Swinging , sometimes called wife swapping , husband swapping or partner swapping , is a sexual activity in which both singles and partners in a committed relationship sexually engage with others for recreational purposes. People may choose a swinging lifestyle for a variety of reasons. Many cite an increased quality and quantity of sex. Some people may engage in swinging to add variety into their otherwise conventional sex lives or due to their curiosity.
Some couples see swinging as a healthy outlet and means to strengthen their relationship. The phenomenon of swinging, or at least its wider discussion and practice, is regarded by some as arising from the freer attitudes to sexual activity after the sexual revolution of the s, the invention and availability of the contraceptive pill , and the emergence of treatments for many of the sexually transmitted diseases that were known at that time. The adoption of safe sex practices became more common in the late s.
The swingers community sometimes refers to itself as "the lifestyle", or as "the alternative lifestyle". John Stossel produced an investigative news report into the swinging lifestyle. Stossel's report in cited Terry Gould 's research, which concluded that "couples swing in order to not cheat on their partners". When Stossel asked swinging couples whether they worry their spouse will "find they like someone else better," one male replied, "People in the swinging community swing for a reason.
They don't swing to go out and find a new wife;" a woman asserted, "It makes women more confident β that they are the ones in charge. According to Stossel, "not one of them said don't do it," though some said "getting sexual thrills outside of marriage can threaten a marriage". Nevertheless, swingers whom Stossel interviewed claimed "their marriages are stronger because they don't have affairs and they don't lie to each other. Swinging can take place in a number of contexts, ranging from spontaneous sexual activity involving partner swapping or adding a third or more participants at an informal gathering of friends to planned regular social meetings to " hooking up " with like-minded people at a sex club also known as a swinger club, not to be confused with a strip club.
Different clubs offer varied facilities and atmospheres, and often hold "theme" nights. Swinging is also known to take place in semi-public venues such as hotels, resorts, or cruise ships, or often in private homes.
