Hi, I’m a lurker- I haven’t filled out my profile to a satisfactory level, and so you can take my opinions based on that understanding. I live in a pretty typical MF relationship- and although I’ve had my moments in my 20’s my partner hasn’t and it would be pushing it to describe either of us as much more than intrigued. Although neither of us are naive.
We watched the program, we’ve discussed the concept of swinging for a number of years, and so had an interest. As an outsider we found the program honest and it seemed to confirm what we imagine the organised ‘swinger’ culture to be. We felt a little intimidated about the ‘superior’ life styles that both parties involved, but certainly the ‘house party’ seemed very down to earth – even if their house was 4 times the size of ours (and I know we leave ourselves open to accusations of being hung up on my cock/tits are bigger than yours by that statement).
I think (as this is Owain talking, not as a couple) that with the internet, the TV channels have to offer something a bit more than titillation that is by law little titillation at all. I think the internet has basically blown the idea of a ‘News of the World’ expose out of the water. Just as it’s not so shocking to have gay neighbours, soon it’ll be unsurprising to have neighbours who define their sexuality in ways that strike us as different- but not as different as to cause us concern.
I think there is a sea change happening, when I can sit with my partner and watch a program (which we wanted to watch) discussing and illustrating a lifestyle (In a way I’m glad they cut the interesting bits) and discuss it in a calm and unshocked manner a certain critical barrier has been reached.
How far that boundary can be pushed back I’m unsure, and I hate the scenario where it snaps back like a gigantic elastic band straight in peoples faces. But I can’t see that happening beyond the boundaries of the tabloids.
I’ve rambled, my apologies, but ultimately I think that this program might be a step in the normalisation of sexuality- however diverse it is.
