Statesboro’s very own Sunset Novelties is a well-equipped store that’s able to attract all sorts of people, including but not limited to: the sexually adventurous, the sexually curious, bridesmaids attempting to plan cliché bachelorette parties, snickering students and recently- couples inspired by 50 Shades of Grey and its heavy Bondage, Domination, Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) emphasis. 

BDSM equipment is just one sect of items that Sunset Novelties have stocked on their shelves in an effort to meet and satisfy the various preferences of its customers. Kerstin McLemore, manager of Sunset Novelties, advises partners to participate in a mature, open discussion about each other’s sexual preferences before purchasing any specific fetish item, or exploring an untraveled sexual horizon.

“Anything new to you in this industry requires communication. Communication is of the utmost importance, whether it’s talking about dinner, what you’re doing this weekend or having sex. If you haven’t talked to them, you should talk to them,” McLemore said.

According to the website Statisticbrain, which includes data from the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, 20% of adults have reported using masks, blindfolds, or bondage. In addition, furry handcuffs and blindfolds are reported to be within the top 10 most popular sex toys purchased online.

The more specific subsections of BDSM are loosely intertwined and connected, but a brief letter by letter breakdown has been arranged below.

Bondage:

Bondage is when one partner voluntarily agrees to be restrained, either by being tied up with ropes, or handcuffed. Couples who incorporate bondage in their sex lives are advised by McLemore to be aware of their restraints and how to unlock them. Safe words are a crucial part of the communication McLemore mentioned. Remember to keep an open line of communication with your partner and don’t keep them in the dark – unless lights off, blindfolds on is your thing.

Domination:

Domination occurs when a person consents to giving their partner more control in their relationship for sexual enjoyment. In short, someone leads, and someone follows, with collars and leashes being involved depending on one’s preference.

“I tend to find that if you are more dominant in your everyday life, you tend to be very submissive in the bedroom, and otherwise, if you’re submissive in your everyday life, you tend to be more dominant in the bedroom, that’s just how you balance your life. We’re very Freudian-minded. Our more meek customers who come in here, they want to whip somebody, but then people who are really open are like ‘I want to be tied up,’” McLemore said.

Sadism:

Sadism is when an individual experiences sexual gratification from inflicting pain or humiliation onto others. Sadists become aroused through whipping, binding and otherwise harming others. Sadism and masochism are the more extreme end of the BDSM spectrum, and are often associated with personality disorders.

Masochism:

Masochism is when someone derives pleasure from his or her own pain or humiliation. Those that enjoy masochism enjoy engaging in and fantasizing about being bound, beaten, or pain caused by others. Masochists are also more likely to participate in sadism.

“Everybody has their own range with infliction. As far as masochism goes, it’s just a personal preference. I do not recommend doing anything masochistic to your body without proper research. Talk to your doctor, talk to someone,” McLemore said.