A question or two

[njjen3953]

A question or two about gatherings

What was the one thing that made you attend your first tickling gathering?
If you have never attended one, but were thinking of doing so, what would be the most important thing you would look for?

 

[QBWeaver]

The one thing that made me attend my first gathering was that I was finally going to meet some other people who understood me.

I'd kept my tickling fantasies and interests suppressed for many, many years. Now I was about to meet others who had done the same thing. Now I knew that I wasn't alone in my innermost desires.

Our local gatherings began with a dinner meeting with about 8 people sitting around a table and discussing how we might explore having a party and what would be included. I would have NEVER thought that I'd EVER get to talk about this and yet here we were scheduling a PARTY? Oh My God! I was beside myself.

My first NEST experience was even more incredible. I was a nervous wreck arriving in Phili but as soon as I got to meet Max and Mike and Lee and then later more of the gang, that I'd spoken with online, I felt more and more at home. Max's home truly felt like home to me. And being around like minded folk gave me such a warm feeling.

It was SO difficult to finally make the decision to go. But once I got there... It was all uphill from there! Great friends, great fun, and lots of laughter.

 

[njjen3953]

Thanks QB.

I am really interested in how others will respond to these questions.

For me, I had just found the old AOL tickling chatroom and that was so huge for me. Imagine others as pationate about tickling as me. Then this one guy in the room and I started talking privatelty and he told me about NEST. I had to go. I was definately nervous and since it was months before the actual gathering that I learned about it, I had plenty of time to think about it.
What made it easy for me was that I had friends that had an interest and wanted to go as well. I am so glad about that because, at the time, I don't know if I would have ventured out alone.
It was definately the highlight of my involvement in this community thus far and I am so glad I went. Now, I go to every gathering I get the chance to.

Jen

 

[qjakal]

Not Sure...

I'm not sure I'd enjoy a Gathering that much...despite my chatty online persona and tendencies, I'm really a loner. I suppose as time passses and you feel like you "know" people here, my curiousity may get the better of me. Tickling seems like a private matter to me, but perhaps that's due to my advanced senility/age. Talking in person with other tkphiles has a certain attraction though, as it would be nice not to have to be careful to hide either certain phrases or reactions.... Q P.S.--congrats on making Expert, Jen!

 

[njjen3953]

Re: Not Sure...

Talking in person with other tkphiles has a certain attraction though, as it would be nice not to have to be careful to hide either certain phrases or reactions.... Q P.S.--congrats on making Expert, Jen!

Thanks Q. May I suggest that you attend a munch first then. Josie has them up here and I know you get up here to visit your hundreds of relatives. 😉
We could roll that into a private session too. <WEG>

Jen

 

[dvnc]

With the exception of TickleChgo's young exploits, there had yet to be gatherings before my first silly-assed attempts (remember those, QB?).

What made me attend that, beyond that I arranged them, was the desire to meet others into this. I already had a lover with whom I thought I was happy. I just wanted to know some folks that were previously digital-only, y'know?

Goin' t'NEST was a different deal. We'd been doin' 'em for years by then, and so had they, and QB's florishing reviews of them made me wanna see something so big and cool. It was, too. Max's events outsize everything about mine, without question. It's a different deal, at that size, but a very cool one.

Q, y'gotta come out t'see us ONCE, brother. Just lunch somewhere? Cocktails? C'mon! I'll be so sad if I don't getta meet you and Strel eventually. I'll even restrain the urge to use old-guy jokes. 😉

dvnc
who's no spring chicken hisself *creak*

 

[MistressMia]

That's easy, Comfort!

Jen, as you know, comfort was one of the most important things that made me feel at ease about attending my first and unfortunately only gathering thus far.

My first gathering was a Hyena's Club gathering. The group was small, but cozy, friendly and inviting. They nurtured the kind of atmosphere that made you feel comfortable at any capacity whether participating or just hanging out. They are especially sensitive to making new-comers feel welcomed. If you live in the NJ, NY/Long Island area, I would recommend signing up with the Hyena's Club!

