Nudism vs. Exhibitionism

I disagree. I could care less if Im seen or not except where I specifically do not want to be seen such that it would get me in trouble. Nudism is purely comfort and enjoyment of the world around us sans clothing. Exhibitionism is as you say where one wants to or at least fantasizes that they are seen. Yes, someone could be a nudist and have exhibitionist tendencies or whatever but that is exhibitionism *and* nudism, not nudism.

• 7 years ago

It all boils down to intent. What are your intentions when being nude. The answer to that question is especially important when you think about how you want others to interpret your nudity. Exhibitionist to me are not naturist. Exhibitionist use their nudity to shock, offend, and make people uncomfortable with their nudity. They find joy in putting people in a compromising situation. That is not what naturism is about. As naturist, one should never use their nudity to make others feel something negative. I especially frown upon those who KNOWINGLY use their nudity to offend and violate. I find exhibitionists arent kind people and are very self absorbed. I'm a naturist. My nudity is for my own comfort and joy and I like to share that experience with those who are comfortable with it. I do not push my nudity onto unsuspecting people. When Im nude, I want those to feel comfortable around me and feel they can interact with me the same way they interact with a clothed person.

Now, do I like to be seen nude? Thats not really a thought process for me. I dont go around want to be seen or gawked. I dont fish for compliments or fish for reactions.

I'm also not a voyeur. While I enjoy seeing people living their life in the nude, I enjoy the experience of seeing people do every day thing in the nude. The nudity isn't what catching my attention. What is catching my attention is their ability to be comfortable in their nudity and carry on. Thats how I interpret it and thats how I want others to interpret my nudity.

I will say that I enjoy seeing fit nude bodies. I myself am into fitness and I enjoy interacting with those who also workout and have the body to shows it. Am I being voyeuristic? No. Im not staring at the person, Im not making rude comments, and Im not getting any sexual satisfaction. I do however enjoy seeing a fit body.

• 7 years ago

I believe that you don't have to be nude to be an exhibitionist. The designer dresses that show up at red carpet events that are see through except for a few opaque patches of cloth reek exhibitionism to me. The bikinis that just barely make that outfit legal are the same, and the very skimpy suits for men fall into the same category. I'm a nudist because I like the comfort. I don't go to public places nude, but I have no worries about being seen nude and would certainly welcome a culture that accepts nudity in appropriate places.

• 7 years ago

Kinda simple, imho. The exhibitionist wants/needs to be seen. The nudist couldnt care less. :)

• 7 years ago

Kinda simple, imho. The exhibitionist wants/needs to be seen. The nudist couldn't care less. :)

The thing is if a nudist walks through a town centre in the middle of the day is s/he an exhibitionist because s/he knows many people will see her/him nude. If the same person did the same walk in the early morning or late evening when the town is quiet it will be more of a nudist. It is down to a very small point what the dividing line is.

• 7 years ago

The thing is if a nudist walks through a town centre in the middle of the day is s/he an exhibitionist because s/he knows many people will see her/him nude. If the same person did the same walk in the early morning or late evening when the town is quiet it will be more of a nudist. It is down to a very small point what the dividing line is.

I dont think so. :). If the person goes to the town center wanting to be seen, thats exhibition. If the person is getting a cheap thrill at the thought of getting caught, thats exhibition. If the person does that just to get a jar of baby food, thats nudism.

• 7 years ago

100% total agreement with your last paragraph - well said!
. . . is the joy one can take in being seen in the context of social nudism's body acceptance. It's a powerful and affirming thing. It's how we support one another. Social nudism is more than it-feels-good-to-take-my-clothes-off.

• 7 years ago

Thanks Andy,

• 7 years ago

I enjoy my nude body being seen by others in a similar frame of mind. I like to share my photos on TN too. I am also a naturist/nudist in my head because it is my normal state. The strange thing is, whenever I am in a naturist environment, like on a nudist beach, naturist swim session, or naked in a changing room, I do not feel even least bit sexy. My penis goes into 'hibernation' and doesn't look sexy at all. I've even seen exhibitionist couples having sex on a nudist beach, and I haven't been aroused. In fact I felt uncomfortable, and walked on. In the right circumstances I can feel as sexy as any man, but there is a time and place for that. I feel much more comfortable when I'm nude at home, in the garden, a swimming pool, or on the beach.

• 7 years ago

Interesting subject! And many interesting answers!

For me, there is certainly an element of joy in being naked in public that is absent when I'm naked in private. I believe that it has to do with growing up with the society's silly attitude towards nudity, which means that being naked in public feels liberating in quite a different way than being naked in public. Don't misunderstand, I can enjoy a nude swim in a remote lake with noone around, but it does not have the same almost political significance as going to a nude beach.

Also, of course, it is quite a lot of people who are sexually turned on by being naked in public. Personally, I believe that what counts is how you behave to others, not what goes on in your mind. Sexual feelings must not be confused with sexual actions.

• 7 years ago