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Drinking Tea Naked by Nike Wessel

A real Berliner, yes a real one – I say, nodding and looking the naked young man in front of me even more in the eyes. That is what you do when you are completely naked and don't know each other, and while ignoring what is dangling from the man as he sits naked on an old bar stool.

Nike Wessel

Photo: Olga Solodilova, Unsplash

I am also wearing no clothes as we call it klamotten in Berlinerisch. Although this is not difficult for me in summer at the Langer See, one of the best nude bathing spots in the city, a first conversation with a guy with delicate blonde curls is a small challenge. So I clutch my teacup, try to drink elegantly from it, which is half successful, and at the same time discreetly observe the other naked people in the room over the rim. I am – you almost guessed it (naked + tea) – at the Naked Tea Party and have planned to forget the Berlin winter outside for today.

Furthermore, February is the month of love, and since I am always told that people in my hometown are more gruff than lovely, I really want to advocate for not forgetting the warm heart of the city even now in February, even if you sometimes take the U8, live at Görli, or have plastic bags hanging in trees instead of leaves. There is more, my dears – I promise. I am convinced the city can be: Amore!

To be honest, it is not quite succeeding yet. I would have liked to at least wear socks, but how would that have looked? Don't worry, I didn't intend to wear them with Birkenstocks… Some cold wind comes in from outside along with the next guests. We are about 50 people in the UHU, the special beautiful, hidden place here in Treptow. For me, it's practically a home game: I can come by bike and leisurely walk up the old stairs in the second backyard to this magical hideaway. The Naked Tea Party is an institution when you think of truly loving offers in the sex-positive scene in Berlin. Brought to the city by lovely Danielle from California, there are more and more great evenings, days, and offers. Simply a gentle entry into the area of getting to know yourself and others differently – for example, 100 % naked.

I have to get out of the sauna, and go out into the fresh air for a moment. Outside, a grey sky (of course). I quickly got cold again – I wish I had socks! And I shiver: Is this the urban loneliness that is approaching us? A woman next to me looks sadly at the grey sky. Who is she looking for?

Dating in Berlin has many downsides: High turnover from new residents and frequent moves makes relationships unstable. Ghosting is common, with many casual contacts suddenly disappearing. Different intentions — some seeking casual flings, others wanting a relationship — lead to unclear expectations. The Swipe culture, time pressure from work and events, and a large pool of options create superficial interactions and decision fatigue.

All the more important to dare venturing back into the real — to show your whole self, overcome your fear, and make yourself vulnerable. So this is what naked tea can give us.

Back in the room, a completely different picture emerges in front of me. Music is playing, many are dancing, naked feet on colourful carpets. Some are sitting on the soft sofas, lying on cushions. The curly blonde is standing at the bar with the dark curly one, both are talking. Their cheeks are flushed. In German, it is a little funny you can say Backen, which is a word for cheeks and popo at the end of they both might be blushing. A beautiful idea, and completely different from the statistics: Not lonely. Perhaps you just have to have the courage to go to a special event away from apps, whether with or without socks. To dare to meet each other in real life, to show yourself, to show yourself completely, from toe to nose tip. I stand there happily, drinking my tea, and look forward to the love month in Berlin – I continue to believe in it.

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