We Continue Sharing

PJ and I have shared our feelings about naturism with all of our family and most of our friends. I even wrote a book about naturism for my kids.

Only two lady friends and one man have joined us, and all loved it. One drove from Dallas to Glen Eden in California to experience naturism. For years she referred to this as the best experience in her life.

Another lady was a co-worker who visited us several times. I remember the first time she visited. PJ picked her up at Olive Del's gate, and drove to our trailer where I was busy working naked on our deck. I could tell she was a little embarrassed seeing me nude for the first time, but as we toured around the park and introduced her to others she became more comfortable. By the time we reached the hot tub she was ready to join in. She never looked back - a natural nudist.

Finally, a man I hadn't met communicated with me about naturism on the Internet, and tried it on his own. He became a great friend and often came to visit us at the resort. His wife visited as well. We even stayed at their house where we met the family.

Recently, we invited a girl friend in Phoenix to join us at Shangri La for nude karaoke. She said she'd love to attend. That would be great fun. Hopefully she will.

We'll continue to share whenever it seems the right thing to do because we firmly believe naturism is very good for some people, like us. Has anyone else had similar success sharing?

Ken

Here are a few more experiences concerning sharing naturism with others.

“I knew for a long time that I enjoyed nudism before finally letting everyone know. It first came about because my parents and two young nieces accidentally caught me naked in the backyard from a distance. I managed to put shorts on before they got to me but the secret was out. I really hadn't tried to hide it, just had never admitted it to anyone. After that I thought 'why worry about who knows?' and I even felt that nudism was such a great way of life that I wanted to spread the word to others. So after that I would casually let others know I'm a nudist when discussing things like how warm it is, how good the sun feels, soaks in the hot tub, hiking, etc. It's really easy to just mention something like 'I've recently found out that I like hiking nude much better than clothed.' Or maybe, 'Yes, the sun feels great but I don't like tan lines so tan without clothes.' Then, of course, they ask why I do it . . . So we now try to tell everyone about nudism and have gotten mostly very positive feedback. My girlfriend's daughter has even stated it's fine if we are naked when she comes over (which we do now). And while recently staying with us a few days while recovering from surgery I noticed her walking down the hallway nude, so we are helping others get comfortable with their bodies. . . everyone we know, knows we are nudists and only one family member had any kind of negative reaction, and she got over it in time. So I really think we worry way too much about what others will think when we announce our nudism choice to others. Just present it with confidence and knowledge and it will go fine.” – Guy, CO

“. . . it wasn't until about 10 years ago, when we experienced our "first" social nude outing, that we began to appreciated what nudism is all about. Well, after a trip with two other nudist couples to Tulum, Mexico, I was showing pictures (clothed) of our trip to Mom. I did tell her that the beaches were clothing optional. Then she asked me if we went naked. It was then I told her we were nudists and showed a couple of pictures of us. Then she said "GEORGE ROBERT . . . if I could have only gotten your DADDY to do that!" Then she told me how she would be nude when we weren't home - Love you, Mom.” - Robert, SC

“I started going to nude beaches when I was in the military after I came back from the Gulf War and it changed the way I look at life. . . I told her [my sister] there was a beach I wanted to go to and that is was a nude beach. Well, she had never heard of it and was kind of interested. When we got to the parking lot she kind of got worried and asked if she had to be nude. I said no keep as many clothes on as you like but I am planning on going nude. Is that okay? She was fine with it and we had a good time when we got back to her house she proudly told her husband she had been to her first nude beach. I had still not told my mom or dad but I am pretty sure that sis took care of that. Some time later my mom began dropping hints . . . Anyway the whole entire family now knows and they don't think anything less of me, so far as I know. Every time one of my nieces or nephews likes to run around naked they say they take after their Uncle Alan, which is great for me!” – Alan, WA

