Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Is tickling always a sexual form of play or can it be just for fun?

While this is very subjective and differs as to preference for each individual, tickling does not have to be sexual. If we think about tickle play when we were children, we can clearly see this. That doesn't change when we become adults. But, there as many individuals who see tickling as only sexual for them personally as there are those who see it as purely fun or a combination that can depend on who the play partner is.

2. How can I find out if someone I know is into tickling?

The easiest way is to simply ask. But, many people are uncomfortable in doing that. There are always opportunities to bring it up in a conversation or sneak a little stroke in with an already accepted touch.

3. How can I find people near me who are into tickling?

One of the best ways would be to post a note somewhere like the TMF asking if there are others in your area. Or you can look through posts that are already there. Most folks feel like they're on their own in their area when there are actually plenty of others around. I personally never knew that there were at least a dozen other tickle fans in my hometown until I started looking...and yes, that includes women.

4. If I decided to go to a gathering, would I have people poking at me all the time?

Very simply...NO. I'd say that a gathering is like any other public place where you would expect others to keep their hands to themselves. But, it's actually much safer than that. There are strict rules set up and enforced that make it very clear that any unwanted touch is not allowed. Even though this is an event about a certain kind of touch, it doesn't mean that you have to take part in play or permit anyone who comes along to tickle you. How much you play is as much your decision as if you play at all. If you just want to hang out, visit with others and watch the action, that's your right and it will be enforced.

5. How do I get to go to a gathering? Can I just show up?

Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about gatherings is that they are open events that anyone can attend. In reality, they are private parties set up by individuals (or groups of individuals). A screening process takes place before allowing others to attend. This often consists of a self-introduction type survey, so the host has some idea who you are. But, it may also take into account the way you present yourself to others online...since that's where we're most likely to know you from. For example, someone who's a nice person in real life situations could be denied admittance to a gathering simply because they act rude online. While that is unfortunate, THAT is the person we see. Hosts also do what they can to encourage women to attend...generally giving them precedence in order to create more of a balance in the male to female ratio.

6. Why isn't there a gathering closer to me?

This is generally because nobody in your area has done anything to start one up. As with finding others in your area to talk to or play with, all it takes is for you to reach out and make your interest know. It's entirely possible that there's someone nearby thinking the same thing. Just getting together with one or more people to even purely discuss tickling is a form of a gathering....and the way that gatherings got their start. If you can get two or three people together to share the work, it's not all that difficult to host your own. See the gatherings page for more details on how to do so.

7. My spouse/SO doesn't like tickling. Would I be cheating if I played with someone else?

If you see tickling as purely sexual, it would be considered a form of cheating. But, if you see and do it simply as a fun and non-sexual thing, then it wouldn't necessarily be cheating. At the same time, however, being honest with your partner is a very real consideration. If it's something you know they'd have a problem with and do it anyway, they may feel that you're cheating by not honoring that. Communication with your significant other is always tops on the list for avoiding problems. So, be sure to discuss it as openly as possible with them.

8. What things should I keep in mind when playing with another person?

There are some very basic things to keep in mind...boundaries, medical conditions, etc. The articles section of this site has some excellent information that you can review to learn more. We highly recommend that all who intend to take part in play take the time to read them and familiarize yourself with the information contained in them.

9. Does bondage always have to be used with tickling?

No. It does not have to be used. However, some consider it a necessity for themselves to be bound so that they don't hurt anyone while being tickled. (My husband and I started to use light bondage after he got kicked in the face a few times.) It is entirely up to the individual. Tickle fights and unbound tickle sessions can be fun. You just need to be aware of where limbs are flailing. It is NOT recommended that bondage be used in a one-on-one session when playing with someone for the first time.

10.  When are you going to start having image galleries and clips on this site?!

At this point, there are no plans to do so at all.  We're focusing on being a resource for the community.  We no longer produce our own materials.  So, anything we share would be repeats of other people's materials.  If pics and clips are your thing, check out the links directories for sites where you can find them.  There's tons of stuff out there.  And, don't forget to check the yahoo groups too.  They have a ton of stuff in them. 

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