swimmingdinosaurballoon

Latest Posts by swimmingdinosaurballoon

please don’t spend your life convincing yourself that love or joy is reserved for the idealized version of you that only exists in the future

Getting my clit feathered until I hate your guts ✨

The Saiyan Queen and the Second Prince

I've just watched Wolfwalkers and it's sooo good! it gave me the inspiration to draw Queen Eschalot and her son Tarble as Mebh and her Mom in this scene

I somewhat tried to replicate the movie's style while also looking at other Cartoon Saloon's works. the messy colours and the weird blotches were intentional to make it look like this drawing was from an old illustration book.

It's time to go Easter egg hunting with our favorite elf girls!

Happy Easter from Zelda, Frieren, and Marcille 🐰

Spy x Family = romance for people who fantasize about getting married and having kids

Kaguya-Sama = romance for people who deal with anxiety

Horimiya = romance for teenagers (seriously, this is the most “teenage romance” anime series I’ve encountered)

My Dress Up Darling = romance specifically for nerds and geeks (because Marin and Gojo are nerds in their own way and the show’s message is about embracing what you love)

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It = romance for socially awkward people / people who don’t really get social cues

Grand Blue = romance for fratbros and sorority girls

DanDaDan = romance for weeeeiiiird people (affectionately)

My Dress-Up Marvel Rivals!!

Marin Kitagawa is the cosplay queen so of course she would try her hand at dressing up as our favorite Marvel characters. Which one is your favorite- Sue Storm, Squirrel Girl, Galacta, or Psylocke? (who are we kidding- Jeff is the real winner here!)

Witch Watch (2025) - Episode 5

The NBA is so rigged lol

And so his popularity rises even higher... 😭

ウィッチウォッチ Witch Watch (2025) | 1.06 studio. Bibury Animation Studios

I was in a tickle video with a friend 🫢

Full video will be on his OnlyFans~ @pnwkinkster

MINORS DNI

PLEASE DON’T SAVE OR REUPLOAD

Added to His Collection 18

Hey there!!

I saw your post about AUNT and NEST and I wanted to ask:

Do you have any tips for newbies going to NEST? My partner and I are planning on going this year and I have to admit I’m a little nervous 😅

Sincerely, just-another-t-word-blog

Disclaimer: I am not a NEST host or event planner. This information comes from my own personal experiences, plus the shared experiences of past attendees.

-Incoming massive post about navigating gatherings and play parties. This is a lot of information. Please take what you need from it and don't feel pressured to follow it word for word. This is more about providing ideas to try, not a big checklist that you have to follow exactly. Not everything will resonate with everyone.-

How to Navigate NEST (and Other Tickle Gatherings)

NEST stands for North East Society of Ticklephiles. It is the largest tickle gathering in North America!

What exactly is a tickle gathering?

A tickle gathering is a weekend-long kink event hosted in a hotel. You can consider it a weekend-long play party. Tickle gatherings allow members to be part of the in-person community and scene, meet new people, make friends, reunite with old friends, and overall just celebrate our love for tickling! For some attendees, going to a gathering can feel like going home, as you’re surrounded by people and found family who understand what it’s like to have tickling as a kink/fetish/interest. Kink spaces and play parties allow you to be your authentic self!

NEST is a convention-style gathering; in the past there have been conference rooms to act as the gathering space, which included public play spaces, class spaces, vendor desks, where they host games, eating areas, and general hangout spaces. [This year NEST has booked out the whole hotel! This may change the layout of the gathering.] NEST has a busy schedule with lots to do and participate in, if you wish!

Your hotel room is your space to do what you’d like in. Attendees like to play in their rooms, use it as a space to decompress, host smaller, intimate hangouts of just close friends or people they want to know better, or open their room as a hangout/party space!

The gathering and weekend are yours to make out of it!

I like to socialize and meet new people, voyeur on public scenes, play ice breaker games, volunteer, and arrange some play with friends!

❗️ Play parties have strict etiquette. Further below I will share what to expect, and how to act in play/kink spaces. ⬇️

How do I meet people and make friends?

You’re definitely going to meet people there- let’s start with how the NEST Discord Server is a great place to start!

