buying condoms for the first time

[cnichols]

ok so i am 14 and recenlty just experienced my first time buying condoms and this is how i did it...... i went to where they were in walmart but there was a worker stocking shelves right there so i kept walking around and comin back like every 5 min or so.. and i did this about 10 times so by then i i was parinoid and more nervous because i thought poeple were looking at me and when i i finnally grabbed the condoms i put them in my sleeve and wa;led to the self check out and i waited in line being as nervous as i could and grabbed a pack of gum so it seemed thats what i was buying and i grabbed the bagg and put the condoms in my pocket and went to meet my mom at grocery end and that was honestly the most nerve racking thing i have ever done. any advice on how i can make it not so nerve racking ? it would be VERY apriatated. and please share your storys that could relate to this and how you bought your condoms.

[masterofbates]

buy online?

[weasel]

as far as i am aware there are no countries that has a minimum age for buying condoms. you can't get in trouble, if you use cash ther is no record, so you have nothing legally to worry about, the nerves of being juged by people seeing you do this can be countered by just staying on track and act like this is nothing out of the ordinary for you. a tip though if you are buying something like that don't hide them in any way till after you have paid, if security thinks you are stealing things they will stop you and make you feel like a complete fool, just hold on to them regularly you can even try to cover most of them with your hand but don't try to conceal them.

with that said look at these articles
I'm Ready for SEX! (or am I?) I really want to do it.
What Can I/We Do To Prepare For First Time Intercourse?

[dancingdoc2]

You are to be commended for understanding the importance of using a condom and for taking it upon yourself to purchase them. Kudos.

As far as I know there is no minimum age for being able to purchase condoms and lubricants, so your nervousness is probably due in part to thinking that you were doing something wrong. Not so. Now, having said that, I do believe that you are much too young to be having sex. Just because boys and girls have gone thru puberty and can bring new people into the world does not mean that they are mature enough in other areas to handle the responsibility and possible consequences.

The process or changing from a child into an adult is a decade long process, beginning about age eleven for boys. The last part of a person to develop is the frontal lobe of the brain and this does not finish until a person is twenty one or slightly older. This part of the brain is responsible for a person's being able to see around corners--or, understanding and predicting the consequences of their actions.

The skeletal framework of girls does not fully develop until a year or so after puberty. Giving birth before her body is physically ready can present difficulties. Using a condom is no guarantee that you will not become a father. Just because you can have sex does not mean that you should.

Welcome to the SI101 Board and its Forums. I hope you will enjoy participating and will take this opportunity to learn as much as you can about life, love, romance, and, sex, and to add all this information to what you already know. Knowledge is empowering.

I understand about the curiosity and lure of it all; however, some events are better off waiting a few more years for in order to fully appreciate and be to act responsibly for. When a person desires to participate in what is clearly an adult activity, s/he must be adult about possible consequences. Are you? If a pregnancy happens, then what? Will you step up to the plate and support the mother of the child? Can you support the infant you helped bring into the world should she choose to keep the baby?

I recommend that you read the article on contraceptives. If you do not wish be become a father, wear a condom each and every time, else what's the point? Look out for and protect A#1--you. If your sexual partner does not want to become a mother, she should be on the pill or using some other form of highly reliable form of contraceptive. In addition, the two of you should use a third form of contraception for back up--a spermicide. Three (3), this shows just how important protection is.

Please begin your participation on this site by reading the FAQs, the Posting Guidelines section, and especially the Index, all found at the top of the main screen. The Index contains links to helpful informative insightful, as well as how-to articles that discuss the most common questions and concerns people ask about. I recommend that the two of you, and, especially you, read each and every article, discuss the information with each other, and to add what you have learned to what each of you already know. Knowledge is empowering.

For the foreseeable future, my recommendation, should you decide to fool around, is to limit what you do to foreplay (hand job and/or blow job) and reserve intercourse for a few years down the road. Your reward will be in knowing that you have acted responsibly, and, in understanding that the orgasms you enjoy will be stronger and more intense than what generally results from intercourse.

(Thanks, Weasel, for your comments.)

I hope this is of help. Got questions?

-doc

[Ducy]

Good job OP. You are more responsible than 99% of your peers. The first time you buy condoms is interesting. All my friends were nervous. But if you take your girlfriend it can be fun since your both nervous and the tension turns it into a comedy routine.

First time I bought condoms I had my gf with me. She was super embarassed. Couldn't even go up to the front counter. I just sorta accepted that I was buying condoms.

I have however had times where the employees make snide comments. Actually I've experienced it all. The cashiers who don't care. The ones who nod in approval and acknowledge that your being responsible. The ones who grin or wink or say things like "looks like your gettin ready for a fun night" I simply smile and say "You bet!"

The worst was when an older woman looked at me and shook her head and made a like psh sound. I wasked her what the problem was and she tried giving me a lecture about how their was no ring on my finger so I shouldn't need them. Sex is only for married couples etc etc. I laughed handed her the money and said well all I know is I'm having a lot of sex in the next 72 hours...you should try it maybe you won't be so bitter. The couple behind me clapped and I went about my day with my head held high since I was responsible.

[RedRoses]

I like to second Ducy; kudos to you taking responsibility, Cnichols!

First time I bought: I chose a drugstore where they had always been very helpful and respectful to me. No (long) lines, people just attending there own business, no worker's stocking during the day. The condoms were not much in plain sight; like you're feeling everyone else is watching you from your back. So I just took my time picking and went to the counter. Where the same lady who had helped me before with picking a cream for a fungi-infection on my feet (she was very helpful and discrete) just "beeped" the condoms and smilingly wished me a good day. I was about 15, but I must admit I've always looked older, which could have been an advantage. I never used those condoms; I was not in a relationship; it was all about me feeling prepared to have them ready. In fact; I have bought quite some before I actually used them first time!

I've bought condoms many times now and never been treated disrespectfully. Personally; after buying them once, I've never felt really nervous. I consider them just as much part of the products I buy as any other. When I have questions about specific intimate products, like spermicides I was interested in recently, I do pick a time that it's not busy in the store so that I can ask an employee without a line behind me listening.

[Brandye]

If purchasing the basic necessity for safe sex is that stressful, perhaps you should be delaying the need for them.

It is good that you stayed with it. The next time will be much less stressful.

[cnichols]

thanks for the tips. and well i love in a small town and bought them at walmart and the only other place in town is the gas station where there are always ppl in there.

[Ducy]

Who cares if people are there. I mean be proud because your doing something most teens can't seem to do.

If you don't wanna spend time oggling them just do research online for the ones your interested in. Then just go to the store and get them real quick

[FetishKitty]

Kudos for wanting to be safe but yeah I agree with dancingdoc2, sex at 14 is not always the best of ideas...but it happens and it's always best to be safe if your going to do it. Maybe if you have a older brother or sister or a older friend you can confide in and tell them they may help you get the condoms. Or even going to a local sex shop…I know in Cali you have to sell them to anyone, though I havnt run across a 14 year old buying them. I have seen plenty of 16 year olds going in to get them.
But in all honesty why have sex now? Whats the rush? There is PLENTY you can do in the mean time. The way I always figure it is not this full proof and if your going to have sex be prepared that a condom may break, the pill won’t work and shit can happen. I think my mom always said it best…”You know that saying ‘but it wont happen to me, I’m careful’ it’s bull shit. Anything can happen to anyone.”