How do you react?

[Rik]

You know the sort of thing: you're in a group of people (perhaps at work or a social gathering) and someone mentions they stumbled on a nudist beach and everyone laughs. Then they trot out the old jokes about "wobbly bits", "bouncing balls" etc. They talk about people "parading" around. There's usually some comic reference of a sexual nature and then someone says "WHY do they do that???"

By this time you clearly believe you're in a minority of one so how do you react?

Do you laugh along with the rest of them? Do you say "well actually I know exactly why they do that"? Do you cringe with embarrasment? Or what?

Personally I find it difficult to know how to react. I'm certainly not ashamed of being a naturist but equally I don't go out of my way to make it known and I've no particular desire to suddenly become the centre of attention of a large group of potentially hostile people. So I tend to keep quiet but I sometimes feel afterwards that I wish I'd said something.

Rik

[Rik]

You know the sort of thing: you're in a group of people (perhaps at work or a social gathering) and someone mentions they stumbled on a nudist beach and everyone laughs. Then they trot out the old jokes about "wobbly bits", "bouncing balls" etc. They talk about people "parading" around. There's usually some comic reference of a sexual nature and then someone says "WHY do they do that???"

By this time you clearly believe you're in a minority of one so how do you react?

Do you laugh along with the rest of them? Do you say "well actually I know exactly why they do that"? Do you cringe with embarrasment? Or what?

Personally I find it difficult to know how to react. I'm certainly not ashamed of being a naturist but equally I don't go out of my way to make it known and I've no particular desire to suddenly become the centre of attention of a large group of potentially hostile people. So I tend to keep quiet but I sometimes feel afterwards that I wish I'd said something.

Rik

[Frank R]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rik:
You know the sort of thing: you're in a group of people (perhaps at work or a social gathering) and someone mentions they stumbled on a nudist beach and everyone laughs...By this time you clearly believe you're in a minority of one so how do you react? Do you laugh along with the rest of them? Do you say "well actually I know exactly why they do that"? Do you cringe with embarrasment? Or what?

Personally I find it difficult to know how to react...So I tend to keep quiet but I sometimes feel afterwards that I wish I'd said something.

Rik <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I know the feeling. One way I have tried to make people more aware of nudity is to bring it up by discussing various things in the news about nudity such as the guys arrested in Canada for being nude but the charges being dismissed. Every time I see of these articles that I think is interesting I make a note of it and mention it to some of my employees. My biggest concern that I am a supervisor and the sharp sword of "sexual harressment" is the big thing that keeps me from bringing up that I am a nudist.

Since I've never been in that position, it's impossible to say what I would or would not do or say. It would depend on who they were, where we were, and on whether I think it would be better to be quiet or say something in defense of nudism.

I don't always speak up in defense of my Christian beliefs because I know it would be a waste of time and effort. I'm sure I would have to weigh the pros and cons of saying, "I'm a nudist, and I love it. There's nothing wrong with social nudism. You should try it before you condemn it."

I get all kinds of reactions from people when I say that I'm a nudist. The last one I said it to was clearly embarrassed by the subject, though curious at the same time. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[FireProf]

The subject of being a nudist came up for me at work. Long story short, the people I work with found out. Yes, the laughing, joking, etc. took place. Initially and for some time after, the joking did always have a sexual connotation attached. Each time this subject came up and I, being the only known nudist, was the focus of the joking and laughing.
How did I react? Just sat and smiled and listened to the comments. I never tried to rebut or defend. I would just say to them that when they really wanted to know about naturism/nudism I would be willing to talk candidly about it. I think I knew what was going to happen. Soon thereafter I was approached by one person at a time that was curious and had many questions.

I don't react the way I'd like...punching someone in the nose!, when we nudists are made fun of or when they turn the conversation about nudism into a joke about wild sex and so on. I really try to educate them and tell them why my wife and I enjoy nudism. I usually talk to people one on one so they are more honest about their questions or concerns. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[nudeboots]

I have been in this situation many times and usually I take it as an opportunity to educate my co-workers and friends. The whole idea of nudism runs as some sort of irrisponsible insanity amoung a lot of people, I quickly point out that micro bathing suits are much more insane as they not only barely cover the "vital" areas they draw attention to those areas and they cost a lot of money, so who is being insane, the person drawing attention to themselves or the person just hanging out naturally. I have won many converts to nudism in this way.