Discord Servers are a great place to meet online community members and attendees; they are moderated groups, and allow you to meet and interact with multiple people!

Any sort of introduction and wishboard/want-ad channels are a great way to introduce yourself and put yourself out there! Introductions generally include some information about yourself (name, age, pronouns, gender, sexuality), your vanilla interests, kink interests, limits/boundaries, and what you’re looking for at NEST! There is usually a template provided, and you can give as little or as much information as you want (though the more the better, and the more approachable it makes you)! Wishboard/want-ad channels provide a space for you to share specific scene/s you want to experience, or you’re seeking certain types of play partners.

To help you navigate NEST, there are Newbie Coordinators, and newbie private channels and calls. I highly recommend participating in these channels and chatting with attendees that are in the same position as you! They are very likely nervous too, and don’t know a lot of the other attendees. At NEST, I believe they do an in-person newbie meet-up, so you will eventually meet all the other newbies and can place faces!

Is there someone you’re interested in from the Server? Read their introduction through-and-through! Check out their social medias if they shared them! Try to interact with them in the general chat spaces! Or see if their DMs are open and start to get to know them! If they prefer to be asked to DM, absolutely ask first. If they have their DMs closed, stick to interacting in the general chat spaces- you can maybe interact with them in-person at NEST. Or maybe they ask to DM you!

→ How to approach people in the community → How to be approachable in the community → Getting to know someone online

At NEST, you’re going to see and meet a ton of people! This can be overwhelming, and that’s okay, a lot of people feel that way.

There will be many opportunities to meet people!

There are going to be ton of NEST events that will help you meet people, such as the icebreaker games, tickle games, tickle speed dating, classes, the auction, and tickle theatre.

This can be tough initially, though try to make small talk with the person nearest to you or sitting next to you; they may be feeling out of place too, or they may be a welcoming returning attendee.

I like your [clothing/accessory]! Where did you get it?

Where are you visiting from? How long did you travel for?

How did you hear about NEST?

What are you looking forward to most at NEST?

What events at NEST are you attending this year?

Is this your first NEST?

Have you been to NEST before? How many have you been to?

What are your tickle/kink roles?

When did you discover you liked tickling?

What other kinks are you into?

What are your other interests?

Oh! I've seen your introduction! I also like [interest!]

What's the community like where you're from?

Do you attend other tickle events/gatherings?

This is my first NEST and I’m a little nervous, could I hang out with you for a bit?

Attendees can also host their own events, usually it’s hosted in their room. Some events have been in gathering spaces, like tickle DnD (this was organized with NEST hosts). Events hosted in the past have been board games, JackBox games, Mario Kart/multiplayer video games, movie/TV show watching, and karaoke. These are great for getting to know people who share a vanilla interest in a smaller group setting.

At NEST, everyone will receive a name tag/badge that you can customize with stickers and role flairs. This is helpful to know and remember names, and find out attendees' play roles!

What if I’m awkward?

Honestly, it’s going to be awkward. Talking and socializing is awkward. Playing with anyone new is going to be awkward. Everyone is awkward. Expect it.

And it’s okay! Socializing is not a script, it’s not seamless like you see in movies or TV.

You’re going to find out real quick that kinksters are just big nerds and geeks for kink, and a lot of other things! You’re going to meet so many nervous, awkward, introverted, shy, ADHD, and/or autistic attendees. Please try to be kind to yourself (and other attendees), and don’t put too much pressure on being the perfect socializer. Easier said than done, but just be yourself, and you’ll attract those you’re compatible with.

You’ve had a poor interaction, yeah- that awkwardness can stick with you. But there’s also plenty of other attendees to try again with! It’s not a huge loss!

✅ A green flag to me is someone who understands and accepts awkwardness. If they can laugh with you and not hold it against you, that’s a green flag to find in someone.

What is expected in kink spaces and play spaces?

‼️ This is not a pay-to-play event. Do not touch anyone without their explicit consent.

NEST is a kink event and it will function like one. There will be a public play area with bondage equipment to use. You may see:

Wrestling mats

X-Cross

Cots

Massage Table

Stocks

Frames with anchor points

It is an 18+ event, and you may see nudity and sexual/NSFW acts.

