I am beyond irritated with my co-worker at the moment and I am wondering if I am over-reacting or if I have a legit reason to be irritated. You tell me...
I work at a local brick and mortar sex toy shop. The other day I had a lovely couple come in looking to explore some BDSM activities and were looking for some lighter equipment (restraints, blindfolds, spanking tools, candles, etc). One of the things that the woman asked about was metal anal plugs and wanted some information on them. I, of course, showed her what we had and talked to her a little bit about what she was looking for and why she was looking for metal as a beginner. She tells me that both she and her husband read the 50 Shades series and it opened their eyes to exploring their kinkier sides. I made a few product suggestions and helped them find some products that would be more suited to their beginner status and suggested that they do a little research into the BDSM community and safety before embarking on their kink exploration.
As soon as this couple walked out of the store my co-worker began her judgemental tirade. The door of the store was not even closed before she started in on "All these fucking vanillas think they know everything because they read those stupid books." I have heard similar sentiments from several people in the BDSM community. **I am not hardcore BDSM, I am definitely on the lighter side of any activities, just for clarification** It really irritated me that she wanted to focus on the negativities of the 50 Shades series and its impact on couples everywhere.
I have read, but am not a fan, of the 50 Shades books, but I am a fan of the fact that it has opened the minds of people who would have never before explored these types of activities. My co-worker has never even cracked open any of the books that she is condemning.
So here is my question, I guess. Am I being too judgemental of my coworker and getting irritated for nothing or am I legit for feeling this way? Am I the only person that can see the positive influence this poorly written series has had on relationships everywhere? Or do I have a legitimate reason for wanting to tell her to shut up and let people explore their kinks?
I work at a local brick and mortar sex toy shop. The other day I had a lovely couple come in looking to explore some BDSM activities and were looking for some lighter equipment (restraints, blindfolds, spanking tools, candles, etc). One of the things that the woman asked about was metal anal plugs and wanted some information on them. I, of course, showed her what we had and talked to her a little bit about what she was looking for and why she was looking for metal as a beginner. She tells me that both she and her husband read the 50 Shades series and it opened their eyes to exploring their kinkier sides. I made a few product suggestions and helped them find some products that would be more suited to their beginner status and suggested that they do a little research into the BDSM community and safety before embarking on their kink exploration.
As soon as this couple walked out of the store my co-worker began her judgemental tirade. The door of the store was not even closed before she started in on "All these fucking vanillas think they know everything because they read those stupid books." I have heard similar sentiments from several people in the BDSM community. **I am not hardcore BDSM, I am definitely on the lighter side of any activities, just for clarification** It really irritated me that she wanted to focus on the negativities of the 50 Shades series and its impact on couples everywhere.
I have read, but am not a fan, of the 50 Shades books, but I am a fan of the fact that it has opened the minds of people who would have never before explored these types of activities. My co-worker has never even cracked open any of the books that she is condemning.
So here is my question, I guess. Am I being too judgemental of my coworker and getting irritated for nothing or am I legit for feeling this way? Am I the only person that can see the positive influence this poorly written series has had on relationships everywhere? Or do I have a legitimate reason for wanting to tell her to shut up and let people explore their kinks?
