Is there any 'judgement' in nudist groups?
Hey guys. I'm a newbie to nudism, and all the times I've been naked either at home or at a beach, was only by myself. Just a couple of months ago I decided to give a try and start interacting with other like-minded people online.
I've talked to some, and they seem very friendly, actually. But something that preoccupies me a bit is what others think about you and your body while being naked around each other - I'm talking about non sexual nudism ofc. This is something I've been thinking about and don't have an answer on this tbh. Will others give strange looks if they don't like your physique, your body hair or lack of, if you're fit or overweight, etc? I'm honestly feeling very good about how my body looks, but the last thing I want is people being judgmental or even comment on something they don't like on you. Really got no time for this.
So that's my question. I do hope you guys understand what I'm saying, and frankly don't know what's up bc I don't have any previous experience. All replies are welcomed!
In a non-sexual nudist environment there really won't be any judgement about bodies, any more than in a clothed environment - even less so, since people will go a bit out of their way to be accepting. See that guy unstrapping his leg and laying it beside the pool before he gets in? The one with the folds of loose skin draping loosely after drastic weight loss? The keloid gash down the chest from open heart surgery? The hernia truss? Of course, we each want to look our personal best, but bodies vary a LOT, and there's room for everybody.
Online isn't real life, and you'll find more judgement here than there - much of it supportive - the "looking good" comment to a photograph, that sort of thing.
I agree with Steve. People show scars, missing breasts and limbs, and body fat all the time. Nobody cares. Part of nudism is being totally honest with yourself and with other people, and expecting the same consideration from them. You're all there for one common purpose -- to feel what it's like to be without unnecessary clothing, and to be with other people who feel the same way.
I see less judgment against individuals in nudism, but in the puritanical US, judgment against groups (including me as a single dads and my sons) persists in the landed/private nudist community, to its detriment. At public venues I've found the vibe is more "live and let live" and carefree. I just wish I had access to such places within 500 miles!
Part of nudism is being totally honest with yourself and with other people, and expecting the same consideration from them. You're all there for one common purpose -- to feel what it's like to be without unnecessary clothing
You know, I agree so much with that. I also do believe that and would definitely like to see that in person.
I would say the nudist world is the least judgemental of any group I've been part of. And this is one reason I feel so connected with other nudists. I was very body conscious, but completely got over it once I was part of the nudist scene. In fact, now I like being seen naked by others.
Of course one notices things about other people's bodies, but it's about connecting with other people because of their personality rather than appearance. I've seen all sort of scars, people with one leg, colostomy bags, etc. On another (non nudist) forum a while back the question was asked, by someone with bad scarring from burns, what beach he could go to where he wouldn't feel so self conscious. It was interesting to see the number of replies suggesting a nude beach. And it's true. Despite the apparent irony, the best place for a self concious person not confident about their body is a nude beach.
Discriminatory and judgemental people are everywhere, though thankfully I've seen this thinking to a much lesser degree in the nudist community. I'm concerned that the original poster is more worried about this than he should be, but until he gets to meet in person the kind of folks who choose to be nude in a public setting, these feelings will prevail.
We all have scars and bumps and bruises, some of the worst of which aren't going to show on the outside of our bodies. That's life! Constantly looking in the mirror and trying to become comfortable with what you see can become obsessive. Experiencing the world without clothes on assists in teaching that little narcissist in us all that we are only as beautiful as we see ourselves. A healthy body image cannot come from anywhere but inside. You are unique in this world and we want to see you, no matter what.
The poster quoted below gives the impression that most of his nude interactions are online. Physical presence helps to reduce the ability for the individuals involved to be blatantly inappropriate. Telling someone they're "plumpy" goes against a cardinal rule in social nudism! These comments are exactly NOT what a nude friend should say, not constructive criticism, not in any way helpful. "...and you never get hard," are you for real??? I don't give a damn if this person is undergoing hormone therapy to change their sexual identity, these comments are a complete foul in the nudist world. Feeling the need to spend any time around someone who talks to their 'friends' like that is unfortunate. Jokingly telling someone they never get hard means the comment is coming from a person who is thinking with their genitals, not their brain. Reality check -- not everyone in the world is a sexual conquest in the making. The internet helps judgemental people along by giving their cruelty an avenue to make themselves feel better by shaming others. This is no one I would call a friend.
If a nude friend tells you about a suspect mole on your back that they think needs to be looked at by a dermatologist, that is a friend. A friend you are presumably not being sexual with should never complain that they've never seen you erect.Oooooh I've been in quite a few nude groups, nude platforms and there's never been any judgement at all, there was only once and that wasn't nude group, these 2 females, one was a really good friend I've known her for 8 years now and the other a coupla months previous, the 2nd one says oooooh you're a bit plumpy and you never get hard, arrggghhhh oh my gawwwd this ain't a sexual thing it's a lifestyle and yup I am plumpy but I love me, she larrrrfed and said fair enuf, it still didn't make me wanna get dressed in front of them, it was her opinion and I was fine about it, afterall she was only stating the obvious and she didn't say it nastily, the first female my friend of 8 years later told me the 2nd female was a transexual who was going thru the change oh fine says I, I'm not and never have been prejudicial nor judgemental, each to their own is what I say.I was also close to this guy, he tells me he's gay and he has boyfriend oh wonderful says I, we'd been having naked chats, after finding that out we still had naked chit-chats, so yeah never judgemental
Social nudism provides a great opportunity to move on from being self conscious about body shape. size, etc and give up the idea that a difference is a defect. Steve describes that nicely. If thats the extent of ones question about acceptance in a nude social setting, then yes, nudists are accepting. But as Willy points out, there are people everywhere who are negatively judgmental. I read enough of the threads on this site where arguments rage about such things as tattoos, sexual orientation, single vs married in nudist venues that I have to take a deep breath when I think about judgment in nude social situations. But acknowledging that there are some some folks that carry negative opinions about the other is no reason not to celebrate your naked body and discover the folks who you are compatible with. Take the plunge!!
Discriminatory and judgemental people are everywhere, though thankfully I've seen this thinking to a much lesser degree in the nudist community. I'm concerned that the original poster is more worried about this than he should be, but until he gets to meet in person the kind of folks who choose to be nude in a public setting, these feelings will prevail.We all have scars and bumps and bruises, some of the worst of which aren't going to show on the outside of our bodies. That's life! Constantly looking in the mirror and trying to become comfortable with what you see can become obsessive. Experiencing the world without clothes on assists in teaching that little narcissist in us all that we are only as beautiful as we see ourselves. A healthy body image cannot come from anywhere but inside. You are unique in this world and we want to see you, no matter what.
Those are such great and warm words! I enjoyed reading this. Thank you!