Stamp of Approval

Today should be hailed as a milestone in the history of modern nudism, for "Dear Abby" has given her stamp of approval to the lifestyle. When the reluctant wife of a nudist wrote in to ask if she should join her husband in his clothes-free lifestyle, she received the following answer:

I'm not opposed to it. From everything I have read, and from readers' testimonials, the naturalist lifestyle is healthy and upbeat, so give it a try. Just be sure to wear sunscreen.

I'll forgive Abby for using the word "naturalist" instead of "naturist", because it's rare that any media personality says that taking off all of your clothes is "healthy and upbeat." Contrast her statement with that of Alicia Silverstone, who admitted to gardening and swimming in the nude, but denied that she was a nudist. It's terrific that Silverstone enjoys the freedom of not wearing clothes, but her nudist denial is inherently dishonest, merely a ploy to prevent her from being tagged with the label.

We need more media personalities like "Dear Abby" to come out and say that the nudist or naturist lifestyle is perfectly OK.

Another positive in the media is the writings of Detroit Day Trips Examiner Laura Leyrer, who has now created a new category for Nudist Adventures, which should do a great deal to promote nudism in the Midwest. I don't know Laura, but her avatar shows her with a bright, beaming smile, and her skin with the healthy glow of sunshine. With all the male nudist bloggers and writers out there, it's refreshing to have a woman's point of view on the issues.

Readers of this blog are encouraged to write to Dear Abby and Laura Leyrer to thank them for their endorsements.

Dear Abby Gets It Right

A "worried mom"asks if it's OK for her 14 year-old daughter to be sleeping in the nude.

When I told her I was not comfortable with it, she asked me why, and frankly I could not come up with a good reason other than it seemed "wrong," and fear about what would happen in an earthquake or fire. She questioned how it could be wrong if no one knows - unless they walk into her room without knocking (as I did).

The fact is that there is no rational reason for not sleeping in the nude, just as there is no rational reason for swimming and sunbathing in clothes. People are so invested in this idea of modesty and shame that they accept the fact that nudity is "wrong" even though they cannot come up with any reason why. Abby's answer:

There is nothing inherently wrong with sleeping in the nude. Many people do so because they sleep more comfortably that way. Look at the bright side - it makes for smaller loads of laundry.