New to nudism
Return to DiscussionsHello all!
I am a relatively new nudist who feels comfortable at home, but not so much being outside. I live alone, and in the privacy of my own home I enjoy the feeling of nudity and being free of clothes.
All that to be said, I live in a very cold region (northern Michigan) and there is not any nude resorts nearby. To compound this, I have some social anxiety and no one else has ever seen me naked (my profile is not of me).
Does anyone more experience with nudity have any advice for a nudist who is looking to show off his body but still has some reservations?
Thank you!
First of all, being a nudist isn't about exhibiting yourself. It is enjoying life without the hindreance of clothes, feeling the sun and breeze on your body. Take things slowly.
I hear about dunes on Lake Michigan that are often nude during the warm months. Consider a naked bicycle ride such as the one in Chicago.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy being nude.
We may have show offs and exhibitionists, but our basic philosophy is to be comfortable nude and possibly to socialize with people who think like us.
You might look into a non-landed club in your are. That's club with no permanent location or buildings. You meet at people's homes or at public pools for private events.
Start hunting around in the AANR or Net Nude sites. They may have listings for clubs in your area or somewhat close by. Believe me, when you go to a nude event or club no one stares since they are ALL naked. Just regular folks of all shapes sizes and ethnicity.
Sorry Sailing. I never mind a person admiring my body, but we are nudists to enjoy the freedom of life without clothing and socializing nude with friends.
You sound like you may be looking to be an exhibitionist. Of course, I may have misread that.
I agree with the easy approach. Look into AANR and non-landed clubs and you might also try Meetup groups in you area for like-minded people to socialize with. There are several nudist Meetups that I attend in the Los Angeles area (SCNA and NiTOC). Some even have naked archery, naked comedy club nights (yes, the comedians are naked, too), nudist art gallery nights, and naked video arcade nights. We also often meet up at the local nudist resorts. It's a great way to break the ice.
To me it sounds like you're extremely self-conscious about your body and have a fear of being seen nude by others, which is not uncommon among newcomers to social nudism. Your use of the term "showing off" simply means, I believe, "being seen" and not exhibitionism. With that said, I agree about the gradual approach. It sounds like you're quite comfortable being nude at home. Try standing in front of a mirror and look at yourself naked, appreciate the beauty of your body and see it as a God-given gift. What's more, no part of your body is "dirty" or anything you need be embarrassed about. Try taking a photo of yourself nude, either a selfie or with a tripod and self-timer. Look among some of the Profiles here on TN, perhaps Message several friends here to feel comfortable talking about nakedness, we all enjoy it as much as you do! You may even try posting that pic you just took, you can always mark it "friends only".
As suggested above, contact nudist organizations such as AANR or The Naturists for a start. I have a guidebook (a bit outdated but perhaps still valid?) listing a group in your area: "Traverse City Naturists" with a mailing address %POB 853, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, (312)758-5496 (obviously pre-internet!). I wish you the best in your nudist endeavors.