Q: I am interested in going to a nude beach, but don't know how to broach the subject with my partner. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We think honesty is the best approach. When Mike first told me that he was a naturist, I was suprised, but I was also interested. Taking the time to explain why you are a naturist (or why you want to explore naturism) makes a real difference. It is also important to affirm your spouses importance in your life. The Naturist Society is a great resource that can educate you and your mate together.

Q: I have told my partner that I am interested in going to nude beaches and/or I have gone in the past. While my partner accepts my choices, he is reluctant to accompany me. What should I do?

A: Naturist places are clothing optional. Just because your partner does not want to go nude does not mean they cannot accompany you. Why is your partner reluctant to accompany you? If he feels uncomfortable about the way he looks, he will probably find that nude beaches don't live up to the stereotypical perfect body ideal that many folks have. The most important thing is to communicate with your partner and make them feel welcome to accompany you -- clothed or naked.

Q: I would like to visit a nude beach, but I am afraid I will get an erection. Has this happened to other people? What should I do if it happens to me?

A: Many newcomers have this fear, but rest assured nude beaches are not sexual! The great thing is that after a few minutes, you forget that everyone around you is nude. It is unlikely you will end up getting one, because you will be enjoying the sunshine and comfort of the beach. If you do get an erection, you should lay on your stomach or sit with a towel over your lap until the erection goes away.

Q: I enjoy being naked in my home, but I am embarassed about other people seeing me naked in public. How do I know if I look good enough to go to a nude beach?

A: Everyone's body is different. There is no perfect body; this is apparent when visiting a nude beach. Rather than being uncomfortable about themselves, most naturists have a better body image after visiting a nude beach. After all, nude beaches have nothing to do with how you look, they focus more on enjoying nature and appreciating the freedom of an unclothed body.

Q: My spouse and I would like to go to a nude beach, or maybe try a resort, but we aren't sure if we should bring our children. Have you seen any families where you go?

A: Naturism is a family activity. We have seen children ranging from infants to teenagers every place we have visited. The kids play together and enjoy the beach, some clothed some naked. If you are unsure, we suggest researching your destination before you arrive.

Q: Is it common for people at nude beaches to shave?

A: As you have noticed, we both shave. We shave for comfort and because we like the way it looks on us. We feel genital shaving is no different than shaving your legs or your face. There seem to be a good number of people who shave where we have been. However, this seems to be vary from beach to beach and club to club. Some people don't like shaving, and that is okay, too. We have never felt uncomfortable or out of place being shaven. We believe that naturists welcome one another's differences, no matter what they may be.