Happy Masturbation Awareness Month! Here’s Why You Should Celebrate…

If you’re not a sexpert like myself, you may not have known that May is Masturbation Awareness Month. While International Masturbation Day is May 28th, we dedicate the entire month to awareness and celebration of a scintillatingly enjoyable and anatomically natural form of pleasure that we think very highly of. This year’s celebration couldn’t come at a better time as many around the world find themselves with lots of alone time and less access to sexual partners. While there are many great reasons to masturbate this month (and every month), here are a few of our favorites.

It’s the Safest Form of Sex Right Now

This may go without saying, but having solo sex is the safest way to prevent sexually transmitted infections and, especially right now, viruses. We were recently interviewed by USA Today for saying so. Now, we’re not saying avoid sex with a trusted partner you live or are quarantining with. However, if you’re not living with a sexual partner, masturbation is the safest way to go to scratch that itch for pleasure while keeping a safe social distance. Just make sure you clean up your toys if you’re bringing them to the party.

It Helps with Sexual Functioning and Disease Prevention

There are some unintended, but potentially life changing, benefits of masturbating from a health and wellness standpoint. Research suggests that vibrator use, a major activity in masturbation for vulva owners, may lead to more positive sexual functioning and lead to a person being more proactive about their sexual health. For penis owners, research also suggests that more frequent ejaculation can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. There has also been research suggesting that masturbation has therapeutic potential to fight certain cardiovascular diseases. 

It Activates Hormones in the Brain that Promote Happiness

Masturbation (orgasm specifically) has been known to be involved in the release of oxytocin and dopamine in the brain, known as the “happiness” and “love” hormone, respectively. As is explained in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, oxytocin development begins right before pregnancy, continues during birth and later, travels throughout the entire body, triggering, or modulating a full range of physiological functions and emotions: happiness, attraction, love, and affection. The same hormones that are activated when experiencing happiness, love and affection are also activated during orgasm.

However you choose to celebrate Masturbation Awareness Month, make sure to do it safely and don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Be sure to visit our website for suggestions about our favorite pleasure-enhancing stories and devices.

Dating in the Time of Quarantine: 5 Social Distancing-Approved Date Ideas

It’s been almost 2 months since the state of Illinois went into stay at home order in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. It has meant no Cubs or White Sox baseball, no street festivals and concerts and, of course, no dine-in restaurants. While we must recognize the financial hardships facing those who work in those industries, it is also okay to ask oneself the question “how am I supposed to continue dating?” 

For years, dates have revolved around going out for dinner, grabbing drinks, going to a game or taking a walk in the park. Should dating be completely put on pause until the shelter-in-place order is over? We don’t think so. Here are a few ways to keep on dating through the quarantine.

Virtual Dinner Date

Grocery stores are still open, so put together some recipes! Decide amongst yourselves which cuisine to prepare and do your best to dazzle your date with your culinary prowess. Having Italian? Make your Zoom virtual background the gondolas in Venice or the Roman Coliseum. Get creative, show off your fun side and make the best of it all while eating some yummy, homemade food. Don’t want to leave the house to go grocery shop? Support a local small business for delivery and do the same date.

Netflix Party

Can’t Netflix and Chill? Try Netflix and Chat. One of our favorite new Google Chrome extensions, TeleParty, allows you to sync up your Netflix with your friends and watch the same movie or show in real time. Use the chat room feature to discuss the show or anything you want. If you want a more personal touch, FaceTime on the side so it feels like you’re together. Just don’t forget the snacks!

Erotic Fiction Story Time

Ready to turn up the heat a little bit in the relationship? Find some erotic fiction and read it together over Zoom by sharing your screen. Take turns reading aloud the dialogue and let the subject matter get you feeling some type of way. We recommend Lit Erotica for all your online erotica needs.

Surprise Window Visit

As long as you are wearing a face mask and keeping a 6 foot social distance from others, taking a walk on a nice day is allowed and often encouraged. To surprise the person you are dating, find time to drop by their home and let them know you’re outside. For partners desperately looking to see each other in person, a simple window-to-sidewalk conversation can be a nice moment while also keeping proper social distance.

Online Concert

Concert dates are one of our go-to’s and we couldn’t imagine being in the dating stage and not having live music to experience together. Find a concert online or check out one of the many artists streaming concerts during this time to watch together. No matter where you are physically, being together in an experience is the most important part of establishing a connection with someone new.

These are just a few of our favorite activities for those newly dating during the time of social distancing. Do you have any favorite virtual date ideas? Follow us on instagram and let us know!

"How Are You?" - The Question No One Knows How To Answer Right Now

Previously, “How are you?” seemed like a fairly innocuous question. Usually the phrase serves as a synonym for hello or hi. Not in 2020. Today, a simple “hello, how are you?” has become a loaded question. In more predictable times, this question might receive an automatic “good” and then the conversation moves on to something else. Now, the question is much more complicated. What would happen if you answered it honestly? If you are struggling right now, it’s okay. Don’t be afraid to let your loved ones know it.

There isn’t a single person on the planet who has not been affected in some way by COVID-19. Everyone is having to give up something or shift their routines  that may bring them comfort or security. Would it be helpful to openly talk about it? No one person’s problems are more important than another’s. During this time, no one is burdening another with their issues. Share your struggles, discuss ways you have been learning to adjust and try to find inspiration from others’ experiences. We’re all in this together. 

If you’re unemployed, you’re far from alone. Talk about it, tell people what you’re going through in filing for unemployment. They may be in the same place you are soon, and it will be helpful to know what to expect. If you’ve had to cancel a major event such as a wedding or religious ceremony, talk about what has gone into that, inspire people to take the situation more seriously in order to avoid future sacrifices of the same nature. 

It’s okay to not be okay. That’s true at all times, but now in particular. Everyone is struggling in some way, and it helps to talk about it to know we aren’t alone. When someone asks “How are you?” make that the whole conversation, not just the beginning.