We dream of a world where no one feels shame when buying condoms—or anything else—at the drugstore or grocery store, but for anyone who hasn’t been there, that’s okay. We’ve got a few tips to make the whole thing less scary.
1. Do a little research first
Checking out all the options in the condom section can be really fun. But if it’s your first time buying them and you’re feeling nervous, doing a little research on what type you want can make the whole process a little easier in person.
2. Remember that the checkout person just wants to go home
They really don’t care what you buy. Just today, they probably sell candy bars along with hemorrhoid cream, diapers and lube, diarrhea medicine, more beef jerky than you think, and probably 25 boxes of condoms.
3. Think of yourself as a rebel
Go ahead and scandalize the old woman behind you who is in line buying slippers and hairspray! He’s probably jealous. Imagine you’re a teenager (or if you are one, more power to you), and you’re leaving the house tonight. You don’t care what those boring old people think! You don’t need anyone’s approval—in fact, you do prefer not to have it!
4. Teach your brain that it’s okay
If you feel awkward, that’s okay! That’s not a problem. Because guess what? You can still do it. Show the embarrassing part of your brain that you might hear it, but you’re not listening to it. Faking it until you make it actually works sometimes.
5. Keep your eyes on the prize
Look at you, having hot sex and protecting yourself while you do it! Prevention queen!
