Nikki is hanging upside down on a play structure

The Swinging Lifestyle

I’ve had a request to share my view on the swinger lifestyle and also how to handle being propositioned.

I support love, enjoying life to the fullest, and having a healthy sex life. This looks different for all of us. I’ve “been there, done that” thoroughly throughout my 20’s. I’m now in a happy monogamous marriage with a man who insists he’s not interested in colouring outside the lines, which suits me just fine. My Mom and Stepdad were involved in “the lifestyle” for several years, they even wrote a book: Swing your Partner. They’ve since paused their “extracurriculars”. I’ve been a part of the Bare Oaks community for about 15 years, which doesn’t cater to swinging, and will even put a stop to a Leather and Lace party because it seems too sexy. There are people at Bare Oaks who are open minded to the spectrum of sexuality and relationship styles. As naturists, we know that nudity doesn’t equal sex. But the open-mindedness to be undressed in a world of textilers is the same that might consider outside the box relationships. All this to say: I’ve had some time to steep and consider the culture.

I’ll start with my Mom and Stepdad who started their exploration tentatively. Mom says it’s very important to ensure you’re checking out the lifestyle for the same reasons as your partner. She doesn’t recommend it for anyone who is going into it as a last-ditch effort to save their relationship. She’s seen many relationships end that way.

I saw my Mom take on a new vibe I’d never seen throughout this “lifestyle” phase. We had “special friends” over for Christmas morning once, the four adults exchanged naughty stocking stuffers while my brother and I tried to pretend we were elsewhere. They splashed out for dinners and hotels and new outfits. It seemed very thrilling for them. They were very open with us, maybe to a fault at times, but it gave me a peek into that world. The impression I gained was that there are: a) a lot of men who would like to cuddle and just have someone listen, b) a lot of women who are desperate to feel sexy and alive. This makes sense following the traditional make up of a household. Men out working hard, trying not to acknowledge their emotions, but feeling overwhelmed and not sure who to turn to unburden themselves. I’m sure unburdening with some release of semen and a good chat would be very rewarding. Women, if they’ve had kids especially, feeling like they’ve given all of themselves and maybe lost being in touch with who they once were. The easy clothes and hairstyle around the house making them feel undesirable every time they look in the mirror. The prospect of getting dressed up, of someone seeing her, desiring her, the exciting game of seduction is way more exciting than folding the laundry in front of the TV, again.

Even though I’ve seen it in action, I still have my doubts. I entirely understand wanting to spice things up in the bedroom and there are many aspects that seem thrilling. I just can’t shake the feeling that it’s fun until it’s not, and when it’s not, it might get ugly. So much communication and maturity necessary, and even then?

I once dated someone who didn’t seem interested in sex. Whenever we were intimate, I felt like he was doing me a solid. (Ha! Pun intended.) So, when another very sexual friend crossed my path, the thrill of cheating far outweighed the shame I felt, for a while.

A couple years later I dated someone who was rarely home, always on contract somewhere. I suggested an open relationship, which he agreed to. I was looking for closeness with others and the feeling of being desired throughout those long stretches without him home. We promised to tell all, and it seemed to be working, at first. The trouble arose when he felt that I was having “more success” with this endeavour than he was. He was really trying to hook up with other people, and I wasn’t, which bothered him further.

In college I dated someone I wanted to be monogamous with, but a year in he explained his desire to be open. Actually, I don’t think open is the right word. It was closer to abuse. He wanted me to arrange threesomes with other women as often as possible. It didn’t go the other way; I wasn’t to be with men. I did as he wished, but it was never enough to satisfy him. I started to feel like his broken hearted, homely roommate who organized fun times.  It did a real number on me. He drilled into my head that no man ever wants to be with just one woman. If they say they do, they’re liars. I remember wishing I was more into women, perhaps it’d be easier on my heart.

I had a lot of fun being single. I learned what it was like to sleep with a friend, just because, and there was plenty of laughter involved. I somewhat accidentally took a guy on a second date to a sex club with a few friends. I was in way over my head, actually shaking I was so scared. Luckily, the group I was with was very chill and respectful. For anyone interested, I’d say sex clubs and fetish clubs typically are super safe and respectful places. As for the fetish places, you don’t need to be into anything in particular, you can just go and dance, as long as you’re open-minded to other things happening. I’ve struck up plenty of conversations with fun people tied in rope or wearing dog collars and leashes. A stripper spent time teaching me how to pole dance once. Experiences I’m glad I’ve had.

Now I’m married and even after 8 years, I’m obsessed with my husband. I get a nudge of jealousy when he mentions he had a meeting with his boss. She’s been to our house for lunch once and she’s super hot. It can be fun to fantasize about scenarios where I’m watching him with another woman, but I feel confident that I’d turn into an animal and rip them apart in real life.

As for propositioning at a naturist park, it can be upsetting. I love that Bare Oaks is meant to uphold pure family naturist values. It makes me feel safe.

I have heard of awkward moments where swingers break the rules and ask others to get involved. My best friend and her boyfriend, recent naturist enthusiasts, were having a great chat with people over drinks at the Bare Bistro. Her boyfriend left for a moment, and the man told my friend that he’d like to see his wife suck her boyfriend off. Does she mind? She was floored! That’s not why they’re there! A new-to-naturism couple were asked if they were in the lifestyle while they were in the hot tub. They left and were very upset as they were hoping Bare Oaks would be different. This is a real shame because it is usually wholesome.

I think of navigating swinger propositions a little like handling being offered drugs. If you’d like some, there you go. If you’ve already decided it’s not for you, it’s not so hard to say ‘no thank you’. But, again, if you went thinking it’s 100% family wholesomeness and you get asked, it can be disappointing. The bubble is popped.

