IN FULL SWING

Turn your pineapples upside-down as things are about to get fruity. Swinging is back – but is it right for you?

Sexual fantasies, something that we have all had in one way or another. Even though you may be in a committed relationship with a freak in the sheets, your mind may wander.

What would it be like to experiment with another likeminded couple, while your partner is in your presence?

It’s a thought that around nine million UK adults have had – admitting that they would like to give swinging a go, according to Channel 4.

For some, the raunchy act is a fun way to push boundaries and spice things up.

With an estimated 1.5 million British couples said to be a part of the swinging scene.

Only for others, the idea of watching their loved one bonking another man or woman could be enough to put them off their dinner.

Whatever your initial opinion, the act of swinging, the practice of swapping sexual partners, is a phenomenon that has been around for centuries – but what exactly is it?

‘A couple agree, and arrange, to have social sexual experiences outside their relationship with the knowledge of each other and often in each other’s presence,’ Cate Campbell, sex and relationship BACP therapist, explains.

‘Though it is primarily a couple activity, traditionally with straight couples swapping partners, other people may be involved.

‘Sometimes couples invite another person or people to join them, or one partner may have sex with someone else and then tell their partner all about it, or they may watch.’

And with a sudden surge all over again, bringing a tradition that was most popular in the ‘60s back, swinging is on the nation’s mind.

Channel 4’s Open House – The Great

Sex Experiment, was the talk of the town in 2023, too.

With viewers seeing a snippet of couples who wanted to get frisky, having open and honest conversations.

For some it was an uncomfortable watch.

But for others, it was a raunchy and stimulating show.

But how do you explore polyamorous connections and join the swinging lifestyle? ‘It’s easier to find people for private swinging now, as there are so many swingers’ websites where people advertise their willingness to join,’ Cate explains.

‘People hosting parties also advertise and there are fetish clubs where couples can indulge specialist interests or meet new partners.

‘There are some signs that people are into swinging, such as wearing accessories with a pineapple motif.’

And across culture, it’s these signs that tease swinging – the most popular upside-down pineapples and pampas grass, too.

‘A symbol of welcome, an upsidedown pineapple is traditionally known to be exotic, too,’ Cate adds.

‘Though pineapples have long had a reputation – upsidedown pineapples are worn as badges on cruises.

‘Then, because pampas grass sways in the wind, it was planted in front gardens by hippies during the Swinging Sixties but was adopted by swingers as a sign of interest, too.’

Not only that, but there are allusive signs that have come into play over the years as well. ‘Alternative signs that someone is a swinger include toe rings and anklets, even wearing wedding rings on the right hand.

‘In gardens, white, pink or purple rocks and garden gnomes may be signs of swinging, too,’ Cate explains. But in terms of etiquette, it’s far more than letting other people know that you are interested. ‘First of all, couples need to be clear about what they are agreeing to and talk about what is and isn’t OK. ‘Swinging clubs usually have a code of conduct that guests sign up to,

encouraging hygiene, safer sex and respectful behaviour.

‘For instance, consent needs to be obtained before touch takes place,’ Cate states.

Only, swinging doesn’t mean that you have to join a club or group for a long period of time.

‘Some people only swing very occasionally, but still identify as swingers.

‘Part of the experience may be talking about it, so swinging begins before the first encounter,’ Cate adds.

So, even airing your true desires could be the start of a new sexual experience for you.

And just as before, this doesn’t need to be long-term.

‘Short swaps are one-off sexual encounters, whereas long swaps are regular partner exchanges with couples.

‘Soft swaps refer to sex without penetration, whereas hard swaps involve genital or anal penetration,’ Cate adds.

And if you want to explore non-monogamy, it doesn’t just stop at swinging.

‘Alternatives include everything from f*ck buddies, fetish, bondage or kink clubs to emotional relationships, too,’ Cate explains.

Whatever your sexual preferences or fantasies, swinging could be the answer.

Why not turn that pineapple upside-down? You could be in full swing in no time…