BTW,
This month (November) marks my one year anniversary of my very first Tickle Session! Thanks Nontkl!😀

 

[terorizer]

I actually had a very carefree attitude. I literally remember thinking "why wouldn't I go?" I had known and spoken to quite a few folks online. I'd also met a couple of chat pals (non-ticklephiles), with whom I ended up becoming good friends in real time, so I wasn't wary at all about the "online" deal. I knew some folks were having gatherings every so often, so when I was asked, it just seemed natural to go. I was just anxious to meet and talk to people who "get it". Overall, I'd have to say the main reason I attended my first gathering is that it was just the natural progression for me.

 

[Mimi]

Well, I WANT to....

I have not yet attended a gathering, but I am hoping to in the near future. The one main thing that has kept me from attending one so far is self-consciousness. The fear of not being accepted. It has nothing to do with meeting everyone, for that is the one thing that keeps the dream alive for me. And it is not a matter of trust either, for I know there will be plenty of people there, and nothing bad will happen. It all rides alone on the fear that no one will want to play with me.

I know, I know. That probably sounds stupid, but I have my reasons for feeling that way. But the encouragement I have received to attend a gathering has been so overwhelming, that I can not help but to try and get past that, and make the final step of actually attending a gathering.

So be on the lookout....you never know where I may pop up 🙂

 

[dvnc]

There's nothin' stupid about it. Many, many people feel likewise.

Mimi, do ya wanna be tickled? I'm guaranteein' ya that if you do, you'll be accepted readily. Don't know any ticklers that'd do otherwise.

If you wanted to tickle, the same sort of question applies.

I'm neither pretty nor slim. I ain't athletic. I'm not cultured, or well groomed. I've long hair, piercings, various forms of facial hair, and one MONSTER of an attitude. I'm also accepted kindly by all in every event I've ever attended. There's some REALLY cool folk I've met, involved in running or attending West Coast Gatherings, NEST, CHEST, the Southern Gatherings, and MidWest NEST.

Tell me if you find otherwise, please. Come visit me and mine here and I'll guarantee you meet friendly and kind folk, and are tickled to your liking. Why can I say such? 'Cause everyone's polite and well behaved, or we'd bounce 'em physically from the building. Ain't had t'do such yet. Barred some. Stopped some from coming until they could assure me of their future good behavior. Folk are kind and genial at mine, and I feel that every other host will say likewise.

Never could leave someone wishin' without encouragin' 'em,

dvnc

 

[QBWeaver]

Hi Mimi,

I felt much the same way. I'm no spring chicken (I'm 49 years young!) and I was wondering if those stud muffins would even want to tickle an older woman. What I found is that it doesn't matter what you look like at all, what matters is who you are inside and if you're ticklish. That's it!

At our local gatherings, here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a questionaire for everyone to fill out. If you don't fill it out, you don't attend. The questions center around your likes and dislikes
as well as medical concerns such as asthma and allergies. We had a gal at one of our first gatherings who had asthma so we made sure to hage her medicine out and readily available if needed. That way the scene monitors can keep an eye on you and make sure you're doing ok. We also have people who don't want certain parts of their bodies touched in any way so we make sure that is covered with the "lers" before play starts. We also make sure that we include water breaks and rest breaks if needed. I'm usually the one who needs them so I know about this stuff first hand.

I can speak from experience that what you'll find at gatherings is people who have had the same concerns you have. They finally took the step and went to a gathering and instantly ended up with many, MANY friends who keep in contact for years afterwards. When you attend the next gathering you're walking into a friend's party as a friend, not a stranger. It becomes more of a family rather than just a party.

I hope you'll take the plunge and come to a gathering some day soon. And I hope you get to meet lots of the incredible people I've met because they're all AWESOME!

Jan

 

[hawkikim]

I was pretty scared before I went to one the first time. (I know, some of you who were there for that particular event may have trouble believing that - what can I say? I am a good actress!!! ROFL) I bought a non-refundable plane ticket as soon as I decided to go so I couldn't back out (at least, not without losing $$! LOL)

I can only reiterate what DVNC & QBWeaver said. I felt NOTHING but safe, NOTHING but welcomed, and had the time of my life!