“While my closest family members knew [I was a nudist], many other family members didn't know until this past summer. At that time I said something on Facebook about going camping. A half-sister asked where I liked to go camping and I mentioned Juniper Woods, telling of the beautiful grounds and wonderful people. Within 20 minutes I received a message from her telling me that she didn't know that I was a nudist. Other messages from friends and family members soon followed. None were judgmental; all of them simply said that they didn't know. Telling others that I'm a nudist never includes a drum-roll or fanfare. It's a statement of fact, just as my favorite color or work situation are statements of fact of who I am. With this way of telling people I haven't had lots of drama as a result. There are often questions, which leads to wonderful discussion. Sometimes I even find someone who wants to try the lifestyle on for size!” – Melissa, NY

“I love to skinny dip and was lucky enough to grow up in a household where my Mother loathed doing laundry. She especially hated to wash clothes that had Kansas river mud deeply ground into the fabric. But my Mom had the answer - skinny dipping. We went camping every weekend, almost always to the same location on Fall River in Butler County, Kansas, so we grew to know the other campers that frequented the area. One summer early in my life, my wonderful mother went around to each of the campsites and lamented her dislike for washing river mud from our clothes and swimsuits. She found several of the other mothers were like-minded on the chore, so she suggested we make the camp area "clothing optional" for all children under the age of 10 or so. Surprise, surprise, thereafter my brother, sister and I were naked from Friday night arrival until Sunday afternoon's departure. I honestly do not remember anyone complaining about us; even new campers seemed to just go with the flow. Life was good. I skinny dipped with the local children up until about the age of 12. . . Thank God for my mother . . . I have never, since that day, gone more than a few days without removing my stress by letting my skin come out to breathe. . . By the way, Mom still hates to do laundry.” - Randy, GA

Still More Sharing

“[I] . . . became a home nudist-the second I got home from work the clothes came off. My friends knew this and even though some of them were not nudists they expected that when they visited my house I would not be wearing any clothing nor would some of my other guests.” - Mark P, MI

“One day I had titled on my email profile "home nudist" and a few days later my 68-year-old mother sends an email asking what I meant by that. To say the least it caught me off guard so much that I did not respond for a couple of days! But those days were actually helpful as it allowed me to think how to present my nudist lifestyle in a positive way. I came back telling her that I have indeed attended a nudist club, and have so much fun being with people of all ages and shapes, from kids to people her age. I think she accepted that explanation, as I did not get a rebuke in reply! Facebook also has been a great tool for starting conservations with friends and coworkers, and so far the reaction has been very positive. Some have asked me about my "clothing optional" vacation plans, and another admitted she would love to visit a nudist resort. By letting others know I am a nudist, I am able to educate them about the wholesome, fun lifestyle that allows you to meet others who enjoy just being without clothes, whether it's at a BBQ, a volleyball game, or a get-together dinner, the activities are endless.” - Rod N., OR

“How would they [parents] react to a surprise? If they take surprises well, you may allow yourself to be caught nude in your room or going to/from the bathroom, and such. Leave the bedroom door open at least partially. Carry the towel instead of wrapping yourself in it going to/from the shower. From there, you can expand. Not dressing immediately after a shower, but staying wrapped in a towel for longer and longer intervals, eventually unwrapping altogether. Are your parents easy for you to talk to? If so, you might mention something to gauge a possible reaction. Maybe something on TV or in a magazine might give an opening.” - Doug H.

“This last Sunday, after the morning service, I found my wife talking with our (female) senior pastor. She was enthusing about the naturist holiday we have just booked for March, in Lanzarote, and encouraging her to visit Infiniti on Fuerteventura in one of the non-naturist weeks. She then started talking about the clothes-optional days we enjoy at Abbey House Gardens. All this time, someone else from the church family was standing just to one side, waiting to talk with the pastor. So I think there is now someone else who has a fairly good idea of our interests and activities in this area.” - Sanuachap

“I recently had a few friends over to swim in my pool. Three were other girls and one was a guy. One of my girlfriends knew I liked going naked in my backyard. She said to me that if I was more comfortable naked, that she didn't mind. I asked her if she would be interested in trying it also? She said sure, but what about the others. So I got up the nerve to tell my friends that I enjoy tanning nude and if they wanted to try it they could. At first they all giggled, but to my surprise they were all in agreement. One after another, they began to take off their swim suits. But what I thought was a real turn on was seeing John, the only guy in our group take off his pants and go completely naked with four girls. What a sight! We spent hours playing in the pool and tanning. What a great experience.” – Sally S.

