Grow enough courage...

[Meghank]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

 

[Justabaldguy70]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

Go in saying your there for bachelorette party supplies

 

[OtherwisePrint6210]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

I worried about the same thing when I used to go. Nothing ever happened, turns out I don't know any perverts. But at first I went to another town.

 

[Acktion]

Wait... they still have those?

No, I'm really being serious. I've been disabled and virtually housebound since a decade before Covid made it cool. I just assumed with all the websites out there, and the issues such as you discuss that people were too embarrassed to be seen there, that the brick and mortars must have gone the way of the Dodo.

I don't really know what to tell you, Meghank, as this was never a problem I really had. Back decades ago, I wanted a "dirty magazine" or video and that was the only way I could get them. So, I walked in and got what I was after.

As it happened, this wasn't a dedicated smut store, but a convenience store that just had a rack of smut over in the corner. And this guy, older than me, tried to give me some shit as I was checking out. I can't remember exactly what he said, but it was something along the lines of "can't get a real woman."

I didn't say anything back. It just didn't seem to call for a response. I just tilted my head and looked at him until he got uncomfortable and backed off.

But, my beloved late wife found out I'm not one to be embarrassed about feminine hygiene products either as I walked back to where she was waiting singing "dun-dun dah, I'm maxi-man! With wings!"

I don't know, Meghank. I truly wish I could help. But, it's just always baffled me why anyone would be embarrassed about what other people think. The only people who should matter are the ones who it won't.

I guess the question I would have is what is there that I can't find at the front page of Lit or Adam and Eve, or Wish, or Amazon or any of a dozen sites? Why you need to go in if it bothers you so much that someone might see you who is evidently just as much of a perv or why are they there to see you?

Maybe you could use the net to order if you'd rather not see anyone or be seen?

 

[Acktion]

***facepalm***

I'm an old dumbass.

Ok, so I just post-stalked you and saw where you said you just turned eighteen and are female. And want to try a toy.

I get it now. Sorry I'm a bit slow.

Alright, yeah. So, I can see where it would be much different for a girl than it was for me. I can just imagine what that dude would have said to you that gave me grief. And how much harder he would have been to get rid of.

I guess I can also see why you wouldn't necessarily want it sent to your house if you are still living with your family. You actually might be surprised just how helpful Mom might be, but I get that you probably don't want to go there.

As a general rule of thumb, those places are going to be emptier earlier in the day. Try going in somewhere around 10:30 your time. Much earlier (if they are open) and you're going to run into the night shift getting off work and blowing off steam. In the evening, well, most everybody starts thinking sex when the sun goes down if they are going to. Night... yeah, as a broken and battered former detention officer I discourage anyone from going anyplace alone when it's dark and the alcohol has given the assholes courage.

But, mid-morning on a weekday, most will either be at work or running more important errands. Except for the ones who are shy and have figured out they'll probably have the place and the worker still too tired to do anything they don't have to, to themselves.

Alternatively, if what is stopping you from ordering online... buy one of those gift cards from the dollar store with your birthday cash and use that to order it and have it sent to a post office box bought so you don't have to have it delivered to your house.

 

[Acktion]

By the way... an electric toothbrush makes a dandy vibrator. And I've seen everything from hairbrushes to cucumbers substituted for dildos. ***shrug*** Just make sure anything you tease your flower petals with is extra clean.

 

[Bramblethorn]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside?

Well, they'll be in no position to judge you if they're in there themselves.

 

[KatieDoes]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

Rather than a seedy porn store along the interstate, look online and see if there’s a woman owned, woman focused store near you. Worth the drive, if it’s a bit of a journey. The nearest city to you that has several strip clubs would be a good start, as strippers need stores to buy costumes in.

Women focused shops exist, and the people working there will make you feel welcome and comfortable and help you find what it is that you need.

If there isn’t something like that any where near you, a Rabbit toy is pretty foolproof, and available online with no in store stop required.

 

[pplwatching]

My wife and I have been to a few stores around our town. None of them are seedy any more, although back when we first started they weren't nearly as nicely organized and well lit. But today, it's like walking into any other store - organized, well lit, and a businesses like any other. They want you to have a good experience, buy something, and come back again - and they wouldn't be in business if your friends and neighbors weren't also patronizing their business.

