Sexual practices are becoming limitless. Officially legalized by the Supreme Court in December 2005, swinging is still a taboo subject in Canadian society. A lot of curiosity surrounds this sexual practice, and this article is here to explore it with you…

What exactly is it?
The definition of “swinging” is a sexual practice that consists in a temporary swap between a couple and other partners with the goal of having sexual intercourse. Of course, swinging is practiced in all intimacy and it’s very important that all the participants consent to the experience. There are clubs that are set up to accommodate swingers, but no one is forced to participate.

How can you share your partner?
Many people mention that swinging can have a negative effect on a couple’s stability, but hardcore swingers assert that it can only help revive the sex life of a couple that has become a victim of routine. Therefore, it seems impossible to understand this practice without having tried it. Men are more likely to take initiative when it comes to swinging. Their ego and virility are flattered by the possibility of having sex with multiple partners. However, this does not change their love for their wife or girlfriend, and they still remain attentive to her during the experience. Women’s motives are often a bit different. First of all, most of them experiment to please their man, but once they’ve started, they realize how strong their power of seduction is. All this attention can be very beneficial to their self-image. Also, for many women, swinging is a great way to explore bisexuality, without breaching the trust of their partner.

Good or bad for your relationship?
It’s difficult to come to a conclusion on this question, since every couple is very different. However, it’s false to assume that swinging is the perfect solution for a couple lacking passion. A relationship needs a very strong foundation to explore this freeing sexual practice—jealousy can often be seen rearing its ugly head. Many men admit to feeling extremely excited when their partner is caressed by another woman, but it’s a completely different story when she is approached by another man. The women, on her part, tends to be jealous when she sees another woman, maybe younger and prettier, get close to her man.

In reality, the main motivation for a swinger couple is the search for new sexual pleasure together. The discovery of a new body and seeing your partner from another angle can reinforce a couple’s feeling of “togetherness”, as well as revive their erotic, and sexual, emotions. Those who are avid swingers only see the good in it, but those who have never tried often aren’t very open to the idea.

Rules to follow
As soon as you start discussing your interest in visiting a swingers’ club, you have just initiated a process in your relationship. Many people wait several months before making this desire concrete. They research the idea online, gather information from different people, and discuss their fears and limitations… The important thing is to be at ease with the final decision: if one of the two partners feels forced, the experience could turn into disaster and lead to problems in the relationship. Both parties must be completely fine with how the experience is conducted.

Once you’re at a swingers’ club, respect is of the utmost importance. These establishments advocate courtesy and the understanding of concerns and insecurities regarding swinging as a practice. It’s important to pay close attention to the pleasure of your partner, and it’s crucial to keep in mind that not everyone feels things the same way. Also, good hygiene is essential. Because having intercourse with multiple partners increases your risk of contracting an STD or an STI, it’s crucial to use protection.

Certain questions regarding swinging remain unanswered; can it be considered a kind of openness to polygamy? Is it a way to disguise infidelity? Psychoanalysts have a tendency to believe that this type of free sexuality is a sort of nostalgia for one’s teenage years… What do you think?