NEW YORK — Huffington Post reporter Rebecca Adams published a “Shame-Free Guide to Buying a Sex Toy” in response to what she felt was pervasive trepidation on the part of would-be pleasure product seekers.
Adams writes, “In the post-sexual revolution world, you'd think a group of young, sexually active women wouldn't start fidgeting in their seats at the mention of using sex toys. Didn't cultural phenomena like 'Sex and the City' and '50 Shades of Grey' shed the awkwardness and prepare us for this?"
“It appears not: The general reaction I got when I brought up the topic to various friends — both single and in relationships — was giggling and blushing … but also curiosity," she continues. "Sure, plenty of women have already tried sex toys — 44 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 60, to be precise — but what about the silent, intrigued majority who don't know where to start?”
In her quest to compile a comprehensive guide, Adams goes straight to the experts, querying sex counselor and author Dr. Ava Cadell, Babeland co-Founder Claire Cavanah and psychologist Carol Rinkleib Ellison, who authored “Women’s Sexualities. Generations of Women Share Intimate Secrets of Self-Acceptance” to come up with sage advice to offer those in need of a vibrating hand.
Her guide boils down to three main nuggets of wisdom:
1. If you're curious about sex toys, you need to get over your insecurities and fears.
2. Once you've decided you're willing to give sex toys a go, let your turn-ons guide you on where to start.
3. Going into the store, rather than shopping online, is the best way to go — but make sure you talk to your partner first.
“But whatever you decide to buy (if you plan to buy anything at all), take Ellison, Cadell and Cavanah's biggest piece of advice about sex toys: have fun, relax and don't judge yourself,” Adams concludes. “It may be a bit awkward, but there's absolutely no reason to be ashamed.”
To check out the full report on the Huffington Post, click here.