You may see more than just tickling. NEST is a tickling gathering, though play can include other kinks and fetishes.

What can I wear?

Kink spaces and parties welcome attendees to wear kink and fetish gear. This is your time bring out your leathers, PVC, furry gear, harnesses, collars, leashes, corsets, masks, lingerie, knee/thigh-highs, crop tops, tank tops, fishnets, nylons, fancy shoes and boots, gloves, costumes— anything that makes you feel good and sexy!

Generally at play parties, wearing street wear (jeans, t-shirts, sweater) is frowned upon. NEST is not strict on this, you can wear street wear if you’d like! If you are at a play party that doesn't allow street wear, and you don't have fetish wear, all black is acceptable.

Please don't wear anything with harmful or offensive symbols or text.

Play party rules and etiquette

There are some general rules and etiquette to follow while in kink spaces and play spaces.

Do not touch anyone without their explicit verbal consent.

Respect “no.” Accept it gracefully, back away and give space.

It’s not a pay-to-play event. If you’re there just to play, people will pick up on it really quick and be uncomfortable.

Don’t just talk to people you find attractive and want to play with. Be friendly and welcoming to everyone.

You may see friends hug, cuddle, tease, and tickle each other. They have blanket consent for that, you do not.

No photography or taking videos. (If you want a photo or video, ask staff or a Dungeon Facilitator if it’s okay. If it's okay, they’ll come assist so there’s no attendees in the background.) Your hotel room should be fine, just remember to get consent from everyone who's going to be in the shot.

Keep your distance when voyeuring (watching) on a scene. Do not interrupt, do not touch, do not join in, do not talk to the participants, do not distract them. (Some participants like audience engagement, they’ll let you know if they want that).

If the participates’ friend/s ends up joining a public scene mid-scene, that is not an invitation for you to join.

No kink shaming. You don’t have to like and accept every activity/fetish/kink you see. Either don’t look, or leave the room. Don’t say anything negative.

Do not rub yourself / masturbate while voyeuring someone’s scene. Voyuering can be a turn on, it’s okay to get excited. Play parties and sex parties can allow this, though at NEST this will likely be very frowned upon and unwanted.

Do not touch others’ belongings, toys, tools, and gear.

“RED” and "YELLOW" are the universal safewords. If either is called in a public setting, expect to be checked-in on.

Clean bondage equipment, tools, and toys after your scene. There will be alcohol wipes supplied in the play area for you to wipe down the equipment you used. Cleaning up after yourself is proper etiquette so that the equipment can be used for the next players. Make sure you clean your tools and toys too (most of the time soap and warm water is enough, though it depends on the tool/toy and use).

Dungeon Facilitators / Monitors will be present to help facilitate your scene and answer any questions you have. Please seek them if you need assistance.

I want to play with someone. What do I do?

There are millions of ways to say no. There is only one way to say yes; verbally and enthusiastically.

NEST is not a pay-to-play event. You are not guaranteed play.

Anyone can buy a ticket to NEST; not everyone is vetted, not everyone is safe.

I like the approach of treating people like you’ve met them in a public vanilla setting, like on the street or at a bar. Don’t constantly kink talk, or treat them like their kink role or as a kink dispenser. They’re just another human being navigating NEST, just like yourself.

Reading their introduction in the Server is super helpful too! You can find out what they’re looking for, what kind of play they like, boundaries, and common interests for you to talk about. If they have any shared social media platforms, you can take a look through that for more about them.

After some small talk and getting to know each other, some people are open to play if you ask! Though some people are not pick-up players, prefer to play with close friends, or they’re just not interested. And that has to be respected.

If you ask someone to play and they say “maybe,” or the answer is ambiguous, take that more as a “no.” Don’t keep asking them, don’t pester them, or push for play. The ball is in their court, if they want to play with you let them approach you. NEST is going to be busy and go by so fast; don't get hung up, continue enjoying the gathering and connecting with other attendees.

If you receive a “no,” don’t take it personally and don’t get upset. They have the right and anatomy to say no. Don’t hold a grunge and wonder what’s wrong with you, it’s not the end of the world. Accept it gracefully, move on and continue making connections with other attendees. You never know, they may appreciate how you handled their no and approach you another time to play.

