truckerwife,
In some ways, you sound much like us, except for the fact that it took us being together for over 20 years to get to the point where we could discuss swinging. The sad part is that it took us that long, it didn't have to. If you guys are truly at that point after a year and a half, kudos to you. I would ask yourself this--is there any part of who you are--your desires, fears, fantasies--that you feel you can't share with your husband, and vice versa? In the deep, dark recesses of your mind, is there anything you are keeping from each other or hiding? Is there anything that makes you stop and think, "It would be best if he didn't know that" or "I'm afraid of what he'd think if he found that out"? If you feel comfortable being 100% transparent with each other, and seeing each other for who you
truly are brings you closer, I'd say you could indeed be ready.
The main reasons it took us over 20 years to get to that point were: a)Insecurity--we thought that if the other person
really knew what was going on in the hidden places of our minds, there would be some level of rejection or hurt; b)An upbringing that said who we really were was wrong. As for insecurity, at some point you just have to decide that it's worth the risk of opening yourself up. If you're with the right person, the rewards are nothing less than magical. If you're not with the right person, well, at least you know the answer. In regard to the upbringing issues, those actually became easier as we got closer. Being open, honest and real was more important to us than what others were telling us we should be. As we grew together, everything just seemed right. For us, the fact that we can both be comfortable swinging is a milestone in our lives that indicates our relationship is where it should be. All the things we were taught about relationships growing up seems to be so much B.S. I honestly don't know any non-swinging people who have as good a relationship as we have--including all the churchies we used to hang out with, who still struggle with issues of truly opening themselves up to one another. All of this has helped us get past the point of caring whether what we're doing goes against what we've always been taught. As Julie said, as you make your way through this, you'll come to your own way of dealing with upbringing issues. If you and your husband are a true team,you'll find the way.
As for nymphos thriving in the lifestyle--you'll feel right at home, and who you are will be accepted, celebrated and encouraged
It's a truly freeing experience, the likes of which we never found when doing things the way others thought we should.