Went for my first social naked experience last year at one of Abbey House Gardens clothing optional days.
My wife (who remained textile) and I spent 3 hours there alternately enjoying the sunshine and the cool breeze in the shady spots.
The majority of visitors were naked, some with just one partner textile, but there were also a few textile groups (including at least one family with young teen girls) that were not bothered by all the naked bodies around them. Sunbathing space was quite limited (not a huge fan of sunbathing myself) so we were content to walk or sit as the mood took us.
When I proposed visiting a CO day to my wife a year previously she was totally against it - "I don't want to be seeing naked people" - but gentle encouragement moved us forward as a couple. She was still down about her self image and I think that will be the next hurdle to cross.
A year on and I believe she is becoming more willing to explore social naturism herself, I certainly hope so anyway!!
Alan.
I think Abbey House Gardens is a lovely place, although sadly it may be lost to naturist visitors after this year.
BUT, I'm not sure if it would be the easiest or most comfortable environment for somebody to strip-off in public for the first time, especially if they are apprehensive about the prospect in any case.
I'd have thought somewhere slightly more remote and private might be more appealing initially. Not sure if your other half enjoys swimming or relaxing on the beach? Context can be hugely important for individuals considering making the necessary 'jump' from wearing clothes to relaxing without them. Obviously, some warm/hot sunshine can help enhance the context enormously.
Just my thoughts...
In any case, hope you continue to make progress.
Mike
Whether we have lost the naturist days depends on two things:
1 - The new proprietors' attitude to nudity, regardless of whether they are naturists themselves
and
2 - The relative profitability of the naturist days compared with a regular Sunday.
I am hopeful that point 2 will save the day.
JOhn
Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.
George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionaries
Alan, glad to hear you enjoyed yourself.
Thanks for your thoughts Mike, we decided to go to AHG for several reasons, some related to my wifes background and others to do with what we enjoy as a couple. It may sound a little odd but neither of us are big fans of just lying on a beach sunbathing, neither are we big on swimming - we prefer leisurely strolls whether they be in the countryside, picturesque village or formal gardens and even along a beach. Another reason was the CO days at AHG are several times a year and just on the limit distance wise for a day trip compared with, say, the maize mazes or other places that have a CO event just one evening a year. Ideally, I would like to join a landed club with her but that is too big a step at this time. AHG is a good compromise for us as we explore naturism together and hopefully the CO days can continue - there seemed to be about three times as many people there compared with a non-co Sunday.
reminds me..I've never been there so must do it this year or........
Boundaries are there to be stretched!
reminds me..I've never been there so must do it this year or........
Lee, you can't push the boundaries there unless you decide to go and strip off on a non clothes optional day gn:
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