Want to relax and meet new people?
- Make yourself comfortable. Change into some clothes that help you feel at ease, whatever that is for you. It will be very warm inside (it’s a steambath), make sure that what ever you do choose to wear is light, easy to get in and out of (at the showers, steam, or for play).
- Spend some time wandering around. Check out the lounge. Find where everything is, Friction is big place.
- Chat with the volunteers at the front desk. Find out what events are scheduled for the evening, and decide which ones you’d like to try.
- Introduce yourself. Remember, lots of people are there for the first time, and may not know how to break the ice. You’ll make yourself very welcome if you can help others feel less nervous!
- Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. The goal is for lots of people who are different from each other to have fun and feel good. If someone approaches you for something you’re not interested in, politely say no thanks, and move on.
- If you have any trouble with harassment, homophobia, biphobia or transphobia from someone, let the front desk volunteers or monitors know right away. Intolerance will not be tolerated.
- You will run into people that you know. Be discreet and don’t gossip about the goings-on later. No one feels comfortable playing if s/he’s worried that hir exploits will be the talk of the town.
- Be playful. Bring costumes, toys, games, a friend or two and anything else that will increase your (and other people’s) pleasure.
Wanna get it on at the bathhouse?
- Go with an open mind. This event is about having fun and exploring sexuality in a supportive, safe environment. It’s OK to ask and it’s okay to try new things.
- Have a sense of your boundaries and limits. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.
- If you go with a partner or date, discuss beforehand how you’ll handle cruising or being cruised by other people.
- Be friendly and flirty. Don’t stick with a large group of friends all night. Walk around by yourself. You are not going to pick up or get picked up if you are surrounded by a posse. Take a chance and chat up that cute girl in the shower. If everyone is afraid to make the first move, then nothing is going to happen.
- Offer and receive rejection graciously. If you are the one turning down, be kind and polite. If you get turned down, try not to take it personally. They might be shy, or coupled, or not into what you are into. You are there to find exactly what you want. There are other people who will be interested.
- You will run into people that you know. Be discreet and don’t gossip about the goings-on later. No one feels comfortable playing if they are worried that their exploits will be the talk of the town.
- Be playful. Dress up, bring toys, a partner or two and anything else that will increase your (and other people’s) pleasure.
(This list based on that of Pussy Palace Toronto)
