Swingers Etiquette

What Happens ?
How does it work ?

Swinging
Recreational social sexual sharing among consenting adults. 
It 's a boost to a good relationship, it can be  the " icing on the cake " of a great relationship. The socialization is more compelling than the sexual inter-action. Swinging takes a variety of  forms, open, closed, couple to couple, threesomes with extra male, threesomes with extra female, foursomes or moresomes. 
Though single men and women are involved, it is primarily 
a couples activity. 

History 
No one has really been able to trace the actual history of swinging. It appears to have emerged in the late 1950's. It was called a variety of names ("wife swapping" or "key clubs"). Wife swapping is self explanatory and key clubs were instances where military couples got together and the men threw their house key in the pile and a women drew a key and had a sexual encounter  for the evening with the key's owner (very interesting prospect, but probably not all together true). Within a few years a variety of local and national  magazines appeared which catered to swingers and then alternative lifestyles. The primary way of meeting other swinging couples was through these magazines and the personal ads. There began to be pictures added (usually of the women) and of course they became very popular, as did the lifestyle itself. 
Swinging evolved in many parts of the U.S. California of course the front runner, then Chicago and New York. Swing clubs were usually in private homes, and very informal. New members were usually brought in by friends. 

Who is a swinger ?
People who swing come from all walks of life, all economic levels, every job classification, all races and nationalities. At this time, the great majority are Caucasian, middle and upper middle class, and married. Swingers, married and single, tend to be adventuresome, emotionally mature and have excellent relationships with their mates and friends. Single people are involved in swinging, but not nearly to the extent as couples. There has been an increase in the involvement of single women, who have found it to be a refreshing alternative to the bar scene. 

Social apects of swinging 
Swinging is first and foremost a social activity. Whether attending a party or meeting a couple privately, the participants talk with one another, eat, drink and laugh. All with the purposes of  becoming better acquainted and enjoying one another. Sexual activity may or may not follow. Many swingers have swinging friends that they may have known for months, or even years, that they have not become sexually involved with. 
Most swing clubs offer a warm comfortable atmosphere, with a sense of belonging to its members. It is pleasurable to meet friends or acquaintances at a party. And it is a socially safe and convenient place to meet new swinging prospects. Pleasant memories come from lounging, partially dressed or nude, in a group around a fireplace, talking and laughing in a hot  tub  or Jacuzzi. When these social experiences are complimented by enjoyable bedroom experiences, the special appeal of swinging is understood! 

Though some couples who swing have open marriages and have swinging dates apart,  most couples who swing do not date separately. They see swinging as an activity and a lifestyle that they share together. Trust and security are important elements of today's swinging.

Etiquette

As in any social activity, swinging has developed expected rules of behavior, the etiquette of swinging.  Follow these unspoken rules and you will do much to make yourself a respected member of the swinging community. 

At a swing party:

Make a party reservation. Let your hosts know you are coming, whether a private party or a club. If you cannot attend after all, call and cancel your reservation 

Arrive on time unless other arrangements have been made. It is not fashionable to be late to a swinging party. If you are going to be late, call and inform your hosts. 

Arrive and leave together as a couple unless other arrangements have been made with the host. 

Follow parking instructions. Your host knows how to be on best terms with the neighbors. To ignore his instructions is a major breach of swinging etiquette. 

Dress well but not pretentiously. Attractive casual party clothes are generally best.  If it is an on premises gathering, take a robe, negligee or other slip on. You may not use it but will be prepared. Keep jewelry to minimum. Lost jewelry is a problem for you and an embarrassment to the host and hostess. 

Good grooming is a plus for you and swinging. Be aware of your body and take care of it. Few things will kill ardor more quickly than body odor. Be aware also of your kisses tasting of cigarettes or liquor. 

Everyone has the right of refusal. You should not swing with a person unless you want to. Be honest with yourself regarding your feelings and desires, and expect that others will do the same. When you say "yes" be honest and enthusiastic, when you say no, be tactful and courteous. Take a no graciously and move on to another person. 

Do not take a " ticket " to a swinging party. A ticket is a person who has no intention of swinging but is willing to go along just to get you in. No one, of course, must swing at any party, but if you swing it is assumed that your mate or date is willing and free to do the same. 

Do not take someone to a swing party who is not informed as to the nature of the party, and their expected behavior. 

Do not eat, drink, or smoke in any bedroom area. Besides the obvious fire, and mess hazards, these areas are reserved for other activities. These are among the most violated rules of swinging etiquette and the ones most likely to make you an unwelcome guest. 

Do not disturb the swinging enjoyment of others in a bedroom or other areas with loud or prolonged talk. 

The group room is  for group swinging.  If you want privacy, don't go there. If you take your partner or any other person to the group room you can expect others to ask to join in your activity.  At the same time, swinging in the group room is not automatic permission to all who may be there. The  right of refusal always applies.  "NO" means "NO THANK YOU!" 

Club swinging parties have party dues or an expected donation.  It is your responsibility to present it upon being checked off the reservation list at the door.  Do not make the host or hostess remind you. If attending a private party, take a gift (cheese or a snack) or make a donation to help with expenses. 

Do not be a bedroom "cruiser". Quietly opening a door  to see if there is  an available bed for you and your swinging partner to use is all right, but to look into bedrooms out of curiosity is BAD MANNERS, as is going from bedroom to bedroom pulling back curtains and turning on lights. To go into a private swinging area  you should be with a partner and be invited.

The Alliekat is purring!!!