Analysis paralysis is a thing. I think the trick is to try and avoid over-analyzing. Sex is a wonderful thing, in all of its variety - solo and partnered. You're at the time of your life when you are empowered to embrace and take control of your sex life, both solo and partnered - whatever that means to you. Maybe thinking of this adventure in terms of living your life for yourself would help. You're not being irresponsible or doing anything shady. Just exploring your sexuality and the world around you. It's all positive, so think of it that way.

As for our experiences, no one is paying attention and no one cares. People driving by are just focused on getting where they need to go. We've never met anyone that we knew in the store, but of course it could happen. If it did, there's no shame in it and it's no secret that people like sex. Of course it might be awkward, but as was pointed out they are there looking for a little fun and adventure too. That doesn't mean that you want to know about their sex lives any more than you need to share why you are there or what you're looking for. You don't need an excuse and it's no one's business - and you can say so. You don't need to make up an excuse.

Women focused shops exist, and the people working there will make you feel welcome and comfortable and help you find what it is that you need.

Very true, even in my little world. The women that run it are very happy to talk about all things toys, sexual health, and tips and techniques. It may be just another day at work for them, but they love their work.


Good luck!

 

[silverwhisper]

meghank queried:
so tonight as i was driving home, i passed by an adult store on the interstate. i took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. i was so excited but also so so nervous.

how do i build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

what if i knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

help!

unless your car has a distinctive look, nobody's going to recognize your car driving past an adult store speed. people tend to be oblivious to thinks outside their expectations.

this isn't however about courage. this is about not feeling ashamed, and that's a different thing.

you're still in the process of figuring out who you are and who you want to be. until you are ready to accept the fact that part of being an adult is taking heat for things, and that's OK, you are going to struggle with even as innocuous a thing as buying sex toys. and promise, this is pretty darned innocuous in the grand scheme of things.

you are legally an adult. this allows you to do adult things if you wish.

you're going to get comfortable with who you are and not live in fear. that day may not be today, but it's going to come, and you'll be really, really glad when it does.

ed

 

[OtherwisePrint6210]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

So, I wonder what happened?

 

[Meghank]

Haven't been out and about yet. I love the idea of finding a woman owned boutique!

 

[Lady2020]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

I know how you feel. I have many good memories of going to adult stores with a bf. In Houston & Chicago. I don't think I could have done it on my own. I enjoyed it. I think my bf was more nervous. He was a teacher for a public school system. That was 20 years ago. I would guess it might be easier now to go in solo? Just guessing...

 

[KatieDoes]

Haven't been out and about yet. I love the idea of finding a woman owned boutique!

No idea where you are, but if you ever get around Portland, Oregon, SheBop is a blast. Dirty MadLibs and rainbow dildos for Pride Month!

 

[occasional_lovers]

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside. What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

I think you 're overthinking. When you pass the entrance, you 'll find out that everything in there is designed to make you feel comfortable. Even if you stumble upon someone you know, there is always a code of silence among people who visit such shops. Good luck!

 

[Trionyx]

I went to buy a vibrator for my wife. I did the timing thing (early morning, weekday) and the store I went to was empty except for the two clerks. Both female and way younger than I, both friendly and both very helpful. I asked a few questions and they were willing to answer much as if I had asked at a hardware store about the difference between two brands of padlocks. No judgement, no snickers. Remember, they have seen it all and want to make your experience a pleasant one so you’ll go back the next time. You might want to do some online research first so you can narrow down your search before you go there. Good luck.

 

[Jasminelit]

I just bought an adult product off of Amazon actually and they have added some extra features. First, Amazon sent me a code to confirm it was me. Not sure if this was necessarily because this was an adult product, but they've never done this before. Then, when I went to check out it gave me the option of picking it up at different pick up location other than having it delivered to my home.

I didn't need this option, but again, I've never been offered that with any other purchase.

 

[OtherwisePrint6210]

Bump.

We wanna know what happened.

 

[TheUKGirl1]

...and you can't just buy what you want on the internet?

