Written by Tarae McDonald

Lifestyle events are exciting but can also be anxiety-inducing if you have never been to a hotel party before. Here are a few tips to help guide you successfully through your first big lifestyle event :

*Know your boundaries - do you want to play with a stranger? Just want to watch? Group play? BEFORE you go to an event, know what you're willing and unwilling to do. There's more than one way to swing and as long as you are honest with yourself and partner(s) and respect other's boundaries, there really is no wrong way to swing.

*ALWAYS ask before touching *No means no - most people in the LS know how to turn down play or advances gracefully. Don't take it personally. Trust me, you'll find at least one or two 'yeses' for every no

*Bring a friend - you don't have to be coupled to have a good time at a Lifestyle event. Bring a friend AND stick together.

*Drink responsibly - a drink or two may help with nervousness but too many can lead to, at the very least, an embarrassing moment or "uncooperative genitals". Overindulgence also means your judgment is impaired and out of touch with your or your partner's boundaries. *Ditch the "sexpectations" and network - having the expectation of play is the fastest way to be disappointed at the end of an event. Instead use the opportunity to make new connections and arrange meet ups after the event.