Swingers are those people who share themselves and their partners with other couples with the full knowledge of their partners involving themselves with others in the age old pleasurable act. This whole act of swingers is known as swinging.

There are so many myths and misconceptions around the swinging lifestyle (more commonly known as swinging). Everyone just wants to know as to what is swinging all about and who are the so-called swingers?

One common misconception is that swinging is believed to be an act of "wife swapping". This definition is absolutely inaccurate as it does not explain the full range of sexual activities that swinging encompasses. It also gives the hint of being a male-favoured activity, which too, is inaccurate as the activity of swinging needs full participation from both the partners.

Another common misconception is that swingers are only the older couples. The swinging lifestyle is made up of people of all ages, including even the ordinary 'next-door' types. In fact, one of the requirements for people who want to join a swinger's gang or party is that the couple must be reasonably happy in their marriage. The reason for this requirement is that swinging should not be used as an alternative to an unhappy relationship.

Swinging are of many kinds.

SOFT SWINGING also known as soft swap, involves each and every conceivable sensual act other than the core act of love making. Usually couples will do things till the last minute and then switch back to their original partners. At this point they might opt to have sex with their own partner in front of other people. Mostly, first-time swingers begin in this manner only.

OPEN SWINGING is when the couples swap among themselves and actually have sexual intercourse with the exchanged partner in the same room or even in the same bed.

CLOSED SWINGING is usually a full swap, but sexual intercourse takes place in separate rooms. This kind of swinging is done by those who feel the need for more freedom or do not like interruptions. This kind of swinging is usually practised by the experienced couples (the veterans) in this field, as a higher degree of trust is essential.

The main reason of opting for a swinger lifestyle is to explore sexual fantasies without having to "cheat" on one's partner. The other reason can be the need to have variety in one's sex life.

Does all this mean that the couples never feel any jealousy? This is the biggest landmark to be overcome, especially in the beginning. Not all swinger couples go through with it but a number of those who stick with it say that jealousy actually makes them even more sexually active, apart from creating a much deeper interest in their mates.

Obviously, not all couples can be swingers and this article is not about asking readers to become one. Swinging has its share of liabilities as well and, therefore, it is solely the decision of an individual when it comes to becoming a swinger.