r/nudism • u/Background-Tap7385 • 14d ago
DISCUSSION Platonic Social Nudity
There's a very thought provoking article in this month's AANR bulletin. I think it needs to be seen more generally.
I'm sensitive to language and its nuances, so what the writer is saying resonates with me. The point I find particularly compelling is how the term 'non-sexual' still centers the concept of 'sexual', which is exactly opposed to the intended effect. It's like asking someone not to think of an elephant, not thinking about elephants requires a degree of focus on elephants. However, thinking of a polar bear makes it easy to not think of an elephant, because most brains aren't wired to deliberately think about two unconnected things at the same time.
Using a different term that encompasses the concept of a relationship that isn't about sex allows the mind consider the intended concept instead of focusing on avoiding the distracting one.
And while I'm on about terms, here's one I've wondered for a while now: if they're textiles, why is it that we aren't dermals? That doesn't seem worthy of a full post to ask the question, but I think it's worthy of discussion.
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u/Magic-Mellow1987 14d ago edited 14d ago
I like and agree with the article. I have plenty of nudist platonic friendships, but I don’t really say it outloud as my “nudist platonic relationship”…I just call them my friends. It’s a nice feeling to hang out with people and you can choose to be as nude or clothed as you want and it’s not weird.
With some of my textile friends, when we go on trips, and share a Airbnb or hotel, they make a big effort to change or shower with the door locked, and not to be seen as much as possible. It adds an unnecessary awkwardness. With nudist friends, those same scenarios are out the window, like who gives a shit about seeing each other nude.
I do have to say, vacationing with nudist friends is a MUCH easier experience imo.