site. If she is thinking about it but shy I would even see if it is possible to join a travel group or what is refered to as a Non- Landed club in your area. Then see if they have an meetings or outings where you are expected to remain clothed i.e. Going out to dinner or a trip to a sportng event or something like that. I know the club I belong to does these things almost as regularly as they do nude things. They even do things just for women like having a get together just for woomen no men allowed. I have read stories here that once the lady was there she surprised everyone including herself and she took to it like a duck to water. Be patient and persistent but not pushy. Women have to get over way more negative self image and stereotyping than men do. It sucks, but that is what our society, via the media, has done to them.

[Nakedman61]

Nudism is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I don't hesitate to share my experiences with others. In my 10 years as a nudist I have never had one bad experience. I have had people to burst out laughing histerically and I have been teased a lot but it has all been good natured. A lot of people says it's cool and a lot of others say they could never do it. It is probably best not to tell church goers. You don't need to tell somebody that is bad to make comments about people that wears shorts that are too short. Sharing our experiences with others is one of the best things we can do for our lifestyle. Telling others about our lifestyle is the only way we can get more people involved in nudism. We should not let the fear of being teased keep us from telling others about our lifestyle. Nakedman61

[nudeM]

Wood Thrush: I was the same way for a long time, until this past month. It has been extremely hot, so I gambled and walked into our living stark naked. To my suprise, my wife didm't seem to care. So again, I decided to clean the pool in the nude when my wife wasn't home. When she did return, there I was, completely naked, after I called the neighbors just to let them know. My neighbors didn't care, so I was safe going around my yard nude, without worrying about getting "caught". I just decided it was the right time. My kids are of older age (17, 14), and don't seem to care, even though they are uncomfortable. I still wear a towel inside the house, but outside, I don't wear clothes at all. Maybe you should also "roll the dice" and show up in the living room, kitchen, dining room, with nothing on. Who knows, maybe your wife will accept you also. She may not join you, but she will know that you don't like to wear clothes at certain times of the day. Being nude around family members shouldn't be frowned upon. It's just being seen by the neighbors, she may question.

It's rough enough living by the "rules" of society, so why not live by the rules of your own home? Just a thought. It worked for me.

[TXK NUDE]

My wife had(s) poor body image, and thought I was a kook and obsessed by my desire to go nude in front of other people besides her. I tried to hide my internet nudist practices from her for a long time, but I finally decided to talk to her openly and honestly about it. After months of genuine discussion, not fighting, she finally agreed to visit a local club with me, but would not go nude all the time. Well, needless to say, we went and spent the weekend, and by day two she was fairly comfortable with being nude along with me. In fact, she was the one who insisted we go visit another club close by to decide which one we liked better to join!

The morale of the story is be honest, and patient. Show genuine concern for her resistance. If she will let you, show her sites like this one that have great links to positive nudity, and some great research pages. Let her feel her way around on her own for a while, and then gently suggest you visit a club or beach together, without the kids, for her to try. Give her the option to say when you leave, and abide by her decision even if you don't like it. Nudism is about respect, and your relationship with your wife is more important that being nude. Show her that respect, and you may be surprised how quickly she turns from being "clothed-minded" to being "clothing optional"!

Txk.... Im trying to be patient. Ive got my wife looking at an occassional " Photo O The Day" but not much hope of much else.I even feel guilty for joining the Forum. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[TXK NUDE]

Keep trying...I neve thought my wife would join in...but she has, and I am so grateful.

[T&K]

The most important thing involved in telling friends or family about your nudism to really understand in your own mind that: 1. Nudity is not about sex. 2. There is absolutely nothing "wrong" with enjoying the freedom of wearing no clothing.
Once you have those 2 things firmly established in your own mind, just be straightforward about it. My wife and I were apprehensive about it at first, but after we told the first family member, the rest came rather easily. Even the ones who will likely never join us will ask,"Did you have a good time at the resort last weekend?" Everybody has just taken it in stride, and it is just something that we do, just like my inlaws line-dance, and the neighbors are bikers, etc.
The first step was just for us to KNOW in our own minds that THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH NUDITY. After that, piece of cake... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I have reached the point where I tell people more easily that I'm a nudist. Surprisingly, most people don't act too surprised or shocked when I tell them. Only a few do.

It's the very religious people, like me, that I don't tell because I don't care to get into a discussion of how "sinful" it is and try to justify something I know isn't wrong. I'm one of many Christians who has learned through the study of the Bible that it says nothing against social nudity, but many have been brainwashed into believing a lie--that nudity equals sexual activity, and therefore it's not something to be done openly with others, and certainly not with children! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[dleon]

I agree than honest an open approach is the best. In my, case I had sent the day, with a male coworker building a fence. since we had not completed the task he suggested that I spend the night. when I refused he wanted to no why . I told that I had not come prpared to stay. and that I sleep in the nude, a couple of days later, he found me in the locker room at work changing into a clean uniform since I do not own or wear underwear of any type other than socks. that was step two. since I have no tan lines. He asked about that I decided what the hell, he knows I sleep nude am alway nude under my pants may as well go the rest of the way ( I told him that I am a nudist both socially and at home. He has teased me about it but it is now a dead issue. since has learned that being a nudist is just part of who I am.

doug