# I want to experience a bath house, but I don't know anything about them. Can you give me some tips?

I want answer this question to the best of my abilities while remaining insightful and concise. In order to do that I will need to go into a bit of detail about a variety of topics in order to demonstrate things accurately.


Consent and Risk Profiling

Bath houses while a place of relaxation, also serve as a place of sexual freedom and expression across the US. One must really understand that while these places are sanctuaries to express and enjoy oneself sexually, they are not without risk and consensual uncertainties at times. A short list of things to note can include: possible exposure to someone using drugs or exposure to drugs themselves, lowering of consent in active play spaces (I will detail this later), exposure to infectious diseases, possibility of consent violations, and while exceedingly rare, bodily harm. It is important that you as a person in this space determine your risk profile and are aware of these risks before consenting to enter.


Consent: How it May Work Differently in a Bathhouse

While I do not condone this behavior, it is often the long standing “model" I have gathered after experiencing many bathhouses and non-verbal play spaces across the USA.

  • Repeated eye contact is taken as an interest in the other person.
  • Light touching is sometimes used in active play spaces to also indicate interest.
  • At times, these non-verbal cues can be misread, it is important that you're informed on how to say no or indicate disinterest.

Declining Play

Declining play can be as simple as not reciprocating interest, or complex as placing your hand over the glory hole or gently gesturing a hand sign the form of a stop sign. You can also gently remove the person's hand if touching is unwelcome in a play space. A polite “not interested, happy hunting,” is also appropriate.


However persistent players exist, you will need to learn how to deal with them. In the event that someone is not respecting your gestures, a strong verbal “NO” is welcome. If it is still not being respected, go straight to the clerk and explain the situation that is taking place.


Most proper bath houses have a consent policy and deal with this on a daily basis, so do not be afraid to speak up if someone is violating your consent or is refusing to leave you alone. If you’d like to be proactive, read about their policies before entering.


Accepting & Initiating Play

Accepting and initiating play is equally a skill as declining play. Should you find someone of interest who is displaying interest, you may mimic their behaviors. A glance at you, means return the glance, a step towards you means a step towards them. You will repeat this dance until you move to your desired base, sometimes this takes hours, sometimes it takes minutes.



Now that we have basic consent stuff, risk profiling, and other important stuff out of the way, I'd like to talk about proper etiquette.


  • Do not block high traffic areas. Be conscious of your body, and of other people’s bodies.
  • Go slow in your acts. You do not know this person, they’re interest. Supposed you begin playing someone’s nipples, start light, and then advance. Read the body language to key into the right pressure and stimulus for your play partner. Nothing is worse than having your nipple torn off because someone started at full force.
  • Watch for signs of drug usage, and be cautious of your surroundings, e.g., open needles, powders.
  • Accept rejection with grace.

Private Play

Amongst entering, you’re greeted with a variety of options: different rooms, lockers. If you plan on wanting to play privately, get a room. These can range from a simple twin bed, to a queen. Some nice bathhouses even have slings.


Lockers are great if you want access to quick public area fun. Rooms are best for those slow scenes or wanting play without less interruption.


Bathhouse Policies

Bathhouses all of have different policies and procedures. KNOW THESE BEFORE YOU GO. Places in Chicago require nothing more than a drawstring bag for your personal affects, while other places could care less if you bring a bag in. Amongst that, know the policies around rental times. Most places will also require a photo ID and membership in order to enter. These are important things to consider if your privacy conscious.


Gloryhole Etiquette

Goleyholes are fun. Here is the quick rundown guide of how they work.


Two fingers at the bottom of the hole to show an interest to suck. A grip around the cock signal that you’re about to do anal. An elbow or hand can be a way to reject the neighboring gloryhole.


Having a good time

At the end of the day, it’s about sexual freedom, and relaxation. Embody that, and don’t take the play too seriously. Most guys are there for the same thing as you, so don’t think too much about it.


My biggest keys to a successful outing are checking the calendar for events that cater to my interests, and going during “hot” hours: often Friday and Saturday nights for most areas.


If you’re a little shy, or just want to check it out, a weekday is often cheap and is bound to be less busy.