[steevo]

Glad to hear the different situations and how they were handled. I haven't be in the situation yet myself, but it is always good to be able to think about it before it is in your face. Thanks!

[nudedude]

I myself have been in this situation a few times. When the subjest of social/recreational nudity comes up, I shrug it off as no big deal. I'll say something like "Well why would you wear clothes if you didn't have to?" Or, " I can think of worse things they could be doing..." Most people tend to agree with me.

[MaxUK]

Been in that situation a few times. The first time I completely backed off and laughed along (bunch of lorry drivers who I hardly knew - who can blame me!!)

Second time I said 'Well I've tried it and quite enjoyed it actually. I'd certainly do it again', to which one comedian replied, 'ehgg - you weirdo!! to the obvious amusement of the others (mixed sex)
A few more minutes of piss-taking ensued and I maintained a kind of 'dignified' stance !! just asking the jokers what their problems with nudity were - didn't get very far to be honest but I felt good afterwards.

Max

[Brian]

I haven't been in this situation yet, so thanks people, for the comments (to keep for reference). Even though people at work do know, I have told them individually and each one has been accepting of it (they are all women by the way).

[beavis]

I'm not sure what I will say (I'm going to assume that the subject will come up, or somehow, someone will find out that I am a nudist, ie: at work). I am glad that this question was asked. It will get me thinking of several responses, and have something ready to say when the time comes. Usually, I think of something really good to say - THE NEXT DAY! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Sin Vestido]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rik:
You know the sort of thing: you're in a group of people (perhaps at work or a social gathering) and someone mentions they stumbled on a nudist beach and everyone laughs. Then they trot out the old jokes about "wobbly bits", "bouncing balls" etc. They talk about people "parading" around. There's usually some comic reference of a sexual nature and then someone says "WHY do they do that???"

By this time you clearly believe you're in a minority of one so how do you react?

Do you laugh along with the rest of them? Do you say "well actually I know exactly why they do that"? Do you cringe with embarrasment? Or what?

Personally I find it difficult to know how to react. I'm certainly not ashamed of being a naturist but equally I don't go out of my way to make it known and I've no particular desire to suddenly become the centre of attention of a large group of potentially hostile people. So I tend to keep quiet but I sometimes feel afterwards that I wish I'd said something.

Rik <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Xen]

At work I think it's probably best to keep quiet -there are so many accusations of harassment now that there's too great an possibility of the information being twisted and used against you later.

[Vin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nudedude:
I myself have been in this situation a few times. When the subjest of social/recreational nudity comes up, I shrug it off as no big deal. I'll say something like "Well why would you wear clothes if you didn't have to?" Or, " I can think of worse things they could be doing..." Most people tend to agree with me. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Excellent response. I tend to be pretty nonchalant about it, too. My usual response is "Why not? What's it hurting?" or something along that line. My friends are not surprised at most of my opinions (or that I express them) anymore. If the subject comes up, I'm pretty open in most social settings.

At work, it also helps that some of my colleagues know I'm interested in nudism. They aren't sure how far to take it since one called me during a hike and jokingly asked "So, what are you wearing?" to which I replied "You don't really want me to answer that, do you?" I don't think they know what to make of me after that. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[ah2benude]

I wonder if the people in that group that make the most jokes, are really the ones who want to try it the most

[ScubaRay]

I have been in this situation with family and travel compaions. With one family member she had made a comment about the "nudist camp" for kids- it was in the new about a year ago. I had expain that it was a nudist camp for kids only but part of a nude campground that had kid activities. She quickly drop the subject. I have also expain to family about nude beaches but they just start laughing and will change the subject. With travel campaions they will comment about how "foreigner" in the Caribbean will be topless or completely nude and that isn't right. I simple say "no one care if they are seen that way" because they were raised that way. They (travel compaions) feel nude and life shouldn't be in the same sentence. If you are comfortable with yourself- no one cares how they are seen, nude or otherwise. I have mention to them that I have gone to some nude beaches or parks- and again I get laughs and then the subject will quickly change. So I try to get people to talk openly about the nude life but the "norm" in American is that only place to be nude is in the shower and not were someone might see you.
Ray

