Good fences make good neighbors?

Hi Neighbor!  

I think most of us have heard the saying, "Good fences make good neighbors" at some point in our life. But, is that really true?  Well, what are fences really good for?

1. Keeping your pets in YOUR yard.
2. Keeping others out.
3. Keeping your "stuff" more secure.
4. Providing more privacy.
5. Pissing off a neighbor whom you cannot stand?
6. Defining your property line.

There are simple fences such as a small picket fence, chain link fence, privacy fence all the way up to pretty much a wall. Each has their purpose and design.

Knowing who your neighbors isn't always a necessity or a good idea BUT, in some cases it can come in handy. After more than a year of the house next to me being vacant after Red died, I finally got a new neighbor recently. Nice older lady from Washington state.  The realtor whom I actually knew, gave the new owner my cell number just in case she needed any information on the area, addresses for water department, power company and what not. Wasn't long before the new neighbor started to text with a few questions here and there.

By about our 3rd time texting back and forth I took it upon myself to fill her in on a few things, one of which was that I am a nudist. In our conversation I casually said something to the effect that, FYI, I am not that shy and well, I'm not always dressed when I'm outside. The neighbor replied with one of the best replies I think I've heard in a LONG time. She said, "Well, good for you. I would never ask anyone to NOT be who they are. So you be who you are no matter what. If I end up not wanting to see you, no worries, I'll figure out some fence or hedges." Once she moved in, I helped her unpack and began our friendship. It has been about a month since she's been here and we have become very good friends. Out of respect for her, I haven't been nude directly in front of her as of yet, but I have not refrained from enjoying my property either. She's caught a few glimpses through the hedge and tree line and has yet to say much about it. There was a time recently she had text asking if I could come help her tearing out some cabinets. I told her as honestly as I knew how, I'm doing laundry and don't have anything clean to throw on so give me a little while. She replied with, "lol, Well, I've seen more of you than I need to already so take your time." Great comment in my opinion. 

Not all of us have privacy fences or the remote spaces like I enjoy here. Many people have just a chain link fence or picket fence or just hedges and that's fine. The decision to be nude and enjoy your property in those situations should be done with caution, being fully aware of the ramifications and legal issues that could arise. For me, she is my only neighbor. On the other 2 sides away from the road I am surrounded by woods. Works out wonderfully.  Now, the thing I'd like to mention about Know Thy Neighbor is this. A lot of people will be totally opposed to a nudist neighbor. It may be because they find it offensive, just don't want to see a human body at all, or they are buttheads who are looking for any reason to give you grief. I'm thankful I don't have such issues.  

Why would you even consider telling your neighbor you are a nudist? Well, let's think on that a minute shall we? What comes to my mind are a few things. 

1. Good neighbors look out for each other.

2. You and your neighbor may end up as good friends.

3. You and your neighbor may borrow each other's tools and what not.

4. Either or both of you may have kids and other family members and simply being upfront is a courteous thing to do.

I am by myself currently and the only one that applies is in keeping our friendship optimal. I've had friends who bit the bullet and had the "talk" with their neighbor and a common question after the initial shock is, What do you even DO naked? Is it sex? Nasty stuff or what? Here are some of the common answers I give.

Enjoying the sun and vitamin D

Time in the pool alone or with friends and family

Having a cookout

Yardwork on a hot day

Taking care of just every day clean up tasks

Most all of these activities come either with some resistance or some sense of fascination. There is most always an opportunity at some point, even if not at that point and time, to explain nudism further and later to invite your neighbor to come on over and just check out your lifestyle choice. I've yet to have a neighbor take me up on that offer, but once you get to know them a bit better and have that conversation, you'll figure out the best time to ask. I've heard from fellow nudists that in time their neighbors would either agree to come over and see you in your normal routine and be tolerant or they come over and say what the heck and at least try it once. Many a nudist come over to our side from a simple invite, education and some patience. NOT always, mind you, does this happen. 

Now the flip side of the coin. What to do if you tell your neighbor and they raise a holy hell fit. 

Here are a few suggestions of my own and a couple from others I have read about and know first hand.

1. Be respectful. It is your property but keep in mind the location, the possible legal issues SHOULD that neighbor employ a negative tactic. 

2. Don't discard the idea of making yourself a more private area to enjoy your nude time. A fence section, a tarp, hedges strategically planted all can serve as good barriers that will keep the neighbor at least content enough that they will not give you any trouble.

3. Refrain from putting it in their face. By that I mean, don't be an ass just because you feel your nudism is a right and they need to get over it.

4. You may need to bide your time and wait a while for a better relationship to develop, spending time talking with them, hanging out, working on things together while clothed so that neighbor learns to see you as a normal person and not some pervy fool that happens to be next door. This has been a successful approach for many a nudist.

5. Offer to be nude only when you know they are away at work or not home. Being willing to compromise for the good of the relationship is never a bad idea. Granted we nudists would love to have the world in general just come to accept us but that's a long road yet to travel.

Lastly, what are the benefits of doing things these ways? 

Well, from personal experience, I've had voyeurs. I've had those who peer through the cracks in the fence boards for jollies, sexual gratification, and just curiosity. We know those things happen. How we choose to address it is what matters. Education is always a preferred vehicle for success or at least tolerance. Employ common sense, be decent, excellent and represent yourself and your lifestyle choice well. Respecting those different from ourselves is a two way street. Sadly in a lot of the world, there is far less respecting each other than there needs to be. That needs to change for the good of all mankind!

Most people like to have a nice yard, a nice home and like to enjoy it. Whether it's more fancy and upscale or rustic and raw, people design their spaces to fit their individual needs and preferences.

I don't think anyone would have an issue with USING their own yard. Heck they paid for it and the right to use it how they please within reason, should be a right.  The takeaway I'd like you to get from this post is to embrace your lifestyle choice, but do so with some tact and consideration. It is much better to be on the same page with people than at odds. Things can get nasty quickly.  It ultimately doesn't matter if you have acres and acres to roam on and enjoy or a small patio at your townhome. People like to have others be honest with them. If they don't, well, you should know as a nudist how to act accordingly and in a positive manner. When we go askew and employ nasty tactics, act like arrogant fools, we are only hurting ourselves and the cause of wholesome family nudism. 

Let us always remember, to gain the approval and acceptance of the masses, we need to be excellent, promoting the healthy wholesome aspects of nudism and not to forget it is designed to be enjoyed by all. It is a family lifestyle ultimately. Best of luck with your neighbors and may you find new friends, common ground as you seek to fully enjoy the place you call home.