Embarking on your journey of personal discovery with toys is, much like trying to find the perfect shade of taupe for your living room, deeply, utterly personal. Pleasure, unlike, say, the universal appeal of a perfectly ripe avocado, is not a one-size-fits-all concept.

To truly understand what brings you joy, you need an open mind and a willingness to, well, experiment. Think of it as a grand, slightly awkward voyage of self-discovery, where the goal is to define your own pleasure, free from the expectations of anyone else. It’s about listening to your body, identifying those sensations that resonate, and embracing the wonderfully diverse landscape of your own desires. Because, frankly, if you don’t know what you want, who will?

First Steps for New Explorers

• Start small: Choose a non-intimidating toy. Beginners don’t need a jet engine with suction cups.
• Always use lubricant: Especially water-based lube with silicone toys to avoid material breakdown.
• Practice hygiene: Clean toys before and after use. Even invisible germs have a thriving nightlife.

All these delightful devices must be thoroughly cleaned both before and after each use to prevent the sort of bacterial infections that would make one regret ever having indulged. Even if certain unpleasantries don’t survive long outside the body, some, like hepatitis and scabies, have an impressive tenacity, clinging on for weeks or even months.

Choosing the Right Material

• Body-safe labels: Look for phthalate-free and BPA-free toys.
• Avoid strong odors: If it smells like a new shower curtain, skip it.
• Silicone wins: Non-porous, soft, safe — and used in 63% of high-quality toys.

If a toy emits a strong chemical smell or has an overly soft, sticky texture, consider it a red flag, much like a stranger offering you candy from an unmarked van. Investing in quality from trusted brands is often a reliable way to ensure safety and durability. Because, let’s be honest, you wouldn’t buy a parachute from a back alley, would you?

Porous toys require extra care: If it’s made of porous material, use a condom as a barrier. You wouldn’t sip soup from a sponge, would you?

Other Practical Considerations

• Is it waterproof? Don’t bring a landlubber into the tub.
• Rechargeable vs. battery: Choose your power source wisely. Consider your getaway bag.
• Discreet delivery: No one wants the UPS driver raising eyebrows on a Tuesday morning.

Finally, a regular inspection for wear and tear is vital for ongoing safety. One should routinely check for cracks, discoloration, changes in texture, or rips in the outer coating. If your battery-powered device starts whimpering or refuses to hold a charge, it’s time for a replacement. And structural damage, like a broken rigid core or the base of an anal toy breaking off (a rather alarming thought, that), necessitates immediate disposal to prevent serious injury.

Truly, if a toy can no longer be cleaned completely or no longer performs its duty as new, it’s time to part ways. One must, after all, maintain standards.

Pleasure is personal — like passwords and bad tattoos. Nobody else needs to understand it for it to be valid.

Understanding Your Needs: A Personal Odyssey originally appeared on Evolved World.