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12> THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
LIFESTYLE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,2002
Venture into unknown, have fun with anal sex
Getting anally inspired to venture beyond the front nine and down into the roughage surrounding the back hole is an unnecessarily daunting task for many people.
Somehow, through the ages, the innocent anus has acquired a needlessly raunchy reputation, not helped by the fact that any anal action has been ascribed the nasty sounding term of sodomy.
All archaic terminology aside, anal stimulation and anal sex can be enjoyable activities for those of all sexualities and both genders. More people are interested in anal experimentation than one would think. In a survey of more than 11,000 college students by Playboy.com, more men and women polled had tried getting some anal action than had tried being in a threesome.
Although there are many horror stories about having anal sex — many involving pain or some sort of fecal mishap — the truth is that anal sex, when done right, can be an incredible experience.
SEX
The first order of business is to take a quick tour of your own backdoor area. While you're working away on your front areas, try using a finger or two to explore your anus. Using a water-based lube, such as Astroglide, helps.
When you're ready to declare an open season on exploration of your anal area to the partner or partners of your choice, there are a couple of pointers to make your first anal sex experience less awkward.
Meghan Bainum mbainum@kansan.com
If you're worried about the cleanliness of the experience, make sure you're going into it with empty bowels. If you wish, a shower should wash any "dirtiness" away. The anal area, however, when cleaned properly, should not be considered any more dirty than any other part of the body.
Jack Morin, writer for sexuality.org and author of Anal Pleasure and Health says that when any object is inserted into the anus,the anal muscles will spasm for a while. It is important to wait until the spasms have stopped,or until the person is comfortable,to continue.
Also, because the anus does not provide its own lubrication, like the vagina, lube is a must for a sexy, comfortable anal experience. Be sure to choose a water-based lubricant if condoms are being used, because petroleum-based or siliconebased lubricants will destroy a rubber.
If a penis, or any other object, just looks — or feels - too large for comfort, there is no shame in starting small and working up in comfortable size accommodation. The anus can expand to fit a human fist, a practice called fisting, so a penis, or most other objects, should pose little problem for the well-stretched anus. Just be sure not to put anything in your butt that you might not be able to get out again. Anal plugs are a good idea because they are available in a variety of sizes and are specially designed not to migrate upstream. If you're not up for toys, try starting anal experimentation by inserting a finger or two until things have relaxed a bit.
The best pointer for a good anal experience is to relax and have fun with it.
'80s fashion return should be avoided
There is something to be said for classic styles, like a white, button-down shirt that is perfectly fitted around the bosom and cut to accentuate curves. It is smart, sexy and timeless.
This season's so-called classics, however, are not Audrey Hepburn in Coco Chanel. They are classic '80s. Not divine fashion just bad taste. It's a chronological shame that the "style cycle" has returned to the decade of shoulder pads.
The following is a list of what I think should be in a box at the donation door of the Salvation Army.
Ankle-high boots: No, I'm not talking about boots that zip up past the ankle. I mean ankle-high, '80s, spiked-heel, pointy-toed, my-mom-donated-her-lastpair-to-Goodwill-10-years-ago anklehighs. I am expecting this style to travel from New York City to Lawrence in about a year. I forewarn you: DO NOT buy these shoes.
Chain-strapped purses: this was another craze circa 1980 that has reappeared in modern times. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that this style has entirely vanished. It's not the chain that irks me. It's the fact that the chain is gold. Gold! Yet another craze that I hope doesn't migrate to Lawrence in the near future, but it probably will. So, when it does, do not be sucked into this vacuum of bad fashion.
Peasant tops: Please don't be aghast bohemian-imitators, for I shall explain. I can't remember the last time I walked into an establishment — any establishment — and didn't see every female wearing virtually the same clothing. Last time I walked into Brother's, it was a sea of gauzy-clothed females. Not
FASHION
Sara Behunek sbehunek@kansan.com
that I think the puffy sleeves and empire waists are unflattering or unfashionable, but I believe the look has overstayed its welcome. Ladies, I beg of you go preppy, go chic, go goth, go anything but peasant.
Cargo pants: Like the previous denunciation of the peasant top, I feel I owe you gentlemen an explanation. I know the majority of you own a pair of cargo pants. Don't deny it. But they don't look cool. Yes, they were "phat" when that word was actually in, but they are done with, over, out. It's time, men, to move on to a classier, more grown-up style. I have discussed the hammer-loop and excessive-pocket pants with my panel of fashion judges — my nearest and dearest girlfriends — and it is unanimous. Cargo pants are bad, flat-front slacks and fitted jeans are good.
I may have offended you by condemning your most treasured clothing items, but keep in mind it's merely advice. Hold fast to the tried-and-true style you love if it makes you shine like purple satin ankle-boots. Wearing what's comfortable to you is what will look best, even if you do indulge in a little '80s couture.