5 ways to tell people that you're a nudist (or naturist)

So you're sick of hiding behind closed doors and finally want to let people know you live a clothes-free life? Well, I'm going to give you 5 ways you can break the ice and tell people you're a nudist!

While I believe it's important not to hide who you truly are, unfortunately, there may be consequences of disclosing you are a nudist. So it's always important to make sure you 'read the room' before blurting out that you like to go free willy in your spare time.

Before we get into the process of "coming out" as a nudist I would like to highlight that I use this term very lightly and is not the same process as coming out of the closet and telling society that you are gay. Similarities, yes. The difference in magnitude, enormous. Living a naked lifestyle is a choice, but being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is not. Now with that being said, here are 5 ways to convince people that you're not a complete weirdo for roaming around in your birthday suit.

1. Accept yourself. This is a crucial step before taking a leap of faith and coming out over the dinner table. It's possible that people will be un-accepting of your choices and you may even lose friends after disclosing your Sunday whereabouts. Therefore it is important that you are accepting of who you are so that if your lifestyle is rejected or you are made to feel as if it is wrong, you can walk away without second guessing your joy of social nudity.

2. Break the ice. When bringing up social nudity for the first time, it's best to keep the conversation casual. Instead of making an announcement at your high school reunion that you like to hit the nude beaches on the weekends, ask a question such as "have you ever been skinny dipping?". You will find that skinny dipping is a much more welcoming idea amongst non-nudists and it is where many people experience social nudity for the first time without even realising it!

3. Consider your language. To the majority, the word nude = sex, and there will be no changing their minds. So even if you identify with the word nudist, perhaps consider using the term naturist or clothes-free when explaining your lifestyle.

4. Bring back up. If your friends are looking at you with a side eye and need a little convincing, maybe they need to hear about a few celebs who also prefer to be nude. Explain that Cameron Diaz, Harry Styles, and Hugh Jackman, among many others, have said to enjoy skinny dipping and sunbathing naked!

5. Be direct & invite them to join you. Suggest a local nude beach on a quiet day or skinny dipping at a secluded waterfall. This is a very straightforward way of telling someone you are a nudist but make sure this doesn't make your non-nudist friend uncomfortable (think about how it will sound on their end - make your intentions very clear). This can be a great way to introduce someone to the lifestyle.

If you don't feel ready or it is unsafe to come out as a naturist amongst your friends or family, that is okay! Your choices are still valid and remember there is a very large supporting community of like-minded people out there!

Pictured: Bonfire at The Heritage Nudist Club, Sydney.