Swinger
Etiquette
Etiquette
In Swinging
(Common Sense and Social Courtesy)
The following article
was written by Kenn & Lisa, P.O. Box 246, Alameda, CA 94501, and
sums up swingers' etiquette better than anything else I have found.
It has been reprinted many times, but should be mandatory reading
for any swingers, experienced or new:
All of us want to be
successful as swingers. It doesn't matter how often, with whom,
where, or in what style we swing. One of the nicest things about our
lifestyle is that most of us relate to each other with
understanding, thoughtfulness, and common courtesy; just as we
ourselves wish to be treated. Think C.S.A.S.C. (Common Sense and
Social Courtesy). If you employ the following suggestions or adapt
them to your own situation, you should become a welcome participant.
1. BE COURTEOUS - Be aware that this is a lifestyle full of
insecurities, uncertainties and fears. Courteously is how we all
want to be treated - with kindness, thoughtfulness, understanding
and sensitivity. In essence, courtesy is our treating people the way
we ourselves want to be treated. Remember the Golden and Silver
rules.
2. BE FRIENDLY - Whether or not you are personally interested in
swinging with someone, be polite. You never know, you may share many
other interests or
you may meet that person again, and they may introduce you to
someone with whom you ARE compatible and do wish to share time.
3. RESPOND TO ALL INVITATIONS - RSVP means please reply to the
invitation. It does NOT mean reply only if you plan to attend. The
most frustrating part of hosting, be it a party, a group or another
couple, is people who are discourteous enough not to respond,
PERIOD. Good etiquette and good social courtesy DEMAND you respond,
by either calling or writing to say yes OR no.
4. NEVER ARRIVE EMPTY HANDED - When you go to someone's home for a
party, ask if there is something you can bring. (it's amazing how
many supplies, other than food are used up at an average party.) If
you are not going as a couple, a house- gift is appropriate (and not
necessarily wine.)
5. GO PREPARED - Take whatever you personally are going to need with
you. Carry a small overnight bag for lingerie or robe, hairbrush,
comb, toothbrush, cologne, intimate cleansing articles, condoms,
etc. If you plan to stay over, sleeping bags or blankets and pillows
are necessities.
6. CLEANLINESS - Nothing turns a person off faster and more
effectively than an unclean body or unfresh breath. Even if you
shower and perfume yourself before you leave home, it is always a
good idea to freshen up again when you arrive at your destination.
It is amazing what time to drive somewhere, stop for a bite, or
whatever, can do or rather UNDO.
7. RESPECT OTHERS' FEELINGS - Beware, not everyone is comfortable in
all situations, Keep your eyes open for signs that your partner, as
well as others, is relaxed and enjoying themselves. If someone is
not comfortable, try helping them over the rough spots. Remember,
you were a beginner once yourself. If it is obvious that things are
not working out, remain polite and courteous; but alert the host.
Keep in mind that not all people feel the same about things.
8. DON'T BE PUSHY - If you are interested in swinging with someone,
let them know in an inviting way; if they are interested, they will
respond positively. If they are not and say "No, thank
you," do not ask WHY. No amount of sweet talk or coercion on
your part will change their mind and will probably work against you.
Everyone has the right to say "NO" at all times, to
anyone, without explanation. Do not ever forget that.
9. ONLY DO WHAT IS FUN FOR YOU - Do not allow yourself to become
sexually involved with anybody that you are not interested in. There
is no reason to involve yourself in a scene that you are not
comfortable with. You are in the lifestyle to enjoy yourself, so
only do what you want, when you want and with whom you want.
10. HOW AND WHY TO SAY NO - One of the basic etiquettes in swinging
is the right of anyone to say "No". Experience has taught
most people that everybody is not right for everybody else. Improper
handling of a situation, however, can lead to a lot of hurt or very
bad feelings. The swing world accepts the premise that everyone has
the right to say "No" to anyone at anytime and it should
be done with a simple "No, thank you". Never give an
explanation, because that is what usually causes the problems and
the pain.
11. ALCOHOL OR DRUGS - Most of us do not use drugs, although some of
us drink socially. At times, a few drinks are nice to help you
"relax". Over-indulging may hamper your physical
abilities, as well as offend or turn other people off to you. If you
have to over indulge in order to participate in swinging, you are
involved in the wrong lifestyle.
12. PRACTICE SAFER SEX - It is up to us to protect ourselves as well
as our partners. With the present concern over sexually transmitted
diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, aids, yeast infection, etc.,
the use of condoms should not offend anybody. Anyone not willing to
take this precaution is acting selfishly and irresponsibly. You are
not being accused of being unclean, but simply someone wishes to
provide you both with protection.
13. CALL TO SAY THANKS - Most people only use the telephone if they
are going to go somewhere. Lost seems to the social ambiance of a
'Thank-You Note' or phone call to someone whose hospitality you
enjoyed. It means a lot to most people, and they will surely
remember you when planning their next event. Don't you like to be
thanked?
14. BE GOOD HOSTS - When you have people coming to your home, try to
anticipate their needs: put clean sheets on the beds; keep plenty of
clean washcloths and towels available. Show your guests through the
house so that they will know where the bathrooms, kitchen, and other
rooms are located.
15. ANSWERING ADS - All replies to an ad should be answered in two
weeks even if it is a No. Remember not all people you write to are
interested in you or your partners sexual heroics. A first letter
should include a brief description of yourselves, where you saw the
ad, your ad number and your social and sexual interests. An SASE
should be included with your original reply as many couples receive
a large number of replies which can be costly to reply to.
16. ENJOY YOURSELF - Most important, have a good time, act out your
fantasies, explore your own sexuality and enjoy everything this
lifestyle has to offer with enthusiasm, laughter and a positive
attitude.
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