If they say “yes,” great! Now you can negotiate what kind of play you want to do together!

What you can negotiate:

What activity/ies you want to do

What roles are being played

Where you're playing (public play area, or privately in a hotel room)

Who's participating

The safewords.

What kind of experience you want

How you want to feel

Deportment: playful, bratty, obedient, stern, mean, aggressive, exploratory

Limits and boundaries. Sore spots. Sour spots. Triggers. SFW or NSFW. Words/nicknames/phrases you don’t like.

Things you do like! Favourite spots, favourite tools, techniques that work, words/nicknames/phrases/teases you do like.

Things you want to try, if all participants go slow and safely.

Positions: laying there, pinning, wrestling, light bondage, heavy bondage

Incorporating blindfolds, gags, earplugs. (Make sure safewords can be heard/seen!)

What tools and toys you’re using.

Duration of the session.

Beforecare

Aftercare

→ Nerves before a session → Nervous letting go during a session → New to D/s tips → Dos and Donts of play and bondage → Pros and cons of playing with someone you don't know / do know → Nervous about making someone uncomfortable during play → Information + Tips for younger kinksters → Playing without experience or references → How to tickle someone

→ The Duchy: General Scene Negotiation & Planning

You can always revoke consent. Say during the negotiation or afterwards (or anytime), you no longer want to play, you can absolutely say no, and no longer play. Once you've said yes, there is no pressure to play and go through with it. You don't need an excuse or reason. If you no longer want to play, call it off.

It may disappoint the other player/s, but it's their responsibility to manage whatever they're feeling, not you. You did not lead them on. If they give you a hard time, tell NEST staff. Now you know it was the right call to say no.

You can always say no. Anytime.

→ Tea of Consent (Youtube)

How do I know if someone is safe to play with?

Honestly, you don't really know initially. Some people's online personas don't match how they act in-person. And people are capable of making mistakes and messing up. Sometimes we learn more about ourselves through poor experiences.

Be comfortable saying "no." This is a super important skill to know, especially at publicly-posted play parties and events.

Push yourself to try new things, but trust your gut too when something or someone doesn't feel right.

Find out if you share mutuals and friends. (Should be more a green flag, but unfortunately I have friends that are friends with people I don't like or I feel are unsafe.)

Ask around for references and thoughts.

Check their social medias. If they share content and they've play with multiple people, those people can be references. Their content can show their play style too.

Warning signs / Red flags

You're both incompatible personality-wise.

They have poor reputation. You have heard warnings about them.

Treating you like your kink role (or role they see you as) without consent.

Doesn't respect your preferred name, pronouns, gender, or sexuality.

Assigning titles and nicknames without consent (Sir, Master, slave, slut, etc.).

Arrogant, cocky, over-confident, know-it-all, aggressive.

Talks poorly and gossips about others, previous partners, current partners.

Their personality is based around their CNC/Edge Play/Darker fetishes.

Touches you without your consent.

Does not ask for your consent.

Pushes you to play.

Pushes to "negotiate up," adds activities that were not previously negotiated right before play or during play.

"I don't have limits."

"I don't play with safewords." (no safeword play is fun and valid, but only experienced and educated players should play this way. lots of negotiation and trust is involved too.)

Only seeking to play with younger attendees.

Seeks inexperienced attendees.

Lovebombing.

Doesn't communicate healthily or effectively, doesn't give genuine apologies.

You fear bringing things up to them you need to talk about. They're hard to talk to.

They don't make you feel good about yourself.

Feels they know everything and are experts. Not open to learning or listening.

Only talks to people they find attractive and want to play with. Brushes off everyone else.

Can't handle being rejected.

Refuses to give aftercare.

Attempts to play very intoxicated (some drinks / getting slightly high is fine, if you're comfortable, but heavy intoxication is not safe).

Online profile has stolen content and/or content uploaded without consent.

Green flags

They make you feel at ease and comfortable.

Easy to talk to. You can talk about multiple things, not just kink.

Treats you like a person first and foremost. They want to know you and learn you as a person.

Communicates healthily and effectively.

Asks for your consent.

Respects all your boundaries and limits.

Able to take rejection.

Enjoys learning, listening, and growing.

