naturism: lifestyle or pasttime?

Dude in Nor Cal · #1 10-03-2002, 09:58 PM

Hey everyone. I'm curious how dedicated people feel to the naturist "lifestyle". It is a lifestyle, because the desire to be naked is so starkly in contrast with the socially accepted norm that we have to have all our own beaches, resorts, etc.

It sometimes takes an effort to make it to these resorts and beaches, especially depending on where you live. Even though I consider myself a naturist, I never have time to actually go to any of these place (especially when I'm at school in the midwest, and all the good places seem to be places warm and coastal). Does this mean that I'm not really a naturist, or just that it has taken a backseat to other stuff? And if so, can it be called a lifestyle?

Dude in Nor Cal · #2 10-03-2002, 09:58 PM

Hey everyone. I'm curious how dedicated people feel to the naturist "lifestyle". It is a lifestyle, because the desire to be naked is so starkly in contrast with the socially accepted norm that we have to have all our own beaches, resorts, etc.

It sometimes takes an effort to make it to these resorts and beaches, especially depending on where you live. Even though I consider myself a naturist, I never have time to actually go to any of these place (especially when I'm at school in the midwest, and all the good places seem to be places warm and coastal). Does this mean that I'm not really a naturist, or just that it has taken a backseat to other stuff? And if so, can it be called a lifestyle?

Tia · #3 10-04-2002, 06:20 AM

I guess my constant nudity make me think of it as a lifestyle and not just an activity one does for fun.

#4 10-04-2002, 08:54 AM

Ben_M pretty well sums up my feelings on the "Topic".....I've thought of myself as a closet naturist , but" Naturist at heart "sounds much better.

nudeatheart · #5 10-04-2002, 09:13 PM

Outdoorbare,

I too am a closet nudist, hence the name I have been using -- "nudeatheart".

**Bob S.** · #6 10-04-2002, 10:53 PM

Lifestyles are not always constantly being pursued or practiced by those who consider an activity a lifestyle. If you generally agree with the ideals behind the nudist "lifestyle" but cannot participate because of circumstance, then you are still in the lifestyle, just non-practicing.

It would be considered a recreation if you are not avid about it and only seek out places to be naked (especially beaches) for rest/relaxation/recreation. The weekend Haulover visitor who has no other interest in nudism would consider it a recreational part of their life. Those who are politically involved in nudist issues or are naked as often as they can be may consider it a lifestyle.

Bob S.

nudeM · #7 10-05-2002, 03:53 AM

Jusy my two cents worth - To me, if you live your life 24/7 in the nude, do your household chores in the buff (inside and out), go to nude establishments constantly, then to me, this is considered a lifestyle.

If you are nude after a long days work, sitting and watching the evening news, do weekend chores and go to nude etablishments, only not on a constant time schedule. If you are nude, only when it would be appropriate in your own home (relatives, friends, etc..), then to me, this would be considered a pastime.

I personally am nude at home, only when the kids are not around, while inside the house. While inside, I cover up with a towel. While outside, I am nude the majority of the time, kids or not. This practice has been an on-going practice for the last several months. I would consider this as being a pastime, even though I prefer to be nude all the time, but just can't.

Any thoughts?

**Bob S.** · #8 10-05-2002, 10:38 PM

Well nudeM, to add on to my thoughts in answering your post,

A lifestyle does not have to, and in most cases cannot be pursued 24/7. My living arrangements and work limit my time being naked, so I am usually naked about 3-4 hours on weekdays and 6-8 hours on weekends not counting sleep times. I am, however, a member of a nudist park and AANR. I consider nudism as one of my lifestyles as I believe in its philosophy and ideals.

Bob S.

nudeM · #9 10-06-2002, 05:24 AM

Bob S: Very nice response. Maybe you hit one of the main characteristics in distinguishing the difference between lifestyle and pastime. People like myself, who are nude only some of the time, may not be a member of any nudist organizations, only home nudist. I do not attend any nudist resorts, social gatherings or nude activities (I do go to a nude beach at times). I would love to be nude at all times, but can't. That is why I believe, in my particular case, nudism would be considered a pastime. Those who attend the above mentioned criteria, could possibly be considered living a nudist lifestyle.

Thanks for the response.

leafu · #10 06-22-2006, 06:51 PM

I think that naturism is somewhere between pasttime& lifestyle depending.