The N-scale

Here’s another old post, from February 1999, which is mostly from an ever older source. Almost no changes required. (The original post is here.)

Do you love to be naked? Of course you do. So does anyone in their right mind. But just how much do you love it? There’s a way to measure that, sort of. It’s called the “N Scale”, and it was devised by naturist Dick Williams several years ago. Here’s the original article, used by permission. (I’ll be offering some refinements and extensions.)

How Nude are You?

Nothing today is true black or white–there are shades of gray in nearly all of humankind’s activity. So why not a Nude Scale describing a person’s placement on the Prude to Nude continuum.

1. Obsessive Anti-Nude: Regards all nudity as sinful. Often bases belief on fanatical and narrow interpretation of scripture. No tolerance level for other views–actively seeks to impose beliefs on society as a whole via legislation, commercial boycott, candidate intimidation. In practice–opposed to all forms of nudity: in the home, in recreation, in art and live, or film performances. Might belong to AFA. Doesn’t own a bathing suit because that gets too close to nudity.

2. Live and Let Live Anti-Nude: Against it but not obsessively so. Still can’t understand anyone wishing to “parade around naked as a jay bird.” Unfcomfortable around nudity in any form. Might accept some artistic nudity.

3. Not For Me But I Can Understand: Tolerant of artistic nudity. Might recall childhood skinny dipping. Can laugh at nudity of others. Non-judgmental.

4. Nude Curious: Tolerant and accepting, reluctant to practice but might wish to try in right situation. Understanding of social nudity in others. Comfortable with casual nudity in the home. Reads rec.nude but would never post.

5. When The Time Is Right Nude: Tolerant of nudity practiced by others. Casual nudity in the home is common. In proper setting, practices discrete social nudity as in a hot tub with friends. Comfort level depends on surroundings and “safety” of setting. Sunbathes nude in private backyard or pool area. Learns to enjoy the freedom and feel of sun and water on whole body. Growing curiosity about CO beaches and clubs.

6. Wholesomely Nude: Entirely comfortable with private and social nudity. Looks forward to monthly or weekly nude recreation when appropriate. May belong to a local group and support a national organization. Some non-nude friends may know of this person’s nude recreation. Self confident and enjoys social contacts in nude setting. May encourage others to try a naturist experience at beach, lake or river.

7. Nude To The Core: Nudity is a central part of life. Feels best when dressed the least. Unclothed much of non-working time. Lifestyle is well known among non-nude friends and relatives. Housing, work and recreation decisions may be made around a desire to be without clothing as much as possible. Enjoys sharing and explaining the nude lifestyle to others. May be an activist or spokesman on nudity. Vacations nearly always include nude recreation. Doesn’t own a bathing suit. No need to–no tan lines.

That covers the 7 steps from prude to nude.

There is also probably an 8th step where nudity becomes an obsession and dominates–where every clothed moment is a painful annoyance–where every though and action revolves around nudity. Where every beach, lake, or river is surveyed for possible nude use. But that couldn’t apply to anyone here, nah. So 7 levels will be enough.