Negotiates thoroughly.

Honest about their experience and knowledge, and where they are lacking.

Nice and polite to everyone they come across.

Checks in on you during the scene.

Gives aftercare. Checks in on your after your scene, and the gathering.

Can receive feedback.

They can provide good references, and potentially bad ones too.

Known and active in the community. Attends in-person events.

→ Red Flags in BDSM → Signs of a Fantastic Dom (green flags)

Someone made me uncomfortable. What do I do?

NEST is a super fun event! The hosts always do a great job running it, and do their best to make it safe and accessible for all.

Unfortunately because NEST is publicly posted, anyone can buy a ticket and attend (unless they were previously banned), and may not have the best intentions or don’t know the proper etiquette to navigate NEST. [This is not a NEST exclusive issue. Any publicly posted event, like on Fetlife or TMF, can have inappropriate attendees too.]

There is a mandatory consent meeting that everyone has to attend, but this does not mean everyone is going to follow that rule. My first NEST was 2019– an hour after the consent meeting, I got my side squeezed for bantering with a male attendee. He did not ask, I did not give consent for him to touch me. Bantering is not consent.

NEST is an LGBTQ+ friendly event, and all genders, pronouns, and sexualities are to be respected. This is one of the official NEST rules. I have not personally experienced any homophobia, transphobia, or discrimination at NEST, though unfortunately past NEST attendees have. I feel it’s important to share as it could happen at future NESTs, and you have a plan if it happens.

Not everyone going to NEST is vetted or a safe player or person.

Throughout our lives, our boundaries may be crossed, in big ways or in small ways, most of the time it’s accidentally… but sometimes intentionally because some people suck. It hurts, it can be triggering, but it’s never your fault.

Sometimes people accidentally cross our boundaries or make us uncomfortable. If you can, the best course of action is to correct them, let them know they’ve made you uncomfortable. Sometimes people don’t know they’re crossing boundaries, being hurtful, or being uncomfortable. Let them know so they can correct themselves, be educated, and not do it again. We all make mistakes, and we’re all able to learn, grow, and better ourselves.

If a person is giving you a hard time for communicating with them, or they’re continually offending, let a NEST staff member know. If you’re not comfortable speaking up, let a friend know so they can help, or you can even seek me to help you!

It’s normal for people to be incompatible; you don’t have to be friends with everyone. But someone purposely being harmful and making people uncomfortable, or playing unsafely needs to be addressed. You keep the community safe by speaking up.

Take care of yourself when you’re hurt. It’s not your fault it happened. Let your friends know so they can comfort you and support you, go to a different area of the hotel or your hotel room for space, and do any self-soothing techniques or calming activities you know. Be kind and patient to yourself. There will be staff and volunteers that are able to support and comfort you too.

The gathering didn’t go my way…

I think everyone in the in-person tickle community has had a poor gathering or party, I definitely have.

Emotions can run really high at these events, like anxiety, jealousy, and insecurity. Maybe you don’t play, or your play was unsatisfying. Or one bad apple or moment really bothers you. Whatever it may be, it does hurt when something you were really looking forward to and prepared for doesn’t go your way.

Acknowledge those feelings. Don’t bottle them up or deny them. It didn’t go your way and that sucks.

Vent about it. Cry about it if you need to.

Do some self-care. Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.

Have other plans to look forward to, like watching a new show, surrounding yourself with good company, eating your favourite snacks and foods, or checking out a familiar or new location.

Reach out to the community and friends. After a gathering, it’s common for attendees to share their experience and feelings, and that can include how the gathering didn’t go their way. It can be helpful to hear that others didn’t have the event go their way, and how they’re navigating that. Being part of the in-person community is fun, though there are many online tickling communities to connect with too. There are many ways we share our love for tickling online, like through erotica, fanfiction, content creation, videos, art, fantasizing, making online friends, writing Tumblr posts, and even just talking about it!

What is Drop?

Gatherings and play parties can be euphoric, surreal experiences. You’re surrounded by other tickle lovers who share your love for tickling, you’re seeing and hearing people play, maybe you played, you’re hanging out with your greatest friends and made some new ones, you can be your authentic self. For some attendees, gatherings can be like coming home.

