There are many theories as to what makes for a long and happy marriage. In the twenty something years I've been together with my other half, we have spent quite a lot of time apart. Both of us have jobs that take us abroad, typically for a month or less but occasionally for longer. We each have our own ways of coping with this, and we've always been honest with each other.
I have always been into naturism, something my wife Jo will go along with but doesn't enjoy as much as me, so when she's away I usually take the opportunity to get in a bit of naked time. We live near London, and there are quite a few naturist clubs, events and beaches within easy striking distance. There are many reasons why I enjoy this, but I have to admit that spending time around attractive naked women is high on the list, and this is pretty much guaranteed at most of the venues I visit.
Last year Jo was offered a 6 month contract in Japan. It was a very well paid opportunity, but it did mean we'd be apart for longer than usual. Thankfully Skype makes it a lot easier to keep in touch these days - even 10 years ago we were limited to emails and the occasional international phone call. A couple of weeks after she'd left I had arranged a few things for the coming weekend, and we were having a Skype call as I had breakfast and she had dinner.
'I'll be meeting Rita for lunch on Saturday, then I thought I'd go for a steam and sauna in the evening.'
'I suppose you'll be going to one of the naturist spas.'
'Yes, the respectable one this time.'
'I should think so too. Why don't you invite Rita to go with you?'
I suppose a bit of background would be useful here. Rita was an old colleague of mine - we still worked for the same company, but in different offices these days. She was a few years younger than me, in her 40s, and still single as far as I knew. My wife was convinced that Rita fancied me, which seemed to amuse her, and knew that I found Rita attractive. She got on well with Rita so she was quite happy for me to have lunch with her, but I was surprised at this suggestion.
There are 2 naturist saunas that I visit in London. One of them is relatively small and prides itself on being a 'proper' naturist venue; the other is larger, better equipped and has a justifiable reputation as a bit of a swinger's paradise. It didn't matter which one I was going to, though, as I couldn't imagine Rita wanting to visit any kind of naturist venue; although she was quite a stylish dresser, there was very rarely any flesh on show, even at the height of summer.
'You're kidding! Rita thinks that calf length skirts are too revealing - she'd never try naturism!'
'Maybe the thought of your manly physique will win her over, and I'm sure you'd like to see what's lurking under all those layers.'
'Are you serious?'
'I am, actually. I think that if she can get a bit more body confidence it will do her a world of good and she might even find a man of her own. You're probably right and she'll run a mile, but ask her anyway. If she's worried about me being jealous get her to text me.'
Saturday lunchtime came around and I was in a decent Italian place on a quiet side street enjoying a leisurely lunch with Rita. She's quite tall, about my height, and is of Italian descent, with long dark hair and a trim figure. It was a sunny day in early May and many of the good ladies of London town had chosen to give their summer wardrobes an airing. Rita was wearing a white blouse and black slacks, chic as ever but fully covered from her neck to her ankles. From what I could see she had both a camisole and a substantial bra under her blouse; there was no way tell what was under her slacks, but I wouldn't have bet next month's salary on it being a thong.
When the coffee arrived we talked about what we were doing next. She was off to see an exhibition at a gallery that I also wanted to check out, so we decided to go together. It was then that I casually mentioned that I would be going to a sauna and that she was welcome to join me. She seemed interested, so I explained that it was a naturist sauna.
'You mean like a proper Scandinavian sauna? I didn't know there were any in London.'
'Yes, it is a Scandinavian style sauna. They mention it on their website, and some of the therapists are Swedish.'
'There are lots of dodgy saunas in London, so I generally avoid them, but you think this place is above board?'
'Definitely. I've been going for several years now, and sometimes Jo joins me.'