We're swingers – people assume we're sex mad & riddled with STIs but ‘vanillas' don't know what they're talking about

The Irish Sun

28-06-2025

A COUPLE who insist swinging has made their relationship stronger have hit back at misconceptions about their lifestyle.
Olivia Masterson and husband Gage decided to spice up their marriage by trying out swinging - engaging in casual or group sex with other people - eight years ago.
4
Olivia Masterson and husband Gage are swingers, and credit the lifestyle for making their relationship even stronger
Credit: SWNS
4
But they also face many incorrect assumptions about their sex life, including that they're "sex mad"
Credit: SWNS
4
Others assume that they're riddled with STIs, which Gage denied as he said they have never caught an infection the whole time they've been swingers
Credit: SWNS
Now they regularly hook-up both with other couples and other people separately, and have even turned it into their business by starting a swinging app called SwingHub with over 40,000 users.
However, adopting the lifestyle hasn't come without its critics, with the pair constantly facing rude assumptions from 'vanillas' - the name given to non-swingers by their community.
One such misconception is that being a swinger means they are "absolutely sex mad".
And while Gage acknowledges that they're both "sexual human beings", he added to the
Read more Swinging stories
Others assume that contracting sexually transmitted infections is commonplace for swingers, but Gage hit back as he insisted they test often and also use protection.
He also said it's "normal to send other couples certificates of being all clear before we play", and said that neither he nor Olivia have ever caught an STI in the entire time they've been swinging.
When they first ventured into the community, their family were completely unaware of what they were doing.
OIivia said they would "make up little secrets" and tell relatives they were going to an engagement party or a barbecue to try and hide it, adding: "It's none of their business!"
Most read in Fabulous
The school run's so awkward now we're on a shocking TV experiment - maybe other parents just want to sleep with us too?
But when they started posting about their exploits online four years in, they mustered up the courage to tell their loved ones.
While Gage was more than a little nervous about telling his mum in case she disapproved, he said she has been very supportive - even going as far as to call their videos "absolutely brilliant".
Even Olivia's family, who initially had questions about their lifestyle, have come to accept it too.
There are downsides to being swingers too though, as Olivia admitted that they can spend upwards of £400 on a weekend, once they've factored in transport, a hotel and new lingerie.
What is Swinging?
SWINGING, also known as partner swapping, is a sexual activity where partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with other people.
All parties involved must give explicit and enthusiastic consent.
Open and honest communication between partners is crucial.
Many swingers engage with a community or attend events specifically for swinging.
Such activity can enhance intimacy and trust within the primary relationship.
It provides an opportunity to explore sexual fantasies and desires.
But it is not suitable for every relationship and requires a strong foundation of trust.
Jealousy and emotional challenges may arise and need to be managed.
4
They've even turned their love of swinging into their business - starting an app called SwingHub which now has over 40,000 users
Credit: SWNS