People watching is one of the most enjoyable things you can do, especially when there's a new neighbour in town - in a non-stalkerly way, of course.
There's always people on the street who like to make the most of their home by going all-in on outside decor, but according to a sex expert, it could signal something to do with their lifestyle.
Annabelle Knight, from Lovehoney, told The Sun's Fabulous that swingers use subtle signs to display their relationship status to other like-minded individuals without the hassle of being judged.
“Subtle signals probably started as a way for swingers to find each other without dealing with social stigma or misunderstandings,” she said.
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“Over time, as people have become more open-minded, these signals have evolved to balance discretion with the need to communicate openly.”
According to Knight, here are the 11 secret signs you need to look out for:
Black ring
The sex and relationships expert explained that wearing a black ring is a 'subtle indicator' that your neighbour is a swinger.
She likened it to 'pear' rings that are usually worn on the right hand on the middle finger.
“If someone wearing a black ring on their right hand approaches you, start a conversation with them, ‘I see you’re wearing a black ring on your right hand. Maybe we are in the same club',” she said.
Anklets
“Like black rings, some claim a married woman wearing an anklet could sometimes signify openness to swinging,” Knight adds.
“Although it is one to be mindful of as this could also just be someone’s style choice.”
Wicker baskets
Knight insists that one of the latest trends to emerge has been placing wicker baskets or hearts outside homes.
So you might want to think twice when you're out and about shopping for the house.
Pink or purple front doors
I can't say that I've ever paid much attention to door colours in my 30 years.
But Knight reckons that your next door mate might be trying to signal that they are swingers.
“A pink or purple front door could be a cheeky nod to open-mindedness and swinging, but it could also be just a design choice,” she said.
“Still, it makes for a fun talking point on drives around town.”
Loofahs on cars
Loofahs in the shower are controversial enough, but in the swinging community, having one hooked onto 'car antennas signifies interest'.
“The colour may even hint at specific preferences or roles the couple prefers,” Knight notes.
Adirondack chairs
If you're a swinger in the market for garden furniture, apparently a purple Adirondack chair means 'anything goes', according to Urban Dictionary.
As discussed on a Reddit thread, however, this remains speculation.
White rocks
Cooper S. Beckett, host of the Life On The Swingset: The Swinging & Polyamory Podcast wrote on his blog that some swingers 'have placed white rocks in their front yards to reaffirm their ‘secret code swinger status'.
Urban Dictionary again states that if you're being approached by swingers, it can mean you're being 'white rocked'.
Pampas grass
Broadcaster Mariella Frostrup penned on X in 2011: “Who knew that pampas grass plants are a signal to fellow swingers?
“Bought two and put them on my balcony. Neighbours have been swarming!”
Upside-down pineapple
It seems the tropical plant is a universal symbol among swingers which they use to identify each other and make their intentions clear.
This can be a tattoo, printed on a shirt, or on pretty much anything.
Garden gnomes
According to wikiHow: "Garden gnomes placed in suggestive positions could indicate swingers. White rocks are a sign of swingers in one community."
It could also suggest that you like gnomes.
Hot tubs
When looking in from the outside, a 'stereotypical' swinger will have a hot tub because they are often associated with 'sexual freedom'.
In reality, most households will just use a jacuzzi for relaxation.
Topics: Community, Dating trends, Lifestyle, Sex and Relationships
Anish Vij