Sharing Naturism with Parents

Within the past year our parents finally found out that PJ and I lived at a "nudist camp". They were the last in our family to know. They just couldn't understand.

Even though we (and they) are older, they were still the most difficult people to tell - strange.

Has anyone else had this difficulty?

Here are thoughts from others about sharing naturism with parents:

“I can say this from experience, if you're caught, that is a perfect opportunity to tell the truth. I was caught about a year ago, but I was one of the people who "backed off at the moment of truth," but had I not I would probably have told my mom the full truth by now. If I had told my mom the truth then, instead of acting embarrassed, I probably would be naked right now . . . Just don't panic. I was actually planning on being caught eventually, but when it finally happened, I panicked. Remember what your plan is if you get caught, keep your head when it happens, and then things will turn out OK.” – 1Nick

“When I told [my parents I was a nudist] I had a giant lump in my throat but I got over that pretty fast. I still get a fright when they just walk in but I'm slowly getting used to it. . . Anyway long story short they laughed but said they didn't care what I did in my room. So that's awesome.” – Nudezealand

“When told [by parents] you must be home by a particular (way too early) hour on a weekend (or some other matter of discipline), agree without a fuss. Once you give in without the usual resistance they will be primed for the follow-up. "Oh, and I'm sleeping in the nude these days." Don't be snarky, just polite and informative. To me this is a more adult way to bring out your views than slipping into and out of the bathroom with or without clothes. If nudity is a dignified way to be it deserves a dignified discussion on the merits (which you can present) rather than something you "get away" with doing.” – Paleface

“I was 15 when I told my mum about my desire to be nude when she walked in my bedroom. She was really cool about it - we just sat on my bed and chatted and she said she had no desire to be seen nude which was ok. Now I have a two year old little girl and when she has a bath with me and my mum is round she comes in bathroom and baths my daughter.” – Stu43

“. . . for me, another important part lies in the type of language you choose to use. "I am a naturist," is a statement about your identity, your nature. On the other hand, "I like to go around without clothes," is just a statement about something you enjoy. "I am" is very strong language; "I like," and "I prefer," are much gentler and less threatening - especially to parents, who probably have quite a strong idea about who you are and what they want you to be. . . People find it hard to tell you you are wrong when you are only telling them what you like, what you enjoy and what you prefer.” – Sauna Chap

Success Sharing Naturism

Here are thoughts and advice from three people who have had success sharing naturist beliefs with others.

Ken

“I have been a nudist for about 50 years from my early teens. When I was 16 or 17 I visited our local naturist club to ask about membership. Not a problem all I needed was a letter from my parents giving permission, with my parents not a chance. Fast forward 15 years by which time I was married and the proud father of three children. As a family we joined the club I had enquired at years before. What wonderful weekends we had out there, the kids enjoyed the pool and we all made some great friends. During those 15 years I had lost my father and we had bought a house with a 'Granny anex' for my mother. My mother started asking questions as to where we went at the weekends. I dodged the truth for a few months until my wife told me that I must tell my mother where we went on the weekends. Plucking up all of the courage I could muster I went into her lounge and told her that we were nudists, that we all enjoyed being without clothes and pointed out the some of our friends who visited were also nudists. Her reply came as a real shock. She said that it was fine that we enjoyed the nudist lifestyle and asked that we respect her friends when they visited meaning keep your clothes on. If we wanted to live nude at home that was not a problem and her parting comment was that if my father was still alive he would have loved to come to the club with us. So my parents were accepting of nudity and how would my life have changed if I had had the courage to ask them for permission to join the club back when I was 16/17?” - Badger

