Naturist / Nudist / Exhibitionist? What's the difference?

[Chocolate]

I'm new to thew whole experience of being unclothed. I have had a number of experiences where I've gone without clothes before, however it was more of a novelty (except for the art class I posed for).

Was just wondering, do many of you make a difference in regards to naturism and nudism? I threw in "exhibitionists" in the subject line because I figured it was a remote far removed cousin of the two. But, how do you all make a distinction, if you do at all? Is there a certain mind-set or act that makes the distinction in your opinion?

[Chocolate]

I'm new to thew whole experience of being unclothed. I have had a number of experiences where I've gone without clothes before, however it was more of a novelty (except for the art class I posed for).

Was just wondering, do many of you make a difference in regards to naturism and nudism? I threw in "exhibitionists" in the subject line because I figured it was a remote far removed cousin of the two. But, how do you all make a distinction, if you do at all? Is there a certain mind-set or act that makes the distinction in your opinion?

[Jochanaan]

To outsiders naturism seems more a euphemism for nudism than anything else, but to practitioners there is a subtle difference. Nudists just like to be naked with other naked people. Naturists also like this, but prefer natural settings for it.

Exhibitionism is a completely different concept: getting naked in the sight of people who are not. Often there is an erotic element in exhibitionism that nudists and naturists both deplore.

I hope this helps!

[florida-david]

I wonder, do exhibitionists have different "segments"? it seems that under the heading exhibitionist, you have streakers (which seem to me to be generally non-sexual), you have flashers (in the car or hiding behind a coat) etc., etc. i've always thought that streakers were the most innocent, and maybe most are more like nudists than sexual deviants. any comments on that?

[Naturist Mark]

I've seen some people put a certain connotation on naturist and another on nudist, and then have others exactly reverse them. They mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

The rest of society knows what nudist means (even though they usually don't know squat about nudism), but most are unfamiliar with naturist (just read a newspaper article where it was spelled naturalist). The unfamiliar term avoids the negative connotation nudist has among the narrow minded -for a few nanoseconds, but that does give you the opportunity to explain that it isn't what they think.

OK, the third word, an exhibitionist wants you to look at them, and would like a strong, even outraged reaction.

A nudist/naturist doesn't give a damn if you look or not, and doesn't see any reason for any particular reaction.

-Mark

[greensunshine]

quote:

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Originally posted by naturistmark1:
[qb] I've seen some people put a certain connotation on naturist and another on nudist, and then have others exactly reverse them. They mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

The rest of society knows what nudist means (even though they usually don't know squat about nudism), but most are unfamiliar with naturist (just read a newspaper article where it was spelled naturalist). The unfamiliar term avoids the negative connotation nudist has among the narrow minded -for a few nanoseconds, but that does give you the opportunity to explain that it isn't what they think.

OK, the third word, an exhibitionist wants you to look at them, and would like a strong, even outraged reaction.

A nudist/naturist doesn't give a damn if you look or not, and doesn't see any reason for any particular reaction.

-Mark [/qb]

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Here is a great example of where some of those who prefer to practice Exhibitionist reside: our State Prisons...some of these people who are convicted of child molestion/exposing themselves to minors...not all who are convicted of child molesting are actually molestors. I had a former neighbor who was guilty of such act...exposing himself to minors but not molesting them. This gentleman is still labeled a sex offender because of his behavior.

Not to defend these peoples acts, but next time someone says to you that so and so is a child molestor...one needs to ask a few more questions as to how/why he/she is being given that label.

Another point in todays world...the world is so quick to point the finger even though the person having the finger pointed at them is totally innocent...the word of a child often holds more value than that of the accused [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

Greensunshine in the Pacific NW [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Bob S.]

Jochanaan has the right idea in terms of nudist/naturist but I must add that the distinction is mainly made in the US. Everywhere else, the terms are interchangeable, including with me. You can think of naturism as the Europeanized term that was carried over here in the 80s.

David gave a great breakdown of exhibitionism. And also as Mark mentioned, they "{want} you to look at them" while they are naked. They want a reaction. Nudists concentrate on the internal feelings that nudity gives them, exhibitionists concentrate on other's reactions to the nudity.

And also, nudists prefer to be around others who are naked as well, usually keeping their nudity to the appropriate venues. Exhibitionists prefer to be around others who are clothed.

Bob S.

[Guest]

I've always thought naturist and nudist were two words with the same meaning. Even at 5-years-old I knew what a nudist was, and I'm sure most people have some idea (right or wrong) of what a nudist is, but they wouldn't have any idea what a naturist is, and would more than likely confuse it with naturalist, so I always use the word nudist. Then I usually have to try to dispel their misconceptions of what social nudism is about--usually unsuccessfully.

[nudeM]

Naturists and nudists are basically the same. They are the ones who prefer to perform everyday activities in the nude, 24/7 if possible. I consider myself a nudist because I like to be nude every chance I get, but being a naturist, to me is being able to enjoy the outdoor life i.e., camping, hiking, boating, etc. in the company of others. At this time, I have not experienced the naturist lifestyle (except for visiting a nude beach). Being a nudist, I live the nude lifestyle at home and perform chores, swim and relax while nude.