Unfortunately the weekend does come to an end, and it’s time to go back to your usual life. All those good, positive feelings eventually do come down.

This is what we call “drop.”

Drop can be many different feelings:

Sadness, crying, depression, anxiety, emptiness, hollow

Confusion

Dread, sorrow

Frustration

Tiredness, fatigue, restlessness

Low self-esteem and low self-worth

Helplessness

Embarassment

Regret

Irritable, snippy

Overeating or appetite loss

Physical symptoms, like aches or pains, headaches, cramps, digestive problems, body chills

Drop can start immediately after, or days/weeks after the gathering. Some people experience drop while at the gathering. Anyone can experience drop, it’s not just subs, lees, and bottoms.

Dealing with Drop

Even though it feels tough, it’s crucial to take care of yourself during drop.

Acknowledge your feelings. It is tough leaving this fantastical, kinky weekend where you could be yourself, surrounded by those who truly see you. You’re allowed to be sad, frustrated, angry that it’s over.

Know that it’s temporary, you won’t feel this way forever.

Share your feelings. Reach out to friends and talk about your feelings. Vent and cry about it if needed.

Reach out to people you’ve played with to check in on them and/or receive and give more aftercare.

If you took any photos and videos, take a look through them.

Reminisce about good feelings and memories.

Don’t isolate yourself. Continue connecting with your friends and the community.

Have other plans to look forward to, like hanging out with friends, going to munches and other kink events, vacations, visiting new or familiar locations, outings and dates.

Get some movement/exercise. Go outside for a walk, enjoy the sun, do some stretches or yoga, or continue your workouts.

Self care, self care, self care— this is the time. Eat your favourite foods and treats, watch your favourite movies/shows, read your favourite books, have a bath, go to your favourite café or restaurant, get together with your friends, snuggle with pets or plushies, give yourself positive affirmations, be kind to yourself, or journal about it.

Continue taking your vitamins and medications.

See if there’s in-person kink events in your area. After NEST, maybe you’re inspired to check out Fetlife or the Tickling Media Forum to see if there’s a local kink community in your area.

Look forward to future NESTs and gatherings!

A Summary

NEST is a lot more fun and easier to navigate with a buddy, and friends! Try and make connections prior to the gathering!

NEST is not a pay-to-play event. Gatherings are very community-oriented; they are for connecting people and celebrating our love for tickling together.

Be welcoming and friendly to everyone you come across. The gathering is big and can be overwhelming, everyone just wants to be included and find a place within the community.

Know how to say "no." Know your boundaries, limits, and what you aren't looking for.

There are millions of ways to say no. There is only one way to say yes; verbally and enthusiastically.

You can no anytime. Even after you said yes to play, even after you negotiated.

Try to plan your NEST weekend. Look at the schedule when it comes out. The weekend will be busy and go by so fast. Plan play prior if you can, and see what events you want to attend and plan around them!

You don't have to get along with everyone. It's normal for people to be incompatible. Be polite when you can and keep the peace.

If someone makes you uncomfortable, let them know they're making you uncomfortable, let NEST staff know, and/or get a friend/me to help you speak up, and steer clear of them.

Not everyone attending NEST is safe. Do some quick vetting, feel out if you're compatible. Don't say "yes" if you're feeling unsure.

Trust your gut. If something or someone feels off, listen to yourself.

There are plenty of attendees, and members of the community. One connection not working out is not a huge loss.

There is no hierarchy. No one is better or less than. Try not to compare yourself to others. You have every right to be there, too.

After the gathering, you may experience Drop. Be sure to take care of yourself, and reach out to friends and the community.

Be proud of yourself! Attending a kink event as big as NEST is a huge step and milestone!

Have the most fun! I hope you enjoy NEST, make a ton of connections and friends, learn and grow, make memories, and discover what makes NEST and the in-person community so wonderful!

My #NEST tag for previous NEST posts and information

NEST Website

NEST Discord Server

NEST Fetlife page

Sydney Sweeney

「ZUTOMAYO – Warmthaholic」

MV | OP: Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 (Aharen Is Indecipherable 2nd Season)

「ドロDORO」 by 黒音りんか | Twitter

๑ Permission to reprint was given by the artist ✔.