Introducing (non-nudist) friends.

So my wife Liz is part of a book club; and the topic of nudism came up (the author actually wrote about her experience with social nudity in her book). My wife at that point decided to do a big "coming out" and exclaimed "Well...I'm a nudist!!" Only one of the women there already knew; but not the four others, who were quite surprised. After the initial "shock", two of the women approached her, asked her about it; and then requested to accompany us on our next resort trip (one with her boyfriend, the other without - but with his consent). My enthusiastic wife seems to think it's a "done deal" and is actually looking at dates. She would really like "crossover" friends that she can both hang out with in the "textile" world and be socially nude with.

I responded with utter skepticism.

This is not the first time we've been down that road. Two of my wife's friends have made the same proclamation upon finding out about our nudist proclivities. One (who was single at the time) chickened out at the 11th hour when she realized that she wasn't "there yet", and came to the realization that being completely naked in front of me was "too complicated." Her other friend backed out when her boyfriend respectfully declined (we had a talk with him about it) and she didn't want to go without him even though he'd consented to it.

What I think happens is that my wife is very good at making nudism sound awesome ( to her credit). And these women's interest/curiosity is genuinely piqued. The problem is that I don't think they actually truly "process" what accompanying us will actually entail. We go to a resort where "naked" is de rigeur. They're not going to be able to "tip-toe" around it. My wife understands that it might not so easy for them; and she might have to "lead the way" by getting naked as soon as we arrive - putting herself "on the spot" to demonstrate to them what "naked confidence looks like" with the idea that it would motivate them to do the same. She is fully on board with this - again to her credit.

I've chatted with an online friend about it; and her recommendation is to have a "preliminary chat" over dinner at our home. With my wife and I being naked to "break the ice", so to speak. That just sounds a bit weird to me. It could maybe work if I had a hot-tub; but I live in a condo. I think the odds of them chickening out are much greater in that setting, but I could be wrong.
My personal take on it is for them to go by themselves and get their "feet wet" on their own. Then if they've enjoyed themselves, to plan a return trip together. But then, if the goal for them is to have my wife there for support and encouragement, it kinda defeats the purpose.

So for people who have actually "done it", I really would like to know how it happened. Hopefully it can work for me too.

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RE:Introducing (non-nudist) friends.

Both your ideas sounds practical and viable to me. Despite what is often said not everyone makes the comfort level switch to social nudity in one step. That is why clothing optional is a more useful option IMO. So maybe do both a social nude gathering in your home (suggest maybe have nude book club type gathering introduce a naturist fiction book) where the women can ease into complete nudity. Then a women's only trip to a resort/park.

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RE:Introducing (non-nudist) friends.

One of my wifes fears is running into someone we already know in the textile world while we are enjoying a nude outing.

If your at a well established nude area, they are presumably there for the same reason.

John aka cobeachbum

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RE:Introducing (non-nudist) friends.

As expected objections, you referred to significant partner issues as well as shyness around you specifically. Another poster mentioned the fear of being recognized. I agree that a resort is a more relaxed and viable place to experience and enjoy nudism than your condo. I think you're wise to remain skeptical, but would matter of factly state all potential objections, costs, expected creature comforts, shortcomings, etc. You can also express your willingness to discuss with boyfriends, etc; or even consider that your wife makes it a "girls day out" without you if it helps. A day trip is a good start, and coming in separate vehicles and each paying their own way makes things more flexible for everyone. Good luck!

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RE:Introducing (non-nudist) friends.

I think slowly introducing nudism is a good idea. I could see how step in that direction would be you and your wife naked while you're wifes friends stay clothed. At the least you shouldn't feel like you need to get dressed when they come over because you've at least given them a "heads up". If they choose to join, it's up to them.

But I also think some of the reluctance you're describing could be less about the experience of "nudism" itself and more about what is okay to talk about. Nudism is pretty simple if you just say it's naked people. But the reality of our society and culture is that a lot of people see nudity as a big deal. They may not understand how they feel at first and especially if they just know someone else knows this about them. What I am driving towards is at most nudist gatherings I feel like people or at least myself is a lot less worried or concerned about talking about how I feel or what I think. It's not to say I give away all of my secrets but I certainly share more of them with fellow naked people than I do clothed ones. It's because I don't feel like I'm being judged as much in that group. So maybe it's just a matter of breaking the ice and letting them know it's okay to talk about it and ask questions they might not typically share with you or your wife.

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