The Swing Lifestyle: Wife Swapping

Swinging is the practice of "wife-swapping" for sexual gratification purposes. Some may consider this practice controversial, as it receives scrutiny from many who do not understand the principles of the lifestyle and why people do it. Many look at swinging as infidelity, and a method of retaining promiscuity while being married. Regardless of the opinions circulating about the practice of Swinging, one must know about it before forming their own opinions, so with that, let us look at the history.

Though we can speculate that swinging has been practiced since the dawn of time, (look at the history of many countries where men had concubines) the history of swinging in the United States began in the 1950's. According to this article on swinging, swinging began in the United States Air Force, with pilots and their wives. The pilots became bonded with each other and chose to take care of each other's family as their own, because the high mortality rate often meant that some husbands never made it back to their wives. Back then, the only way to meet other swinging couples was through personal ads in the newspapers. The media became aware of the practices of swinging and in 1957 coined the term "wife-swapping."

In Berkley, California, during the 1960's, the first Swingers Organization known as the Sexual Freedom League formed to educate and inform the public about the Swinging Lifestyle. Today, there are many organizations, clubs, and websites for Swingers, or people who wish to learn about the lifestyle. It is becoming a more accepted practice as people learn more about what it is, and find that they enjoy it.

Statistically speaking, there has not been a lot of research conducted on the lifestyle and its participants, because of various reasons. However, an investigative report conducted by John Stossel of ABC News, shows that there are more than 4 million swingers, and about 60% of those who chose to participate said their marriages are happier than before they entered the lifestyle. While extra-marital sexual activity can threaten a marriage, the beauty of having that fun without having to lie to your partner, and including your partner often strengthens the marital bond. For more information, check out actualswingers.com.

Even knowing about the lifestyle and its principles, does not mean it is for everyone. Swingers must be open-minded, open to communication, trustworthy, and honest with their partners at all times. There is no room for jealously and mind games. Stay tuned for more articles on Swinging, such as the Principles of Swinging, and the even the Benefits of Swinging.