SWINGING

And some things you might not know about this activity...

I have admitted dozens of times over the past year that there are many things about sex that I still do not know enough about. Many of those things have been discussed, and I used my research as both a learning experience, and for a way to bring the topics out to the public forum.

My first knowledge of "swinging" came when I was young. I used to hear my dad talk about some members of the New York Yankees "swapping wives," years before I was born. Swapping wives? Was it that easy to trade your wife for a new one? Dad, you better not trade mom! Then, I remember seeing a rerun of 70's sitcom "All in the Family," where Edith mistakenly answers a personal ad for a couple looking for "friendship." As it turned out, much to the chagrin of Archie, the other couple was looking to swap partners sexually among the two couples. Most recently, I saw the movie "Eyes Wide Shut" with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. There was an orgy scene that made me wonder how much of the scene was reality. Regardless, since doing this column, I have wondered about the "adult" lifestyle, and swinging has always fascinated me. How does one get into this? And who does this? Are they happily married couples? Does it cost money? Must you be married?

Last week, I had the good fortune of interviewing a Swing Club owner. And he was kind enough to answer all of my questions, regardless of how novice and trivial they were! Bottom line was that I knew very little about the swinging culture until the interview. I hope you all will feel a bit more educated (as I now do) after reading my summary.

BACKGROUND

There are over 2000 swing clubs registered with the national registry. While this has become a highly popular way of swinging, it is believed that the majority of swinging is still done in private homes. The advent of the Internet has made this easier. Also, swingers tend to network among friends, and also use printed personal ads.

The swing club owned by my interviewee is an "on premises" club. Meaning, they have private areas for couples to get together in foursomes, and more-somes (orgy). Generally, the club meets twice a month, and occasionally take trips to other locations within a 600 mile radius. Local dances and parties are held in a well known hotel. It starts out in the banquet hall, where there is food served and a cash bar. There is a DJ provided, and hardly any sexual contact occurs during the dance portion. This is the time to mingle, to flirt, and to see who might make quality swinging partners. At 10PM, the club opens up a suite, and rooms, in the hotel for guests to use for their pleasure.

WHO MIGHT BELONG TO THIS CLUB?

This particular swing club has over two hundred couples registered. Also, about twenty single women and five single men belong. Typically, between fifty and seventy-five couples attend each dance, along with a handful of single men and women. 

Members are from all walks of life, blue collar workers, to professionals, to executives, to people in the public eye. It is the feeling of the club owner that the majority of the couples are very much in love with each other, and just plain normal folks. What sets them apart is that they enjoy seeing their spouses enjoy themselves sexually. This is done merely for pleasure, and does not extend outside the bedroom walls. 

SOME RULES

The primary reason for dismissal from the club is rudeness, which is not tolerated. Also, occasionally someone may be dismissed for joining under false pretenses (like someone wanting to write an expose, as opposed to my approach!) Another strong rule is that no means no. This rule is strictly adhered to, as the club exists for the pleasure of its willing and voluntary guests. 

While most of the sex is heterosexual, about 80% of the same sex activity is female. There is very little gay male sexual activity. Also, it is believed that the split is about 50/50 for the couples that want to swing in the same room among others, and those that want to swing in private.

ARE YOU READY TO SWING?

If you'd like more information, I was prompted to offer this website - www.nasca.com, where you might be able to find a swinger's club in your area.

Upcoming Columns

Next week, readers will be able to take a test to find out what your "sexual personality" is all about. This topic and more, coming soon!

© Jenn at e-crap.com