This week, we are doing a feature on Taboo Topics. We’ve received a few rather explicit requests suggesting that we give some information on sex toys, and a couple of letters asking about ways to make a relationship more interesting. You can definitely use sex toys to make a sexual relationship more stimulating, but for those who are more chaste or don’t have a partner, there’s something for you this week, as well. Read on.

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Taboo topic: sex toysBy Rosalind

College students of both sexes often have busy lifestyles and no time or desire to pursue a sexual relationship. While men can pleasure themselves rather easily, and admittedly do masturbate, women often have to get a little more creative when it comes to self-pleasure, and are more likely to invest in a sexual pleasuring device.

It is more socially acceptable for a woman to have a sex toy, and when going solo, many invest in the classic dildo or vibrator. It makes sense; using a toy instead of using a boy is a lot safer and arguably, depending on the boy, more pleasurable. There is no possibility for STDs, and, if you use it correctly, you can achieve an orgasm every time. The trick is figuring out what you like and where you like it.

According to www.sexuality.org, using a vibrator clitorally is the easiest way for a woman to achieve orgasm, with or without a partner. And don’t be shy, guys; men can find pleasure from these electronic devices, too. (And you thought your vibrating Xbox controller was entertaining. It’s no coincidence that you keep your vibrating cell phone between your legs.)

The main difference between a vibrator and a dildo is that vibrators are used for sensation, not penetration, and the dildos are often shaped like a penis and used for penetration purposes. Also, while a vibrator is plugged into an outlet or battery powered, a dildo is simply a piece of rubber, plastic, silicone, or even sometimes steel. Some dildos even come with a vibrating head attachment. There are a variety of ways for both objects to be used; you just have to play around with them. Some even come with instruction manuals that provide guidelines.

Some basic guidelines for getting the most out of your vibrator include rhythmic breathing and moaning. You should relax your “PC” muscles and sway your hips in sync with your breathing. Also, move the vibrator around: try out lighter or more intense pressure on and around your clitoris. Vibrators can also be a great tool for multiple orgasms: the trick is to move it around the clitoris with a lighter pressure and then apply it directly when you’re almost there. For men, vibrators can provide a unique and often enjoyable sensation during masturbation.

Dildos come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. There are some that are very lifelike and molded to look like an erect penis, veins and all, and others that are brightly colored and specially shaped to provide special satisfaction to areas like the G-spot, and for males, the prostate. Though dildos are made from many different materials, the most popular and most pleasurable are made of silicone. Costing from about $35 to over $100, these small toys allow the user to take charge of his or her pleasure, varying the angle of penetration, the speed of the thrusts, and building vaginal tone.

For either dildos or vibrators, you should use a sufficient amount of lube to ensure safety and maximum pleasure. Also, be hygienic: don’t forget to clean your pleasure machines, and follow proper instructions for their maintenance.

These little tips are just the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens of ways to use vibrators and dildos to enhance sexual pleasure. Go at it with an open mind, and use these little pleasure devices to your liking.

There are many sites on the Internet that offer these little toys for sale. For those of you that are more adventurous, there are a variety of these stores listed in the Yellow Pages. Vibrators and dildos cost anywhere from $20 to well over $100.

The Internet contains a wealth of information about sexual health, and I’d like to credit www.sexhealth.org as well as www.sexuality.org for much of the information used in this week’s column.

A reminder – your campus’ Student Health Services offers free condoms, lube, and information booklets about sexual health. They also offer discounted birth control and emergency contraception. And just think, with a vibrator or dildo, you can play it safe without the worry.

Taboo topic: Combating monotony in a relationshipBy Touchstone

A problem that many people in long-term relationships face is monotony, not monogamy. The same old boring, unchanging style of doing things can destroy the lust in a relationship. Every once in a while, you should do things to change the tone of your relationship and enhance other assorted aspects of it.

It is quite common to fall into a routine in a relationship and become used to seeing each other at certain times and talking at certain times, but one or both parties become bored or tired of the same old schedule. I’ve heard the saying that an action is worth a thousand words, and that applies to a relationship, t oo. So you care about your partner? Don’t just say it, but show it. Take them for a walk on the beach late at night, hold hands, and just talk about what’s going on in life. Sometimes you don’t even have to talk at all, just savor the time together, and feel the beauty of the world around you. The little things are what make the difference. Small moments with real connections are priceless in a relationship. I know we have all heard that before, but little things make a difference. Loving thoughts and gestures, from back massages to little notes, show that you really care about your partner, and are sensitive to his or her needs.

This brings us to an area of relationships where it is always fun to mix it up: in the bedroom. The changes don’t have to be kinky new acrobatic sex positions although they can be (we’ll get to that a little later). Plan something special, for no reason other than to do something nice for your partner. A good idea for guys is to get some roses and spread the petals around the bed to set an intimate mood. If you plan a nighttime picnic on the beach, spread the petals over the blanket before you fold it: that way, when you open the blanket they are already there.

A particular area that has a propensity to become monotonous is the intimate stuff and “messing around.” After a couple months, a lot of couples complain about a routine having developed, and for one of the two it isn’t so much fun anymore. A way to counter this is to have fun trying new things. Foreplay can be a lot of fun. Make it last as long as you possibly can before succumbing to that magical release. Time it. See how long you can make it before you explode. Once we get used to each other, foreplay becomes shorter and shorter, we have “done that,” and want to get to the end result, which is less pleasurable if you don’t warm up. Try giving a sensual massage or kissing like you did when you were first getting to know each other. Explore each other’s bodies in new ways.

If your relationship has progressed to the levels of oral and vaginal sex you could try new positions. There are tons of variations to oral sex, such as the “top head,” where the guy straddles the girl’s chest while she performs fellatio. In the sexual intercourse category there are a plethora of positions and books to teach different techniques. There are tons of books on the Kama Sutra. Some couples also enjoy using different flavored lubes and toys in the bedroom. If that sounds interesting to you, invest: they can provide a whole new world of pleasure.

In any relationship, there is always room for improvement and more fun. Relationships are about growing together. So have fun, and be safe. Always remember to use a condom or a dental dam, and pursue a pace comfortable for both partners.

Rosalind is a sophomore majoring in psychology. She’s been in relationships, and writes from experience, observation, and research.

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