From The Times December 6, 2008
10 things to know before blindfolding your partner
By Suzi Godson
1. Not being able to see makes you almost entirely reliant on hearing, touch, taste and smell. That increased awareness creates a sense of anticipation. By eliminating visual cues, you don't know what to expect.
2. Using earplugs to eliminate sound can heighten the excitement further and the introduction of different textures such as feathers, fur, or soft fabrics such as satin and velvet will increase the sensory overload.
3. Though wearing a blindfold is not dangerous, it requires an element of trust. Some people find it frightening, particularly those who have a claustrophobic tendency,so be sensitive to signs of stress.
4. Blindfolds should be snug, but don't tighten them too much as it can hurt the eyes and leave marks on the bridge of the nose. It can also be painful for the ears. If you are tying a double knot, do it at the side of the head because it will dig into the back of her head if she lies down on it.
5. According to the 2008 Durex Global Sex Survey, 27 per cent of women and 19 per cent of men around the world have experimented with masks or blindfolds.
6. The worldwide popularity of blindfolds explains the existence of an online blindfolding dictionary. Find all the necessary nouns, verbs and adjectives for blindfolding in every major language at www.geocities.com/ hollywood/theater/7699/dict.html
7. Blindfolding's popularity also explains the huge range of fabulous blindfolds on the market. Coco de Mer's embroidered black velvet and silver brocade blindfold (www.coco-de-mer.com, £125) is exceptional and is also available in slightly see-through ivory net. Cheaper (£25), but no less lovely, is its 100 per cent silk blindfold embroidered with the words: “Freedom is choosing whose slave you want to be.”
8. You don't need to spend a lot of money, though. Items of clothing such as nylon tights and silk scarves can be used to make impromptu blindfolds.
9. And you don't have to have sex. Spread a rug on the floor. In the centre set a tray of aphrodisiac delights - oysters, figs, honey almonds, chocolate, champagne and the mandatory vanilla Häagen-Dazs. Get naked. Blindfold her. And feed her with your fingers. Mmmm.
10. Finally, on a practical note, make sure that the room is safe and she won't bump into things or fall over and hurt herself. And when you remove her blindfold, dim the lights so that she can adjust to the light gradually.
10 things to know before blindfolding your partner
By Suzi Godson
1. Not being able to see makes you almost entirely reliant on hearing, touch, taste and smell. That increased awareness creates a sense of anticipation. By eliminating visual cues, you don't know what to expect.
2. Using earplugs to eliminate sound can heighten the excitement further and the introduction of different textures such as feathers, fur, or soft fabrics such as satin and velvet will increase the sensory overload.
3. Though wearing a blindfold is not dangerous, it requires an element of trust. Some people find it frightening, particularly those who have a claustrophobic tendency,so be sensitive to signs of stress.
4. Blindfolds should be snug, but don't tighten them too much as it can hurt the eyes and leave marks on the bridge of the nose. It can also be painful for the ears. If you are tying a double knot, do it at the side of the head because it will dig into the back of her head if she lies down on it.
5. According to the 2008 Durex Global Sex Survey, 27 per cent of women and 19 per cent of men around the world have experimented with masks or blindfolds.
6. The worldwide popularity of blindfolds explains the existence of an online blindfolding dictionary. Find all the necessary nouns, verbs and adjectives for blindfolding in every major language at www.geocities.com/ hollywood/theater/7699/dict.html
7. Blindfolding's popularity also explains the huge range of fabulous blindfolds on the market. Coco de Mer's embroidered black velvet and silver brocade blindfold (www.coco-de-mer.com, £125) is exceptional and is also available in slightly see-through ivory net. Cheaper (£25), but no less lovely, is its 100 per cent silk blindfold embroidered with the words: “Freedom is choosing whose slave you want to be.”
8. You don't need to spend a lot of money, though. Items of clothing such as nylon tights and silk scarves can be used to make impromptu blindfolds.
9. And you don't have to have sex. Spread a rug on the floor. In the centre set a tray of aphrodisiac delights - oysters, figs, honey almonds, chocolate, champagne and the mandatory vanilla Häagen-Dazs. Get naked. Blindfold her. And feed her with your fingers. Mmmm.
10. Finally, on a practical note, make sure that the room is safe and she won't bump into things or fall over and hurt herself. And when you remove her blindfold, dim the lights so that she can adjust to the light gradually.
