Ever wondered what it’s like to work in a sex shop? Well, you must not be the only one because I’m constantly being asked a slew of questions about what it’s like to work in and manage the West Valley Blue Boutique. Here are a few of the most common ones I get.
Is it strange to look at this stuff all day?
Does “regular” sex bore you now?
Are there a lot of creepy people that come in here?
Does it make you desensitized to work here?
This has got to be the best job ever, right?
My answer is generally the same to all these questions…I’m just used to it.
Yes, my job is pretty damn fun, but mostly because I get to work in an easy-going environment with some really awesome people. It has good days and bad days though – just like your job. And while the adult products can be quite daunting and intriguing at first, it doesn’t take long for the novelty to taper off. This doesn’t mean the products we have aren’t exciting to me anymore, it just means I don’t stand there all day looking around in awe of the place. You quickly start to figure out what is good and what is just so-so. Though if there is something new and exciting that comes in you can bet we are all over it – which is why you should definitely ask our advice!
As for being desensitized, yes, I suppose that happens to some degree. Like I said, you just get used to hearing and seeing things that may not be a part of other people’s daily routine. Cockring. Dildo. Anal beads. These are all things I talk about and look at daily without a second thought. It may not be normal to anyone else, but it is normal to me. Does this mean that I only want crazy things in the sack and “normal sex” isn’t appealing anymore? Not at all. What does that even mean? I’m more aware of all the interesting options available, but my I figure out my personal preferences just like any of you.
What about the really strange stuff and the creepy people? Well, I can’t lie, we definitely do get some unusual characters in here (remember my flasher?), but honestly not much more than you would get at any other retail store. And as for the odd requests and questions, as long as it’s legitimate it rarely surprises us and we are happy to talk about it. When people tell me they have a strange question I always reply with “unlikely,” because after working here for 10 years, I have truly heard it all.
“Oh you need a gallon and a half of lube for your orgy this weekend? Right this way.” or “You’re looking for electrically charged nipple clamps? No problem, let me show you the options.”
These are phrases I have undoubtedly said while working, without even the slightest hesitation.
While it may all seem like the same ol’ stuff to me, I do get a reminder of my skewed sense of reality every time I go to a bar or restaurant with co-workers. A little “work conversation” and suddenly heads are turning and eyebrows are being raised all around us. I guess pussy and ass isn’t a phrase usually uttered at the dinner table, but what can we do, we’re just used to it!