Toy Etiquette 101

So, I've already blogged about how to keep your toys in tip top shape with Sex Toy Care 101.  Now for another 101 course in Toy Etiquette.

Aren't toys just meant to replace partners?
No.  Most definitely not.  Our business isn't to replace people.  Toys are meant to enhance sexual experiences.  If you think your sex life is absolutely perfect and doesn't ever get boring, then you probably don't need sex toys.  But for the rest of us who like to change it up once in a while, a toy can be great for couples.

Yes, masturbation is a great single-person activity.  But every so often, you can bring your partner into the situation.  Let your partner handle the controls.  Let your partner watch.

Of course, if you're finding that you'd rather play with your toy than your partner...that's a whole different story, and probably a whole different blog post altogether.

What if I have nosey and curious guests?
Yikes.  No one likes nosey guests.  If you have a closet full of toys that you'd rather not share with the whole world, make sure it's in your bedroom.  If you have many guests over for a party, use the bedroom as a coat check, and keep the door closed most of the time.  Don't be a careless host and be conscious of what your guests are up to.  Most people wouldn't want to find out after the party that a priceless vase was broken and no one took responsibility for it.  I personally would want to know where my guests are and what they're doing.

You also wouldn't want to give them a reason to pry.  Make sure you put your toys away in a safe, clean place if you know people are coming over.  Yes, that includes your lube, lotions, and feathers.  If you don't want to give people ideas, don't let them see anything that would make them do so.

If you don't have the usual places to stash your toys, such as the bedside table drawer, Athena's carries 2 great products that protect your toys from prying eyes.  The Toy Box is a great place to hide your favorite couple of toys.  For the more advanced, we also carry the Adult Toy Chest.  All the pouches are equipped with Velcro(C), so it's easy to find exactly what you need.  I am currently using the Toy Chest for all my demo purposes.

Toy Chest

If I change partners, is it okay to use the same sex toys?
The answer to this question really depends on the person.  If you placed some emotional attachment to the toy in relation to the person, then it would probably be very difficult to re-use sex toys.  However, if the relationship was more casual, then you might be more willing to keep that toy.

This video was posted on jezebel.com, and I think it answers this question perfectly.

"Can I Use My Old Vibrator With My New Partner?" from Pot Psychology on Vimeo.

Now, obviously - and regardless of the situation - you want to keep your toys clean!  Depending on the material of the toy, it will hold on to the bacteria if you don't wash it.  Really, you could almost use this same advise for children's toys, which often get passed down to younger siblings.

Was that too gross of an analogy?  Sorry...

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So, these are just the basics of Toy Etiquette 101.  The take away message?  Don't forget that while taking care of yourself is mainly a single-person activity, it doesn't mean it should intefere with another person's self care.