How to come out to your parents that you want to be a nudist

How to come out to your parents that you want to be a nudist

by E. David Hopkins, NIFTY member

Introduction:

You have always felt more comfortable with no clothes on, you have always seen the human body as something beautiful that shouldn’t be covered up, or you want to be able to feel the wind and the air over all your body, surrounded by many friendly, understanding people. You find yourself longing to take part in the nudist lifestyle, but you find yourself at a loss as to how to come out as a nudist, because you’re not sure how your parents would react or you’re afraid that they’ll misunderstand or become upset. Here are some steps to show your parents what being clothes-free means to you.

Step 1: Remind your parents that you were born naked

You can begin letting your parents know your views by reminding them that naked was the way you came into this world; that you were not only naked, but born with no problem with nudity. Remind your parents of the days (if they let you do this) when you were a toddler and loved to play around the house or back yard with nothing on.  If this fails to convince your parents, you can try to explain that before the invention of clothes, all humans lived naked, and that clothing was originally worn for warmth and protection.

Step 2: Let your parents know that you want to become a nudist and explain your motivations

Tell your parents that you don’t necessarily see nudity as a bad thing or sexual thing, and that all you want is to be free in the open air, doing everyday activities, with like-minded people.  If you’ve done research into actual nudist places, you can show your parents the policies and etiquette of those places to show that they do not condone open sexual activity. You can also show them photographs (if the nudist club’s website displays any) of the club’s facilities and grounds to show them that it’s a wholesome campsite with natural scenery.

Step 3: Remind your parents that clothing is subjective to time and culture

You can tell your parents that times are changing with people in North America wearing less clothing than in past decades, that the amount of clothing people wear depends on their culture, and that more and more people are taking part in nudism or coming out as nudists. Tell your parents that legitimate nudist resorts, beaches and other events and venues are places where the birthday suit is merely the dress code, rather than something that people show off; that, like clothing being subjective to time and culture, nudist venues are simply a culture where nudity is the norm.

Step 4: Inform your parents that you will respect their boundaries

Tell your parents that, because you love them and respect their views, that, unless they are comfortable seeing you naked, you will always wear clothing around the house, and that whatever their views are, you will always be properly clothed when non-nudist guests are present.  Explain that just because you are a nudist, or want to become a nudist, you won’t be naked all the time and everywhere, and you will not be nude around anyone who doesn’t want to see you in that state.

Step 5: Listen to what your parents have to say

Depending on your parents’ mindset or their religious beliefs, your parents could have a wide variety of reactions. This could range anywhere from your parents being fully happy and accepting to complete upset, outrage, and no interest in what you have to say.  However, if your parents did take the time to listen to your point of view, be sure to listen to what they have to say in return.  Even if they are not outwardly against your willingness to become a nudist, they might show concern for your reputation if you proceed, or that you might meet weirdos and undesirables in the naturist environment.  If your parents make it clear that they do not support your participation in the nudist lifestyle, then you may have to move out before you take on this way of life.

Tips:

  • If your parents do support your nudism and you’re still living under their roof, always let them know where you are going whenever you go to any nudist venue or event, so that they know where you are and that you’re safe.
  • As an extra precautionary tip for safety and parental assurance, you could try introducing and bringing a friend with you to your nudist outings. For more details, see the wikiHow article How to Introduce a Friend to Nudism.
  • Only come out to your parents if you feel that there’s a decent chance that they will listen to what you have to say and understand.
  • If your parents respond with non-understanding or hostility, quietly walk away and never bring the subject up again. In this case, you are best off waiting until after you move out to become a nudist.
Warnings:
  • Although there are no verifiable cases of this happening, the very worst reaction from your parents could be that they disown you for becoming a nudist. If you feel that there’s even the slightest chance that this might happen, never, under any circumstance, tell your parents about being or wanting to be a nudist, even after you’ve moved out.
  • If you’re living under your parents’ roof, do not hide your nudism or practice it behind your parents’ back, as this will come across as dishonest, and could cause you to lose credibility if ever you come out to them.
  • Unless you think there’s a strong chance your parents would be willing to accompany you, do not come out to them until you are at least 18 (or other age of majority of where you live).
  • Do not begin to let your parents know that you want to be a nudist by walking around or doing activities about the house naked in their presence. They will almost certainly get the wrong message, and it will come off as bizarre at best, and exhibitionistic at worst.

Permanent link to this article: http://niftynude.org/how-to-come-out-to-your-parents-that-you-want-to-be-a-nudist/

10 comments

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    • Will on April 28, 2018 at 6:13 am
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    No better life to have than total nude all the time. TRY IT . YOU WILL LEARN TO LOVE BEING NUDE

    • Naked Boy on February 19, 2019 at 3:49 pm
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    looks like fun

  1. I like nudity is to live as you are

    Me gusta la desnudes esvivir a como tu eres

    • Rod on May 31, 2019 at 12:19 am
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    Being totally honest with your parents about being a nudist is the best way to be. Respect their views and they will respect yours because they love you. It might cement even stronger bonds between you.

    • Peter on August 6, 2019 at 1:34 am
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    Nudism is healthy because it allows you to experience the human body for what it is and let nature take its course. You can feel completely comfortable in your own skin, and engage with natural resources naturally. Children can learn about their bodies authentically and better understand the differences between males and females. Everybody’s body is equally welcome and respected. Your skin can breathe healthily. You can move around more freely with greater ease and confidence. You will embrace humanity as a whole. And you will become a happier person when you are naked than when wearing clothes.

    • Chris on October 12, 2019 at 10:10 pm
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    Hello I am Chris new to nudist life

    • Alex on May 2, 2020 at 8:50 am
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    I love being naked and free but I will try in public and talk to my parents about it

    • Fred on December 21, 2020 at 10:50 am
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    Where can I find more nudity family photos I think its kinda cool

    • Pincher on August 12, 2022 at 11:19 pm
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    Would certainly like to be The Cop in a Nudist Colony!
    Question is; Where do I pin my Badge???

      • M. J. Edington on August 29, 2023 at 9:10 pm
      • Reply

      Why… you’d pin your badge to your hat, naturally.
      As a nudist and a Fugitive Recovery Agent, I have never been called upon to help maintain order. In fact, If there are cops who are also nudists, I’ve never seen them differently from any other nudist.
      The very spirit of nudism is one where people find great contentment and I’ve never seen any need for law enforcement in a nudist venue. Ergo, you wouldn’t need a badge in any nudist facility I’ve ever visited, and I believe I’ve been a nudist longer than you’ve been alive.

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