“. . . at the end of the day only you have some idea as to how your parents might react. If the relationship is good, and you frequently sit down and discuss things, then that could well be the way to go. If that's not the way it is, then the "disappearing clothes" option is probably best. Try walking naked with your towel in your hand from bathroom to bedroom (but not if you have to pass your parents' bedroom), leave your bedroom door open just a bit after a shower, but don't stay undressed for too long. Loose clothing or less clothing perhaps than you have in the past, but nothing too revealing; keep your underwear on. . . For me, the transition to home nudity was easy. It came with the arrival of a backyard pool for my wife and I. Our two grown-up daughters were living away from home, so skinny dipping seemed the logical thing to do - and my nude time just expanded from there. As a father, what would I have done if one of my daughters, when fifteen years old, had to come me . . . ? Sadly, I think I (and certainly my wife) would have confined her nude time to her own room - and worried about her a lot, because until I became a nudist, I never gave home or social nudity any thought.” - AussieIan

“For many years I've suffered with lower back problems, and for much of that time received chiropractic treatment. Four years ago we moved home. At that time my (female) chiropractor, who knew I was a nudist, suggested that I would benefit instead from regular remedial massage. Once we had moved, I selected a massage therapist from the local phone book, and have seen her regularly ever since. From Day One, she also has known that I'm a nudist. I lay on my stomach, she lowers my undies, and proceeds to massage my "glutes" (bottom), and then work up my spine - standard practice in the treatment of lower back pain. We have often discussed my penchant for nudity - home and social - and my visits to nude beaches and other venues. On my most recent visit I left her a copy of "Australian Sun and Health" magazine to browse. Prior to gaining the qualifications to be a massage therapist she had been a nurse who, in her own words, "always had a passion for anatomy". She has never had the least concern that some people, like myself, do go naked from time to time.” – Aussieian

Share Naturist Beliefs

"Take every opportunity you can to get your duds off in public settings (barring those times when you would face arrest, unless on purpose) . . . Sure, we run the risk of someone discovering us, but it might just give us an opportunity to state our views on simple, social nudity. Peter, in the New Testament, wrote (I paraphrase), “Be ready at all times to give an answer to the faith that lies within you.” How about it, naturists? Can you state your naturist ideals in twentyfive words of less? Would that explanation make sense? Do you understand it yourself? A good friend of mine used to challenge me to elucidate my beliefs clearly, stating that most people didn’t even understand their own position on a subject! If we can’t argue convincingly to ourselves, how do we expect to persuade others? . . . Don’t miss opportunities to put in a good word for social nudity. Be proud of those naturist venues you attend. If you live in a naturist/nudist community, don’t hide it. I’m not saying you should stand on a soapbox, handing out leaflets, but don’t lie about where you stay. . . Is there a cost to this? In some cases, yes, but, if we really believe in our naturism, shouldn’t we be willing to accept that?" - Tom Pine

I agree completely with Tom. How about you? What have you done or what can you do to share your naturists beliefs?

Here are a few others who understand how important it is to share naturist beliefs with others:

“Most know [we are nudists] already but we have a significant wedding anniversary coming up and my wife has collected a load of photos to put up around the place. Although none are full frontal, anyone, friend or family who sees them will be left in no doubt! Should be a fun party!” - Barelee

“Basically, I feel like the more you and your parents get along and treat each other with respect, the more likely they are to be cool with you being more naked around the house. If they are cool with it, I would suggest pushing things a little bit at a time. Maybe stop wearing bras at home. Then, if they don't complain, after a while, stop wearing pants/skirt/shorts/whatever, but leave your panties on. If that flies, take your shirt off, and then go completely nude. They will probably ask why you're doing this. Just say honestly why you like to be naked. Hopefully they'll listen and not have a problem with it.” - Nia

