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These are a few of the questions most frequently asked about Naturism
They take the form of a dialogue between a naturist and a sceptical
friend.
Authors note: For many of these questions, the the precise response would depend very much on who was being asked, such is the variety of individual attitudes to the subject. Given this, these answers are not definitive but are, I believe, reasonably representative of the views of many UK Naturists.
Q: So you're a naturist, what exactly is 'naturism'?
A: 'Naturism' is a term used to describe going without clothes,
often for sunbathing and swimming. The International Naturist Federation
defines it as: '..a way of life in harmony with nature, characterized by
the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging respect
for oneself, respect for others and for the environment.'
Q: Is that the same thing as being a 'nudist'?
A: For many people they are one and the same thing. Here
in the UK and Europe 'naturist' is used more often, perhaps because it
raises fewer eyebrows than 'nudist'. In the USA, 'nudist' is preferred by
many. Some people would point to a difference in behaviour or
philosophical outlook between naturism and nudism - but, in reality, most
simply choose the term which suits them best.
Q: Why would anyone want to prance around in the nude?
A: Firstly, naturists don't 'prance' - anymore than 'textiles' do
when they go to the beach. Its an expression you tend to see used only by
newspaper journalists..
Q: Sorry... what's 'a textile'?
A: ... that's the collective name naturists use for those who
choose to remain clothed at all times.
Q: So why do people choose to be naturists?
A: We all have our own reasons I suppose, but most naturists would
say that they like feeling of complete relaxation and freedom they get
when all the trappings of modern life are put aside. Perhaps because they
are more at ease with their bodies, naturists seem to be very sociable,
open and trusting of each other, accepting each other's imperfections and
respecting each other's personalities. Most of all, being naked in warm
sunshine, feeling the fresh air or cool water on the whole of your body is
such a pleasurable experience. Swimming without a costume is
something everybody should try.
Q: It's hard to believe that all this communal nudity isn't
really about SEX!
A: Well, it isn't!. Equating nudity with sex is a common
misconception, probably because most non-naturists are only nude during
bathing and sex. In essence the practice of naturism, in the sense of
trying to be in harmony with nature, has nothing to do with sexuality.
It's a matter of context.
Q: You're not trying to tell me that naturists are asexual?
A: Of course not - we have the same urges as anyone else, but
they're not expressed in the context of naturism. It's often said that
there are far more 'sexual overtones' at a textile beach, where bathing
costumes conceal parts of the body, thereby drawing attention to them. In
comparison, a completely naked body is really not very erotic.
Q: But, don't men react to naked women by becoming aroused?
A: Aha, the 'erection question', or what the C.C.B.N. rather coyly
refers to as 'visible embarassment! This really isn't a problem, for the
reasons I've just explained. When your mind isn't pre-occupied with sex,
involuntary erections are very rare indeed.
Q: I'll have to take your word it. By the way, what's a
'C.C.B.N.' ?
A: The Central Council for British Naturism
Q: Gosh! .... I don't think I could strip off on the beach, I'd
feel so self-conscious.
A: After the first 10 minutes, most people feel very comfortable.
In fact, when you're surrounded by naked people, you would find yourself
self-concious if were clothed. Very quickly, most people forget
that they are naked! The most frequently-heard comment from
first-timers is: "I wish I'd done this years ago."
Q: 'Years ago' I might of had the body for it,
but not anymore.
A: What rubbish. You'll find all shapes and sizes at a
naturist beach. Naturists know that there is no such thing as the
'perfect body' - after all we get to see more of them, in both
senses, than anyone else! Someone coined the term 'the beauty myth' to
describe the way in which we're encouraged by advertisers to aspire to to
an impossibly idealised face and figure. Its just a ploy to get people to
buy their products in the hope of looking like that. Worst of
all, it makes so many people so unhappy.
Q: Ok, ok! I see your point, but I still think people would
stare...
A: They wouldn't, I assure you. One of the best things about
naturism is the way in which naturists' look beyond outward appearances,
and accept everyone for the person they really are. Many women,
in particular, find that becoming a naturist gives their self-image and
self-confidence a real boost.
Q: So you're telling me that being a naturist can make me
relaxed, outgoing, sociable and happy about my body?
A: Well... not instantly, perhaps, but it's a good way to start.
You really should try it sometime.
Q: Supposing, just supposing, I did want to
try naturism, would I have to join a club or something?
A: Not unless you wanted to. I'd suggest you wait for a nice warm
day and try one of the many beaches naturists use. Once you get there, you
can take off as much or as little as you're comfortable with as and when
you want to. I can promise you that no-one will stare or criticise - and
once you've tried swimming without a swimsuit, you're very unlikely to
want to wear one again!
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