The issues will tear you apart if communication is not solid and continual. Shyness, while accepted, is a barrier. Be proud of yourself and your mate. Swingers are less likely to judge you for superficial reasons. Personality, over most other things, is definitely a plus in the lifestyle.
Recreational swingers see swinging as a social activity much like bowling, playing tennis and cards.
Utopian swingers have a general philosophy of communitarian's and wish to share not only sex but all other aspects of life with their fellow participants. At this time there is relatively little scientific data that indicates what long-term effect swinging actually has on marriages. Nevertheless, there is a general belief among swingers that swinging has a positive effect upon a marriage. They believe that sexual fidelity is harmful and breeds jealousy and a feeling of ownership between a husband and wife. According to them swinging does away with jealousy and helps each mate see the other as an individual and not as a possession.