There’s really a time and place and I suspect it’s a delicate balance. Especially if the couple is new to swinging and they’re excited to chat about it. What I know for certain, is that it’s against the rules at Bare Oaks to proposition anyone. You have the power in your hands based on your comfort level of the situation. If you’re good with a ‘no thanks’ and everything moves along smoothly, cool. If you’re upset and feel it was indecent, I’d encourage you to go to the office and mention it to a staff member. They will take matters into their own hands, possibly removing the people.

You have this one life to live and I hope you get to experience pleasure in all the ways you want to! If someone wants you to colour outside the lines with them and it’s not your cup of tea, you have ‘no thank you’ in your metaphorical back pocket. Your body is your safe space, use it how you want to. And your naturist joint should be a safe space too.

10 thoughts on “The Swinging Lifestyle”

  1. From Nikki Another comprehensive explanation in the most professional and true way of a topic which is inside the head of many people.
    You have demonstrated and analyzed every aspect of the topic and answered every question.
    Very well explained because you have used your honesty .

  2. Very informative discussion about something I know very little about. My parents were virtually the opposite of yours and had puritanical values. I struggle with judging people who have different ideas than I do about controversial subjects and it is a teaching experience for me to read you non-judgmental piece. We all have primal desires, but in my opinion your eventual reaction of the fantasy of your husband and his boss of jealousy actually flows from a place of love. It is also refreshing to read about a couple who adores one another. Your husband is a blessed man to have a wonderful person like you to share his life with.

    I enjoy listening to the Bareoaks podcast and it is surprising that a few people would behave inappropriately there. Just a minimal amount of research about the place should give anyone an understanding that swinging is not what the place is about. It is a shame because such experiences could scare families away by a few crazy antidotes. Not to mention that there are other places that could accommodate people seeking such arrangements.

  3. Very informative discussion about something I know very little about. My parents were virtually the opposite of yours and had puritanical values. I struggle with judging people who have different ideas than I do about controversial subjects and it is a teaching experience for me to read your non-judgmental piece. We all have primal desires, but in my opinion your eventual reaction of the fantasy of your husband and his boss of jealousy actually flows from a place of love. It is also refreshing to read about a couple who adores one another. Your husband is a blessed man to have a wonderful person like you to share his life with.

    I enjoy listening to the Bareoaks podcast and it is surprising that a few people would behave inappropriately there. Just a minimal amount of research about the place should give anyone an understanding that swinging is not what the place is about. It is a shame because such experiences could scare families away by a few crazy antidotes. Not to mention that there are other places that could accommodate people seeking such arrangements.

    1. Hi John!
      I’ll admit I worried a bit about seeming too brazen.I’m so pleased that my writing on this topic is a teaching experience for you.
      There’s definitely a lot of uncomplicated love between myself and my husband. Very lucky.

  4. I have visited Bare Oaks about a dozen times over the last year or so and have never witnessed any innapropriate acts. However one of the last times I was there a female friend I was with went to use the washroom by the pond and walked in on a couple in one of the stalls in an obvious fellatio position. She was so surprised/shocked she immediately left. Unfortunately she did not mention the incident to me until a few minutes later. Had she done so upon her return I would have gone and confronted the couple and then informed the office and/or Stephane. Also unfortunately, my friend was so shocked she couldn’t even remember if the couple were same sex or not, or even their skin colour.
    That sort of behaviour is totally unnacceptable at Bare Oaks, or any family friendly naturist park. A child could have walked in on the couple and who knows how that could have affected them.
    As Nikki mentioned, we have the self-given authority to say ‘No’ to any unwanted advances, and an obligation to report same to prevent others from being harassed.

    1. Hi Kelvin,
      I can tell you’re someone who gets it, excellent! That’s too bad that your friend witnessed what she did, see? One thing like that can ruin someone’s experience not only of a park but of naturism in general.

  5. No judgment, but the swinger subculture is pervasive at Bare Oaks. Lots of alcohol, lots of drugs, and lots of swinging. It’s not my thing, but it’s there and anyone who goes often is likely to be propositioned. I think families who make a day trip now and then wouldn’t have a clue and that’s a good thing. And I know you’ve written about single men at the club, but I’ve had more issues with single women trying to latch on to me and my partner. Awkward. Several experiences there soured me on the peaceful, natural setting, but this if life.

    1. Thank you so much for your words. As much as I support people doing relationships their way, I feel very strongly about right time right place. I would have zero qualms with someone, member or not, being thrown out because they were disrespecting the family naturist culture.
      Last year was a record year for visitors, and now this year is surpassing that. I think most people are there for the right reasons, and a small percentage don’t get it. But with our numbers growing, that small percentage equals more people.
      Propositioning is not ok. It’s disrespectful to assume they can do what they want and disregard the culture that’s painstakingly being created. There are many who care about safeguarding the family naturist lifestyle. And it’s possible that some things need to change/upgrade to protect it.

    2. I have to disagree. What people do in private is their own business. But in terms of being propositioned that is clearly against the rules. The member & visitor agreement, a printed copy of which is given to every first time visitor and can also be found on our website, states “You will not partake in any overt sexual behavior; you will not try to recruit or invite anyone for a sexual activity; and You will not promote – either internally or externally – any sexual activities at Bare Oaks. You will let us know immediately if you witness or experience any of the above.” The introductory video which every visitor is required to watch also encourages people to report such behaviour. If we do not get reports we cannot address it. So the fact that we haven’t had any such reports this year suggests to me that it is not pervasive at all. Of course, there are a few such groups but presumably those who hangout with them don’t complain because they consent. But they are certainly not the majority of the thousands of members/visitors that we see every year.

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