{mosimage}Exhibitionists expose themselves primarily to shock others. Exhibitionism does not occur in naturism. Exhibitionists find no thrill in naturist environments because of the lack of overt sexuality and their inability to shock anyone.

Naturists just want to be nude. If they like to be with others, it's because humans are social creatures.

Some people will tell you nothing. Some people will spell out the difference- in great detail. There is little difference in the two terms as espoused by the American Association for Nude Recreation and The Naturist Society, the US's two largest CO organizations. Americans have been arguing the point since at least the 1930s, while Europeans seem to have little problem using the terms interchangeably. Most "naturists" feel a closeness with the outdoors and are sometimes termed "beach people". Most "nudists" tend to participate in social nudity via resorts, camps, and other similar settings, and they tend to practice social nudity for its own sake. "Naturists" tend to be more active in their pursuit making sure that clothing-optional recreation is always available.

NOTE: Some naturists/nudists do not participate in s/imagesocial nudity, and some do not have or desire to have any "political" associations with organized naturist/nudist groups. Some people who espouse naturist/nudist philosophy don't like the labels.

NOTE: Not everyone who goes to a "nude beach" or "nudist resort" espouses nudist/naturist philosophy or ideals -- just as sitting in a hen house doesn't necessarily make you a chicken, sitting on a nude beach does not make one a nudist.

from rec.nude

Well, yes. Walking nude down Main Street will offend others. It may also do harm to the naturism movement. But going to a private naturist resort or traditionally nude area should not offend others. If somebody passes a sign that says "nudity permitted ahead", it is their fault if they take offense. This is why naturists continue to press for management rather than banishment; naturists would get the same treatment as other taxpayers, and complainers need no longer complain.

The arguments for nudity outweigh the arguments against. The opinions against may be more popular, but ours are more sensible. If you are hesitant to try naturism, try to decide why you feel this way, then find out if your hesitance is justified. More often tha/imagesn not, you'll find that it's not. Naturism's advantages are much greater than any perceived disadvantage. Give it a shot!

from nude.rec

Many naturists would answer, "Why not be nude?" Why would you wear clothing while swimming? You don't wear clothing in the bath or shower.

Why put on clothes to jump into the water? It won't make you any warmer, it won't protect you from getting wet. And when you get out of the water the swimsuit is wet and soggy, and is still doesn't make you warm - it rather makes you cold!

Naturists are not against clothing. Rather, we believe that you should dress only when appropriate.

Being nude feels good. /images/imagesIt makes people feel free. It takes away artificial inhibitions that were forced upon us after we were born. Naturists believe in body acceptance. Most report feeling less self-conscious on a nude beach than on a traditional clothed beach.

The body parts which we cover are arbitrary. It has been suggested that we cover the genital area because of its sexual nature. However, a quick survey of your day would show that that area is used for non-sexual purposes the most of the time. In fact, an equally sexual body part is your lips. Yet we do not have any problems walking around with our lips exposed!