OH, and let me tell you about my nightmare before I went there. The night before, I had a dream that I got there, got all ready to play, and it turned out I wasn't ticklish at ALL. Imagine my surprise when play started and it turned out NOT to be true! LOL

I'm rambling, but I think it boils down to, we all have those fears/apprehensions. Attending a gathering sure quelled mine, in a real big hurry. I really hope to attend MANY more!

Kim

 

[njjen3953]

The night before fear adds to the excitement.

I have been to 6 gatherings now and although I know I am 100% safe, the fear and anxiety start building the night before every time. On the way to my 1st. Hyenas Gathering, I swallowed 6 Immodium in less than 1 hour. It just makes it so much better for me to have that anxiety. It is an adrennalin(sp.) rush. Pete calls me a drama queen. LOL
Anyway, I too am hardly a model type, but have never been overlooked by hungry ticklers. Safety is the most important thing for me and it has been assured for me every time.
Mimi and all of you that want to attend a gathering, I urge you to give in to your nervousness. The only thing you will leave with is a huge smile and possibly an addiction. 😉

Jen

 

[TICKLERBOY123]

Ok - so these events are happening in the USA...but are there any regular events taking place in the NORTH of the UK - preferably in the north-east - nr Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees etc.
I too fear attending such an event. For some reason i think that people will not accept me (i wonder what gives me that idea!! - please, no responses to this!). I do not want to air my concerns on the boards - but i REALLY would be very grateful if i could speak to anyone who has attended one of these events. I would want to ask you a couple of questions! Perhaps one of the ladies would repond (simply because i fell easier expressing my concerns to a woman)
Thankyou

Also - i have menationed 4 locations in the north-east of England in this thread - are there any male or female ticklers indigionous to these reasons (or indeed any immigrants for that matter)

stuart

 

[dvnc]

Stuart, there's two sections for seeking folks. One is the Personals, and here's the link for that section:
http://www.ticklingforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=48

The other is the Gatherings section, and here's the UK section for that are:
http://www.ticklingforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=40

As for events north of London, I know of none to date. We did one in London, but I could find no one to continue them, and it's a bit of a long commute for me to do 'em regularly. 😉 There've been none since, that I know of.

As for asking questions to people, you're welcome to mail me, and if you like, I can pass your email address around the list with any questions you have. Mail me with details, please.

dvnc

 

[Mimi]

Thanks 🙂

Thank you DVNC, Jan, Kim, and Jen for your understanding and kind words of encouragement! If everyone that attends gatherings are as nice as you folks are, I surely will have no problems relaxing and going with it.

My self conscious concerns are strictly physical. I am by no means a beauty queen, and I am FAR from the figure I once had as a young teen. While I am a firm subscriber to "beauty is on the inside", I am fully aware of the fact that not all share this opinion. Many nights I have debated with male chatters in the chat room on the topic, and listened to several of them tell me that physical beauty is of utmost importance when selecting a tickle partner. I, personally, feel that is b.s. A balding, over-weight, middle aged man can tickle me every bit as well as a 20 something, ripped, handsome stud can. And I will probably enjoy the former more, since he would be more apt to enjoy it every bit as much as I would be. But hearing so many of the male chatters drill the "physical attractiveness" issue into my head got me frightened enough to believe the majority of male ticklers felt the same way.

I, like Ticklerboy, will probably wish to discuss this issue on a more intimate level with regular gathering attendee's, to further settle my mind that it will not be an issue. But in the meantime, I truly appreciate the comforting encouragement I have received thus far. You guys are the greatest 🙂

Mimi

 

[terorizer]

The LOVE!

