Desexualization and Nudism and the falloff of popularity

Thank you for the response. Especially the part that saves me running the experiment!

I think you and I might be cut from the same cloth. Maybe. Why would anyone want to read about my pleasant afternoon by my backyard pool? I wouldn't?!
I had some experiences when I was single, at Playalinda Beach and Ginnie Springs in Florida. By myself, minding my own business so to speak, but some women chose to "share" my company. I don't flatter myself that the specifics would interest anyone, but collectively they make the point that attractions occur and the socially nude "atmosphere" arguably helps things along. And obviously the guy wasn't the initiator. So when women flirt with a guy, possibly with the intent of causing a "reaction", or are at least happily entertained if it's an unintended consequence, that pretty much takes the controversy out of the whole high-intensity "what if" discussion!

We- "nudists"- whatever that means, ought to feel a comradeship in that we're an often misunderstood minority, and look for ways to affirm what we share, and not quibble over the differences.

Am I that naive?

 

On another forum about nudists I answered a question with a simple reference to sex while nude. Didn't get asked to delete my response but got banned immediately. Asking the moderator to back away from their stance was met with a firm no. I remain banned under the user name I have for that forum. That just goes to show freedom of speech isn't allowed on the internet.

 

That's too bad.
Perhaps I was a bit clumsy before- at least about the larger picture as I see it- I was trying to agree with what I think JH was saying, that the stuff worth talking about at a place like this is that which is by definition a little bit "out there". Not the usual, not the ordinary. With the assumption that ideas could be controversial or provocative, but that's what makes it interesting.
I hope I made the point about "sex". For one more go at it- Apart from all of the things that none of us want or need to know about, and have no interest in making "public", there are attractions and interactions that add a little excitement or intrigue to a trip to beach or what- have- you, that I think can make these "discussions" lively and interesting. Nudony's story about the flirtatious woman who managed a full-body hug for good-bye comes to mind.

I also recall a post on another thread, I think about being nude in "questionable" places, by a guy who went to Copenhagen, or Denmark for sure. And ventured up from the beach to the ice cream kiosk in the parking lot. That reminded me of Ginnie Springs in the 1980's. The two springs furthest down river- Deer Spring and Trail Spring I think- were unofficially clothing optional. No signs, just known to be that way from as far away as Orlando and Tampa. So on any given day, even weekends (weekdays you were most likely by yourself), you could share the spring and sundeck with other nudes or clothed visitors. So it took more self confidence to be the first one there in the morning, knowing that subsequent visitors might be learning of the clothing optionality from seeing you. Or coming a little later and disrobing in the presence of clothed visitors. Anyway I'm intrigued by how different "nudists" handle the situations that are the shades of gray between everyone's nude and wear a suit or get arrested. And you already know that I was uninhibited enough to be in the minority on occasion.

 

My wife and I were at a non-landed club event a couple of weeks ago. "Naked Stand Up Comedy" was the theme. About 70 naked people in a room including my wife and I, with comedians - also naked - doing a bit one after the other in front of us.
Many of the jokes were very raunchy. But that didn't mean my wife and I couldn't have a good laugh. Just because we are "traditional" nudists didn't mean we couldn't relax and enjoy the jokes.
We've also chatted at resorts with swingers who'd shared their thoughts on the lifestyle with us. Not our bag; but that didn't mean we couldn't have a conversation about it. Yes, we were all naked while talking. So what? Having a naked conversation with swingers wasn't going to "turn us."

Some people believe that a strict separation nudity and "sex talk" is necessary to keep nudist culture "pure." Fair enough. They should have the nudist experience that best fits their values. We just don't have an issue with it - as long as just "all in good fun."

 

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Interesting points.

I'm not disagreeing with you; I just have slightly different take on it.
My wife is not entirely the "typical" female nudist; but I think she comes pretty close. She started out as a "prude nude"; but she "evolved" as she became more experienced. She liked physical activities and relaxing, and quickly realized she was physically limiting herself by being too self-conscious. As she pushed herself outside her comfort zone, she liked the feeling it gave her. It made her more confident. And more comfortable being openly nude in nudist social settings.

Not to split hairs, but I think the term "sensual-positive" applies better. She likes feeling that she looks attractive naked. She enjoys the feeling of open-legged postures and finds it sensual and relaxing. And if someone happens to see her in said posture, she accepts it as a natural outcome of her just being "in the moment." But it's not something she pursues.
She doesn't consider her vulva as "private" anymore, especially since she started shaving, and by virtue of having close naked interactions with other nudists. Nor does she willfully "expose herself" either. My wife is certainly not only in this, as most of our female nudist friends and acquaintances share the same mindset. They embrace the sensual component of nudism. Without turning it into anything more.

But I agree with you completely about "prude nudes." They are the ones more likely to find open-legged posture "indecent" or "unladylike." Anything associated with sensuality is to be avoided. Their vulva "is for their husband's eyes only." To each their own, I guess. It just doesn't seem very relaxed or happy to me.

 

This discussion has been a good read for me as I am relatively new to nudism. I have yet to venture into social nudism but want to at some point. I have all the normal fears about being this older single male at a nude beach or nudist resort and getting an erection. I still sometimes have no control over when i get an erection, but know i will feel pretty charged the first time i bare all outside.i can definitely understand that some erections really are not about sex. At the same time, i still do conflate nudity with sex after years of programming. Ahh, the conflict within…

I simply would not want to offend anybody or scare anybody if an unplanned erection occurs. I would certainly do my best not to draw attention to it. Right now, i do fall on the side of the argument that erections without promotion or flaunting are normal and should not be shamed. I know i would feel more comfortable with my first social nudist experience if this was the norm.

 

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Interesting. I definitely want to feel comfortable and relaxed in a nudist environment (with no intent at all to disturb others).

 

Your fear should not be about getting an erection but getting accepted at a C/O beach or nudist resort since you are single. It is assumed that all single men want with nudity and naturism is sex. "He's only here so he can look at nude women and lust over them." or "He just wants to hook up and have sex." That thought in itself brings sex deeply into nudism. There are resorts that accept single men but there are many more that do not. Same with C/O beaches. At C/O beaches single men are not approached by couples but do grab the attention of other men, gay men. Show me where the separation of sex and nudity/naturism is in this.

 

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As someone who is often accused of overthinking things- sometimes with cause- Brad you can dial back the thinking!
Be glad you're healthy. Most of us (men and women) know that the "excitement" that leads to an erection is NOT the "I gotta get me summa that" variety. It's the "Wow this is cool/fun/liberating" feeling and it passes or at least drops below the nitric oxide producing (look it up) threshold. Sure, that's not the time to decide to take your first walk down the beach. Or introduce yourself to the two women that seem to keep looking your way. Duh. Other than that, "We get it, don't sweat it!".

As far as the other recent comments, I'm glad that you are being this open and frank. Can't really add anything, except that if our bodies are good and not shameful,then that's all of them. In an appropriately nude environment, we shouldn't be thinking about "private" parts. And you seem to agree implicitly if not explicitly with my assertion that "boy-girl" interactions are inevitable and that's why the phrase "Get a room!" sometimes comes into play- in a good way!

 

Yes, I do often overthink things. Appreciate your words of advice and encouragement.