I am really enjoying this topic, thanks for sharing everyone. I do also love the fact that ANW is a help, what greater purpose can it have? We want every naturist in the world to feel that they never have to be alone, because they can always connect with a genuine community of people here on ANW, no matter who they are, where they are or what their situation. 

This is an important topic, and we know that ANW offers an important service for many people when looking to address this topic. But we want to do more! 

I guess we all start alone in the beginning. It certainly was the case for me.
Looking back I thought initially that this was going to be just my thing, something that I would do and enjoy on my own.

I have slept naked since I got married, so was used to walking around the house sans clothes in the mornings but my first experiences outside was at the beach. The Internet was a valuable tool at that time as I did not know any other naturists.

I picked a beach, found a quiet spot and took my clothes off. This I did for the odd days during the summer, combining it with motorcycle ride outs to get to the venue.

Every visit help gain confidence so it seemed natural to then take it to the garden as well.
My partner was not so sure and didn't want to get involved and was worried that the neighbours would see, so I stuck to the beaches initially.

The feelings, pleasure and confidence I gained confirmed to me that this was something I wanted to continue but also something I kept to myself and didn't share with others other than my partner who I think thought I was having a midlife crisis. She did out me to my sisters but they didn't seem to have an opinion either way.

I decided it was going to be my thing, but wanted to expand my horizons, so booked  a studio at Euronat in France, which coincided nicely with a wedding I was attending. That did it for me, I was hooked, wanting more but still operating solo.

My wife came round to the idea of Euronat and did come with me camping in our motor home but reverted to type when we  were back in the UK.

Then along came ANW, which for me has changed everything.
It has made me realise we are not alone and it is perfectly normal to want to be seen and heard in what I am proud to say is my community.

I have tried to contribute where I can with posts and photos, which is something I never dreamed I would do and make connections with other like minded people.

I have since move things further along by joining a local club and making new naturist friends in the UK.

So from small acorns as they say, you can make bigger things happen if that is what you want.

Am I still a solo? I would say not while ANW is around, but I am still happy to go out on my own if the fancy takes me.

Thanks for posting this subject as a topic for discussion, Anna.  It’s encouraging to read that it is not uncommon to experience feelings of solitude (for good or bad) as a naturist. It’s heartening to know that one is not alone in this way. 

I love all of the strategies found in the post for finding / developing community , and for stimulating a conversation about naturism with your non naturist friends and family- leaving out copies of naturist publications in conspicuous corners at home is a good one!  

Best of all is how we all find ANW to be a common space for feeling connected.  It’s a great place and I’m glad I found you all (only two weeks ago). 

After I finish this post I’m going to see if there any ANW members located in my neck of the woods (southern New Jersey/ Philadelphia area)z, then I’m going to place a few copies of Naturally magazine in plain sight in my living room.  Looking forward to see what conversations that stimulates!  

Best,  

Kevin