Awww Mims! I wish I could give ya a big hug. I promise though, if you're ever out to one of DVNC's gathering, I'll supply Darren and some guy named Sting as ticklers for you!!! ...well ok maybe you'll have to settle for just me n' DV, but he can sing and I look good in black spandex.... well... ok he CAN sing though! And don't listen to QB, you don't REALLY need to take out an insurance policy on your voice!! Tee hee

 

[dvnc]

ARGH! It burns in my head! AAIIIIIIII!

*cough*

Tero, I'm gonna be grinnin' all day from that silly visual of me croonin' and you wearin' black spandex.

Mimi, if y'heard my voice these days, this would be much funnier, trust me.

Do feel free to mail me, lady. I get my mail from aol all the time. Do also consider attending one of our events. Like the song says, "I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin," but that didn't stop ANYONE from tickling me when I volunteered to reciprocate for the fine 'lees that attend. There may be folks arguin' that I can sing, but the rest is largely obvious, when y'meet me. Folks wantin' beauty queens don't tend to hang in that crew. They're rather warm and friendly folks, as y'likely notice, and enjoy the tickling and the time shared with like-minded folks.

For those quietly wondering if Mimi's gettin' special treatment, ask folks that attended our events. Ask lots of 'em, in fact. It's a tough step, goin' from your private world to being out in a group of us, but it's the best step you'll ever take, where tickling is concerned. Yeah, the play is fun. The friends are better, though, and so far, they're lifelong. It really is all about the love, y'know.

dvnc

 

[QBWeaver]

Hi Again Mimi,

I'm no Rachel Welch either babe. Far from it! But at our gatherings it truly doesn't make a hoot of a difference. Tall or short, Big Beautiful woman or Twiggy, Ol' Mother Hubbard or Brittany... it's all good. All that matters to the gang is... Are you ticklish? If so... Then you've come to the right place.

And as Dave said... Feel free to contact me via email or in an im if you're on AOL or Instant Messenger. Let's chat! I'm at [email protected] and I'm here for ya babe! And as DVNC says... It's all about the love!


Now... I've GOT to find a way to get that visual of Ter in Spandex out of my head! Good Grief Charlie Brown! LOL hmmmm.. Hey Ter..Whatcha wearing to the New Years Party? I've got to get some film! LOL

 

[qjakal]

Mini Mimi.....

I like those Austin Powers movies...BTW Mimi, just turn those cat eyes on the guys and you'll be beating them off with a stick...err...wrong forum...make that a "feather". Q

 

[hawkikim]

Well, as choked up (*cough*cough*) as I am at the thought of Tero in spandex and DVNC singing, I must collect my wits....

Mimi - allow me to add myself to the list of folks you may feel free to email or IM or whatever. Ask me anything!

Now, Dave & Tero, do you do "Melancholy Baby"?🙄

LOL!!
Kimmie

 

[QBWeaver]

Hey Kimmie... I'm pushing Ter to show in Spandex for the New Years Gig!

 

[terorizer]

Say, Kimmie, that's an old Ray Charles tune isn't it? Ahhh, we can improvise! Uhhh, Jan, if I wear spandex, d'you promise to keep your hands to yourself??? Or does I has to tie those hands up???

 

[Dave2112]

Hi Jen! Sorry I haven't responded to this post until now...

I am looking forward to attending a gathering around the area we talked about. As to what would make me go, I think it's obvious.
Talking and sharing with like minded people and sharing stories ideas and what have you. Knowing that you are among friends who will not judge you is a draw as well.

Of course getting to share in some tickling ranks pretty high on the list as well.

But remember, I warned you....

I am truly sadistic...he he he

(Where do you think the seed from all of those stories comes from?😎 )

 

[lightninbug]

Your 1st Gathering

Mimi;I felt "ditto".
I attended my very 1st Gathering last Dec. & here I am getting ready for my 2nd one. It's being held at the same lovely lady's house, too.
I have to agree w/ DVNC & QB & the rest; once you're there you REALLY DO feel among friends. It's all so informal & reassuring with special care to make EVERYONE feel comfortable. Take it at your own time...& when you finaly arrive, you'll meet friends that you never knew you had; I did.
Bug