[NudePete]

None of us wants to be seen as an object of ridicule. I don't personally want to be known as "that guy who can't join in the fun without turning it into a lecture". So I usually make innocent sounding observations designed to get people to question why they were laughing in the first place, like "It certainly must have been cooler for the naked guy", "just why was everyone surprised at her skinny-dipping?", or "I don't think they were looking for a sexual thrill at all". That's what I do in large groups.

I have yet to experience this kind of conversation in a small group. I suspect (and plan) that I would bring up my personal experiences at that point.

[justnude]

I too have been in that situation and treat it much like I would if the group began making fun of any group... "Well, actually, you may not know this but I love to go to the nude beaches along with my family and friends!" The point is, if you do not say anything you are actually agreeing with the comments. If you do not want to "come out", try something along the lines of "Gee, I bet it would actually feel great not to walk around with sand in my wet bathing suit!"

[Jason Heh]

I usually fes up and tell them I'm a nudist.

After the laughter stops, I usually tell them funny stories from some of the resorts I've stayed at.

All the time....educating them that average people are nudist, people just their friend, Jason.

Almost everytime someone else confesses to me that they like being nude too. Of course after the subject has died off with the rest of the croud.


Nude it up.....today!!!!! (I will)

[Nudony]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Almost everytime someone else confesses to me that they like being nude too. Of course after the subject has died off with the rest of the croud. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's happened to me twice. On both occasions where nudism was brought up in conversation (without any knowledge of me being one), I sat back and listened to the comments, and then jumped in to rebute a misconception (as in "I've been to a nude beach, and none of that goes on there, or "No, seeing one's parents nude at a young age is not detrimental to a child." Both time I've gotten "weird" looks, and the conversation quickly died down. I guess I broke the mood by turning a "funny" conversation into a serious, and maybe uncomfortable one for these people.

Interestingly though, the first time, a co-worker jumped in the moment I opened my mouth and announced with brio that she skinny-dipped with her entire family (it seemed my intervention gave her an injection of bravery!). The second time, at another job, another co-worker approached me later that day and confided that her son liked to run around nude and kept trying to get her to take her clothes off, and didn't know how to handle it. I was happy to share my insight.

I think many, many people have thought about it, but never followed through. That's why we need to open our mouths whenever possible.

[krcNY]

Now that we have more confidence in our clothing optional lifestyle, we are not afraid to agree to being a part of it. That being said, in the past 2 years we have found that most of our friends and neighbors also have Clothing Optional home...who would have guessed.

[tinner666]

I often tell customers and friends that I'm a nudist. And I have nothing to be ashamed of. It's normal. Clothing is abnormal. Anyway, the wife and I don't hide it. We are also greeters at our Open House events.
And we try to respond like Nudony when the conversations turn that way. Frank

[NudeAl]

I have had a similar experience. I once was talking to a guy I work with about a recent news article about Blacks beach and a ban on nudity there. Well the ban was only for the city portions of that beach and as anyone who has been there knows most of the property is on state land. Well he kept insisting on how all nudity had been banned and I kept telling him that there was still a mile or so of nude beach left. Anyhow he said something about knowing he was right because he knew a woman who went there and she told him the ban was in effect I proceeded to tell him I knew what I was talking about because I was down there last weekend. That sort of shut him up for a second and then the obvious question, "Were you naked?" Well of course! That's what you are supposed to do at a nude beach! A few jokes and some questions but I was glad I had the courage to tell someone I work with even better to put him in his place so to speak and win the argument.

I often bring up the subject of being a nudist and living in a nudist resort. I did that yesterday when I bought a car battery. The two guys had no problem with it, and the younger one who seemed to be in his 20's said he had been to Turtle Lake Resort where I lived. I like to find out people's reactions by doing that.