Well our first experience was with a couple that had been in the lifestyle for over 7 years. We really can't thank them enough for everything the helped us with. They were extrememly patient, helpful and honest with us. The four of us had many long discussions about various topics in swinging and they really did make things alot easier for us (mainly me).
Had we been in a situation where we explored with other newbies, things might have turned out vastly different. I really slowed things down with issues I was dealing with at the beginning and well, as newbies we didn't quite understand them, so if we had been with other newbies, chances are they might not have understood either.
Now this couple also was the type of couple the really pushed our boundaries, but in a good way.
Never pushed us after we said no, but always bringing up new ideas and then waiting for us to say we were ready. It was a lot of fun! facelick
-Van