An exhibitionist, on the other hand, will go out of his/her way, to be nude in the presence of clothed ones such as flashing, streaking, etc. A nudist/naturist, could be considered an exhibitionist if they wear very revealing clothing while in the public. Are they considered an exhibitionist though? Not hardly, but they are considered to be comfortable with their bodies and they, like myself, will wear the bare minimum of clothing that it takes to get them to the store and back.

In any event, all three (naturists, naturists and exhibitionists) are forced to wear clothes while in public and who attend various functions, to include working. Just my 2.5 cents worth.

[Guest]

I have to add that the definitions for exhibitionist are tilted to the extreme although correct. Even nudists can have a bit of exhibitionist in them. You don't have to like being around textiles while nude to be one either. I am sure that most of you beachgoers can recall people strutting down the beach wanting to be noticed or a woman that dresses dramatically for the nudist club dance.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying this really. Women like being noticed and like being told they are looking good. It is just a nice ego boost and yes, it can be called exhibitionism.

[Naturist Mark]

quote:

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Originally posted by cyndiann:
[qb] I have to add that the definitions for exhibitionist are tilted to the extreme although correct.[/qb]

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Yes, I have to agree. I guess my instinct is to consider the lesser forms of exhibitionism to just be 'showing off'; an attempt to gain admiration or just self satisfaction -which is essentially harmless. The less harmful form of exhibitionism is that which is intended to shock or offend in a sexually menacing manner.

Now my question is what about the those ridiculous guys on nude beaches who fluff themselves up and parade their erections back and forth. Looking for shock or admiration? Menacing or pathetic? How about all of the above?


-Mark

[florida-david]

i never seen a guy on the beach walking around showing off his erection. i would have to say that my wife and i would get a good laugh and probably point and stare, since he should know better than to do that, we might as well amuse ourselves at his stupidy. i guess since i go only to haulover that the haulover people would have made him go somewhere else with his woody....

[greensunshine]

Now my question is what about the those ridiculous guys on nude beaches who fluff themselves up and parade their erections back and forth. Looking for shock or admiration? Menacing or pathetic? How about all of the above?


-Mark [/QB][/QUOTE]

Here is one way I have learned how to deal with these creaps...nothing is more effective than a very sharp tongue especially when the person these morons are attempting to gain their attention uses it in a very effective way as to put them in their rightful place [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Oh and a good umbrella as to protect their eyes from these jerks stupidity [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif[/img]

Greensunshine in the Pacific NW [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Gary Naturist]

Here is my version of the definitions of nudist, naturist and the various types of exhibitionist.

In Europe, the term naturist seems to be used by everyone to mean a person who likes to be naked in everyday life.

In North America, some people use the term nudist to mean a person who likes to be naked in everyday life.

Others in North America use nudist to mean people who belong to clubs where people are naked, and naturist to mean people who like to be naked in nature.

Re exhibitionism: This term can be used broadly to cover a range of actions, all of which involve exposing breasts, genitals and/or buttocks. The motivation often is sexual, but not always.

I think that streakers are motivated by the desire for an adrenalin rush associated with doing something which they view as being forbidden by society, rather than by sexual desires. (Male streakers rarely have erections while streaking.) Their actions are usually impersonal, being directed at a group.

It seems clear that flashers are motivated by sexual desires, but maybe also by the desire for an adrenalin rush. (Males usually have erections and may be masturbating.) Their actions are typically interpersonal, being directed at one or a few individuals.

Some people enjoy a sexual response from being seen nude by others, often in a clothed environment. Their actions are typically personal, being directed at generating a sexual response in themselves rather than on shocking others.

In my view, exhibitionism can involve either a sexual response and/or an adrenalin rush. Nudists (people who like to be naked in everyday life) can also be exhibitionists, just as nudists can also be swingers.

In a survey that I did on clothesfree, 2/3 of the respondents said that they have a sexual response from nude activities, either at the time of the activity or later on when recalling it. So nudism and sexuality are not mutually exclusive.

Note: Of course, not everyone will agree with my definitions, but they work for me.

Gary

[RIVERRAT]

quote:

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Originally posted by Chocolate:
[qb] I'm new to thew whole experience of being unclothed. I have had a number of experiences where I've gone without clothes before, however it was more of a novelty (except for the art class I posed for).

Was just wondering, do many of you make a difference in regards to naturism and nudism? I threw in "exhibitionists" in the subject line because I figured it was a remote far removed cousin of the two. But, how do you all make a distinction, if you do at all? Is there a certain mind-set or act that makes the distinction in your opinion? [/qb]

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Hello chocolat, welcome to the forum (please forgive the spelling) I must admit I have been a nudist all my adult life, I am divorced and would'nt mind if some lovely lady took an interrest to me because of how I looked naked or dressed, so I guess I would say yah I would like to think I look good naked, though there are millions who would dissagree, but yah I guess I would like to be thought of as looking good naked, so yah exabitionist, it would be nice to think ladies thought of me as looking good nude