“When I first started going to a nudist resort in my area I did not tell any of my friends or family members about my becoming a nudist. However, I soon felt I wanted them to hear the story from me in the way I wanted to tell it and at a time that I was comfortable telling them. . . I also did not want them to get the impression that I felt that I was doing something wrong of something I was ashamed of. So one time when I was visiting one of my sisters and my Mother (along with other family members) the subject of my tanned arms and face came up. I told them that I had been going to a place where I could sit in the sun and get a tan as well as swim and I had an all-over tan (no tan lines). My other sister found out from me sometime later and she thought it was absolutely great. Again, she would not participate in it herself but she not only accepted it but on a later visit (when the weather was warmer) invited me for a swim in her pool. The pool was in an area secluded enough so I did not need a suit even though she and her husband did wear them. I now live in a clothing optional community where (weather permitting) I can go around nude as much as I want. Both my sisters and their husbands have visited me where I live now and are glad to see how happy I am here . . .” - George W., WV

Sharing Quietly Again

Here are some more thoughts about Sunbunny's Sharing Quietly suggestion on nudistclubhouse:

"Let's All Talk NUDE Quietly and Begin to Change the World! Apparel and other items with fun nudist/naturist related slogans are a PERFECT way to talk nude with non-nudists or closeted nudists." - Sunbunny

“At the gym, as I was walking out, I saw a woman wearing a T-shirt that said "Life is short. Play Naked". If I see her and the T-shirt again, I will ask her if that is her life style or if she just inherited the T-shirt. We'll see where it goes from there.” – Billygoat

“A few years ago in Northern Michigan and along Lake Michigan my wife spotted a shop that she just had to go into. It was just north of a small town in the country with nice grounds around the shop. After waiting a while I entered the shop and spotted an American Sunbathing Association decal on the side of the cash register. Minutes later finding the owner alone I complimented him on displaying the decal and this led to a very pleasant conversation. Once he learned that we too were members he told me that behind the tall solid privacy fence, about 300 feet from the shop was a large private area where friends, and select locals could come and enjoy the pool, lay in the sun and even enjoy the beach on Lake Michigan. Yes, we were invited but unfortunately we had to move on to meet friends further up the road. No, we never went back to avail ourselves of the offer to enjoy the facilities. Years later now in a higher position in the company, along with a senior status and a head of white hair, mentioning to others that we were nudist, usually invited extended conversation about nudism and several people, usually ladies who had complimented my tan, would join us at a nudist club/resort no matter what part of the country we were in. Being open, casual, not forceful, and not embarrassed that you are a nudist most usually bring on a positive response from those who do not know the truth about nudism. I even got my 78 year old mother to join me at a club in Florida.” – Gene P.

“When I owned my retail shop, I placed a Naturist Society sticker on the display cabinet glass right by the cash register. The sticker was in place for about 5 years, and must have been seen thousands of times, yet only one person in all that time made any comment to me about it. He said something like this: "Naturist Society? Nice magazine" with a lascivious grin on his face.” - Mike

“I was wearing one of my nude 5k t-shirts when I flew back from Florida (and the cruise) this past November. When I got on the plane going from Atlanta to Salt Lake the (apparently Salt Lake-based flight crew) stewardess asked me quite bluntly as I boarded the plan if I "really ran that race naked". She asked so openly, loudly, and bluntly even I was a little taken aback for a moment. But, trying not to act too startled, I simply replied, "Yes, I did". Then another passenger said something about doing it with the bulls (I'd guess they heard about the whole Spain tradition that way) and I replied "No bulls, I'm not that crazy". That was the end of it. There's only so much time when boarding a plane, but I found it interesting. I've noticed most, especially in Utah, don't dare say much about my nudist t-shirts, and if they do they usually just laugh, assuming they're jokes. I guess that's why I didn't expect quite that bold of a question. But, I guess everyone nearby on the plane knew after that. Nobody said any more about it, however.” – Lee

Sunbunny asked the following question - any suggestions?

"I am trying to think of something I can have printed on a T-Shirt that speaks to this almost backdoor approach. Anybody have any ideas?"