This reads like it's a bit of a fantasy for you.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

It's like the old line about how does one tell Catholics from Baptists? Two Catholics meeting in a liquor store will say hello. If you see somebody you know in an 'adult' store, take it as read that they won't be there looking for batteries.

Park the next block over, wear sunglasses and enjoy yourself.

 

[Acktion]

Actually, that was probably my favorite scene out of Valentine Vengeance from a few years ago, the scene where they went in the adult store on screen two.

While it was loosely based on an experience from when I was a kid, it wasn't really quite that bad. Although, I think I pretty well nailed the differences in the humor found in the retellings between the guys and gals.

Any road, I'd been thinking about this thread a bit, and in particular, the comment about the female-led boutiques. And I recalled that a few years before her death, my late wife and I'd found a couple of higher-end "intimate apparel" stores that also had some toys. Actually, I'd found them and pretty well insisted on taking her on her fiftieth birthday. I'd been pretty well prepared to pull a Pretty Woman and slip the gals there some extra cash to be extra nice, but it hadn't been necessary.

(Although, I will grant it may have helped a little bit that I "let slip" it was her birthday, and I was a little... obviously fondly indulgent as I watched... and didn't let them put anything back on the rack.)

 

[Buscando]

Take a deep breath, relax ... and live!

No idea where you are, but if you ever get around Portland, Oregon, SheBop is a blast. Dirty MadLibs and rainbow dildos for Pride Month!

I can personally back this up, having lived in the Portland area for a number of years, and been to several of the clean, well-lighted ABS around there.
Also, as you might well expect, San Francisco has no shortage, and in particular, there is the Good Vibrations store and Vibrator Museum, which is woman-owned and operated, and they do have a website as well.
I know that, at your age, it's really hard to let go of those old, adolescent compulsions to conform and begin to become your own woman, but you'll find that your life will expand and grow in wonderful ways as you do. It may take some personal push, but it's sooo worth it.
And let me add my agreement to those that have pointed out that the one you recognize in the ABS is the one you don't have to worry about.
Go for it girl! You'll be so very happy that you did. Over ... and over ... and....

 

[RoperTrace]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

Many years ago, our little city(pop. 35,000) had an adult bookstore outside the city limits on an old highway going towards Philly. The parking lot had a high wooden fence so cars could park behind it in privacy. So one of my illustrious high school classmates went there and parked. A semi-truck had a flat tire or something causing him to swerve off the road hitting the fence and destroy his car. There was an actual picture of the damaged fence and car on the front page of our local newspaper with his name listed as owner of the car. This was discussed at our 15 year h.s. reunion.

 

[Bonnie_Does]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

An adult book store or novelty store? I enjoy the novelty store but book stores are a little seedy for this girl. The lady clerks at the novelty store call me by name when I go there. They have some sexy clothing and lots of toys!! I see a lot of men in there, some alone and some with their wives or girlfriends. Go for it Meghank.

 

[HordHolm]

So tonight as I was driving home, I passed by an adult store on the interstate. I took the exit, drove into the parking lot, and couldn't get myself to stop. I was so excited but also so so nervous.

How do I build up the courage to actually stop and go inside.

What If I knew someone inside? what if someone drove by and recognized my car?

Help!

There are moments in life when you just have to step over the threshold. Is it scary? Yes. But the alternative is regret, and while that feeling isn't as paralysing as fear it does build and morph, winding its way around your psyche as you get older, repeatedly slapping you with the realisation that you never get a do over.

So, take your courage in your hands and step through that door. What's the worst that can happen? Someone makes jokes at your expense? Well, how did they know you were there if they weren't there themselves? There's a creepy dude there? Stick close to the cashier or retreat - you don't lose points for retreating and returning another day. And hey, maybe wait until the nights start drawing in and your car won't be noticed so easily from the road, though it probably won't be anyway - most people just aren't bothered scanning random parked cars.

And what's to gain? Well, apart from whatever it is you want to buy, there's also the feeling that you overcame the fear that held you back. And that's a good feeling.

Best of luck, and remember - we've all been there, our younger selves faced with that step up, that need to make our own decisions without someone holding our hand. And at first it was hard, but it became liberating pretty much immediately, controlling our own lives rather than have someone decide for us.