"Whoa, wait a minute, Patti," you say. "No way, not for me!"

Please, give me a few minutes. Having experienced the comfort, safety, and body acceptance of nude recreation, I'd like to challenge a few of the stereotypes you've heard. Our starve-yourself-thin, exercise-til- you-drop, clothing-compulsive society can produce bulimia, anorexia, and other psychological disorders a healthy nude environment can help prevent. Now is the time for you to experience a healthy awareness of your body.

Some Myths

1. The myth of the perfect bodies.

We think others have perfect bodies, but ours somehow aren't right. We are much too conscious of how we look in the nude. We have learned to be uncomfortable with ourselves. Women especially have been brainwashed by the media to look upon their bodies with shame. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Though not perfect by any arbitrary standard, all bodies are naturally beautiful. Nudity allows us to understand that beauty is only skin deep, to go beyond and find the "real" person beneath all the "glitz" of costumes, cosmetics, and coiffures.

2. The myth of moral decay.

You'll find a fairly representative cross-section of American society relaxing at a nudist resort. Nudists are everyday people. We are contractors, secretaries, nurses, accountants, teachers, government workers, clergy, mothers, fathers, teens, infants, lawyers, doctors, taxi drivers, your friends. We are your next door neighbors, members of the PTA, YMCA, Scouting, Red Cross, your local fire department. We go to your schools, churches, and town meetings. Most of us consider ourselves mainstream Americans.

Nudists tend to be more open-minded and tolerant of others' opinions. We are not superior. We are just a bit more self-assured and confident about who we are.

Nudists generally have sexually well-adjusted children. Children raised as nudists have a healthy attitude and lack of prurient interest in the other sex. They are less likely to have sex as teenagers. For them, puberty is less traumatic. They know from first-hand experience that bodies change.

3. The myth of open sexual activity.

Nudity and sexuality are linked in many non-nudists' minds. Our culture sure gives that message. The big-busted women and the young women who get propositioned frequently think harassment will intensify if they disrobe.

They are in for a surprise! The uninhibited but peaceful atmosphere of a nudist resort is devoid of sexual innuendoes. Those seeking cheap thrills are soon disappointed that nudist activities are practically asexual. A nudist resort is somewhat like a church camp without the wet bathing suits.

4. The myth of embarrassment.

Many women are embarrassed by the look of their bodies. They fear being laughed at. They wish their bodies could be smoother, slimmer, more athletic. They think of their surgical scars, their cellulite, their stretch marks, their lack or abundance of pubic hair. Perhaps they are self-conscious of their breasts. They wonder, "Am I the wrong shape or size?" They fear involvement in some sort of contest. Going out among others who are nude lessens that fear.

The myths are just that -- myths. Today's modern nude recreation opportunities offer you peace, harmony, and tranquillity. These qualities are not found in our work-a-day lives. With no need for fashion statements and no pressure to meet a pre-determined body mold, women can express individuality. We are free to be ourselves, to relax with our family and friends. Those who desire more strenuous recreation will find facilities for a full range of healthy activities such as swimming, hiking, volleyball, and other forms of exercise. Nudist resorts are safe and secure. Anyone behaving in an offensive manner is asked to leave. Most large resorts offer a full range of activities and social events. It is common to find someone who shares your particular interests.

Allow me to introduce you to two friends of mine, Crystal and Sandy. Take a glimpse, through their eyes, of what the future could hold for you.