I have a friend who like nudist beaches etc. Explain to me the why of it?

To understand why it's such a big deal, start by asking how and why we got to the point where people became so ashamed of what they are, that they can no longer accept each that way? We learn to reinforce this conditioning on others by being offended if they don't comply, even to the point of codifying laws which require everyone to be covered in contradiction to principles of liberty and personal freedom of expression.

Then there's these people who go out and dare thumb their noses at the taboo. They find to their own astonishment that not only do they easily get used to it and everyone gets along just fine, but that it's radically more comfortable and sensual to be that way.

The burden that feels so good to be free of, is largely the burden of an unjust lie. Being naked feels great, and being naked with others frees oneself of the huge burden of an unnatural culturally enforced compulsion. The result is a feeling of profound liberation, which quickly settles down to natural normalcy.

A naked person cannot hide behind a position or clothing. A naked person is completely open. I'm not sure how deep the understanding is but it enables people to relate to each better. I find other nudist friendlier as they are not protecting an image.

For those who don't know: nudism is about de-stressing, relaxing, and returning to innocence. Children are natural nudists. Children are taught body shame. Children who grow up in naturist households have better body images, stronger family ties, and lower teen pregnancy rates. Nudist families have lower divorce rates. It's the great human equalizer.

Nudism (also called naturism by some) builds self-esteem; nudism is about accepting yourself and others for who you are, how you act, and what you say rather than what you look like, own, or wear. It's like going barefoot all over. After a rough day and you take your shoes off….you know how good your feet feel? That’s the same way the rest of you feels when you disrobe. When you disrobe, you shed aggression, tension, & anxiety. Medically speaking, it has lowered blood pressure.

In a 1983 Roper Poll,72% of Americans approved of nude beaches. In a 2000 poll, that is up to 80%. The ‘83 poll also said that 15% of Americans have joined in co-ed nude recreation and that 25% of young Americans enjoyed sunning or swimming nude. The newer poll suggests that more than 51 million, up from 33 million, have at one time or other enjoyed skinny dipping and at least 161 million Americans support our rights to our lifestyle.

The Naturist Society, one of the two major nudist organizations with over 20,00 members describes naturism as a way of living in harmony with the intention of encouraging self-respect for others, the environment, and feeling free of the artificial barriers of clothing. The American Association for Nude Recreation has more than @40,000.

It is well known that a feeling of wholeness, honesty and well being overcome people when they find themselves laughing and enjoying camaraderie with family and friends in a nude environment.

The only difference between nudists and others is after a large meal, nudists have not belt to loosen.

We are lawyers, doctors, secretaries, accountants, engineers, models, teachers, clergy, government employees, mothers, fathers, teens, infants, taxi drivers, your neighbors, your friends. Most nudists are "clothed when practical, nude when possible."

Surveys have proven that except for fears derived from artificial cultural taboos, over 85% of all Americans are at least sympathetic to nudists' beliefs.

Before leaving planet Earth I can whole heartedly recommend that y’all experience the exhilaration of nudism with friends & family. You have nothing to loose but a wonderful time.