Written by My daughter recently asked me what seemed like a fairly easy question but, if you ponder it too long it’s somewhat profound. Are they the same thing or, are they separate feelings that end up with the same endpoint which is that you are nude when possible.
As we all know, there are at least two types of nudists/naturists (there are many types all across the spectrum, we’re just using these two). They are the home nudist and the more gregarious naturist who engages in activities outdoors and with other people. With my daughter’s line of thinking, I think it almost defines the differences between nudism and naturism in todays world.
Thinking way too hard and way too long on the subject, I really did start to wonder if there was a difference larger than my initial reaction of “either way you’re naked so what does it matter?” So, the following are just questions and comments about it. I don’t claim to be a psychologist so I don’t know what is inside of people’s minds.
Home Nudists: Does this group fall more into the category of not liking to wear clothes as their entrance into the nudist/naturist lifestyle? It would be a very good reason that they are naked at home but, generally, don’t go very far beyond that. They are naked at home more because they don’t like wearing clothes than it is liking to be naked. Yes, it’s a very, very fine line between the two but it’s something to consider.
Gregarious Naturists: This is likely the majority of people reading this oddly strange article. This group clearly enjoys being naked. They are more open about their naturist lifestyle and live it much more fully than the home nudist. They travel to landed clubs, resorts, nude beaches, etc. They enjoy getting out and being in the company of like minded people.
Both groups of nudists/naturists enjoy being naked so it’s really a mute point. However, I do think there is something to her question and the hypothesis I’ve outlined. As I said, I’m not a psychologist; this is just one man’s ponderings. I realize that I’m painting with a very wide brush as far as peoples motivations for living life naked. Going to both extremes just helped my thinking.
Interesting post thanks. I use the terms naturist and nudist interchangeably but the effect of being naked as much and as often as I can has resulted in some deeper changes in life. Nakedness has brought me closer to nature despite living in a capital city and that has meant rethinking my relationship with the environment. For health and environmental reasons I’ve returned to the vegetarianism of my youth. Does this count as loving naturism? (It’s a rhetorical question)