Try going to a specialty sex-shop. The best part of buying from these types of locations is that you can easily play it off like you are buying a joke gift for a friend, or a party favor for a bachelorette party. This could also reduce your sense that someone may be judging you negatively by your purchase.
Ask your partner to join you on your trip to the store. Tell a friend you need moral support in buying your embarrassing item.
Get a bag of chips, gum, or soda to lessen the embarrassment. The more items the better.
If you can’t find someone like you, try to find the person that is the best fit or that you think will produce the least amount of embarrassment for you.
Be polite, but avoid too much eye contact or small-talk with the cashier. Look at a magazine in the checkout stand. Text or be on the phone while waiting for checkout.
Think thoughts such as, “I can do this; it isn’t that bad!” Look for the humor in the situation. Isn’t is funny that in society we buy these items in front of other people?
Think something like, “This person is probably not thinking negatively about me, they deal with this sort of thing all the time!”
Think about the consequences of not buying the product; could it lead to pregnancy, an STD, or uncomfortable sex?[9] X Research source Some people may steal in order to get personal items to reduce embarrassment. Know that this behavior could get you arrested.
Identify what thoughts result in you feeling embarrassed about buying personal or sex-related items. Is it because you are worried about what other people are thinking about you? Is it because you are afraid you will run into someone you know? Understanding the specific components that produce embarrassment or fear for you will be helpful in developing ways of coping with the situation.
When you are worried about the situation, remember that most people who buy personal products such as condoms, go to a store to do it. If they can do it, so can you! When you are worrying about feeling embarrassed while buying a personal product, remind yourself that others feel similarly in your situation.
When you are feeling embarrassed, think to yourself, “It is okay that I am feeling this way. Many people feel embarrassed in this very situation. ”
Research the product online, read the instructions, side effects, etc. Pick a particular type, brand, and specific store that stocks the product.
