The vast majority of the population place very negative connotations on swinging, as biblonde said...a bunch of perverts, etc. Therefore, the media, in their attempt to sell to the masses, has a vested interest in portraying the most negative aspects of swinging. That is what their viewers want to see. Think about it...if your local newspaper came out with an article touting the fun and "advantages" of swinging, what would be the response of their readers. Sheer outrage. And would you be willing to write a letter to the editor...signing your name...explaining why you thought it was so wonderful? Most of us would not. That's life.
As for the over 40 crowd, which I'm a very proud member of? You will find a cross-representation of society in swinging. Go visit your local grocery store...look around. Really young, young, old, older, really old, short, fat, skinny, blonde, ugly, attractive, clean, scrungy, personable, rude...and some of these same people are swingers. And the same thing holds true for "strange" people. How do you know your next door neighbor that you cook out with on Saturday night, golf with on Sunday...isn't "strange?" And of course...what is your definition of strange? People are into different things...group sex, gang bangs, BDSM to name a few. Does that make them strange because I'm NOT into those sorts of activities?
As for the disease free thing...trusting people. Fact of the matter is, you really can't. There may be the occasional situation where a couple that has been 100% monogamous for the last 20 years meets another like them - or so they say - but even then, you can't be certain. You weigh the pros and cons...just as you do in any situation. Use condoms. Make the best choices possible in terms of partners. But no, there can never be any guarantee. There are inherent risks, but again, there are risks in getting in your car and going to work each morning.
I'd dare say that the majority of us that post here and on other boards feel that we are "average." But my "average" may be quite different than yours. As for personality? I've met some of the most personable and outgoing and friendly people in swinging circles that I've ever met. And really, I think I'm one of them. You have to really get to know people, tho'. You don't just walk into a room or pick up a magazine or look at web pictures and think, "Oh! the perfect people!" Many fine qualities and positive attibutes come through as you get to know people...no different than any other aspect of your life.
- EBF
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