The Journal
Words for the curious
Kind, plainly written guides to toys, pleasure, intimacy and sexual wellness — no blushing required.
Articles
How to Use a Vibrating Couples' Ring: A Simple Guide
How to put on a vibrating couples' ring comfortably, where to position the vibration, positions that suit it, time limits, lube and cleaning, explained simply.
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Intimate Anniversary Gift Ideas for Your Partner
Thoughtful, discreet anniversary gift ideas to celebrate your relationship, from a romantic night-in kit to a complete Blush Box, with tips…
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10 Ways to Use a Bullet Vibrator
Small toy, lots of possibilities. Ten ideas for using a bullet vibrator solo or with a partner — plus tips on settings, lube and care.
Read more12 Date Night Ideas at Home for Couples
Twelve easy, romantic date night ideas you can do at home — from slow dinners and blindfolded tasting to toys for two and a no-phones…
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Aftercare: What It Is and Why It Matters After Intimacy
Aftercare is the time you spend reconnecting after intimacy. What it looks like, why it matters for every kind of sex, and simple ways to…
Read moreHoliday Gift Ideas for Your Partner: Intimate and Thoughtful
Looking for a holiday gift your partner will genuinely love? Intimate gift ideas for every budget, from cosy stocking fillers to curated…
Read moreHow to Travel With Sex Toys (Discreetly and Stress-Free)
Packing a toy for a trip? Practical tips on airport security, batteries, discreet packing and keeping toys clean and charged on the road.
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How to Use a Dildo: A Gentle Guide for Beginners
Everything to know before using a dildo for the first time: choosing a size and material, warming up, lube, angles and positions, partner…
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How to Use a Rabbit Vibrator: A Step-by-Step Guide
New to rabbit vibrators? How the two arms work together, how to find the right angle, the best positions, using one with a partner, and…
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Impact Play for Beginners: How to Use a Paddle Safely
A kind, practical introduction to spanking and paddles: talking it through, where to aim and where to avoid, warming up, building intensity…
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Rope Play for Beginners: Safe, Simple Ways to Start
Curious about bondage rope? How to talk about it first, simple ties that stay comfortable, the safety rules that matter, and ideas for…
Read moreThe Best Sex Toys for Beginners: Our Honest Picks
New to toys? Our honest picks for beginners — what each one does, who it suits, and what to buy first — from small bullets to curated…
Read moreValentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her, Him and Couples
Thoughtful, discreet intimate gift ideas for Valentine's Day at every budget, from a sweet stocking-filler to a complete Blush Box, plus…
Read more8 Sex Toy Myths, Debunked
Do vibrators cause numbness? Are toys only for single people? We clear up eight common myths about sex toys — kindly and plainly.
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A Beginner's Guide to Anal Play: Comfort, Safety and Choosing a Plug
Curious about anal play? A calm, practical beginner's guide to comfort, lube, hygiene and choosing your first butt plug — and the one…
Read moreAre Glass Sex Toys Safe? Benefits, Care and Temperature Play
Glass toys look delicate but are among the most body-safe options available. Here's why people love them, how to check and clean them, and…
Read moreBody-Safe Sex Toy Materials: Silicone, Glass, ABS and TPR Explained
What does "body-safe" really mean? A plain-English guide to sex toy materials — silicone, glass, ABS, TPR and more — and how to care for…
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Cock Rings Explained: What They Do and How to Choose One
What do cock rings actually do? How they work, the difference between stretchy, silicone and vibrating rings, how to find the right fit,…
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Discreet Sex Toy Shipping: Exactly What Arrives at Your Door
Wondering what your package will look like? How Dearly Desire ships discreetly — the plain outer box, the label, your bank statement and…
Read moreHow to Choose Your First Vibrator: A Beginner's Guide
Buying your first vibrator? Here's how to choose between bullets, rabbits, wands and suction toys — plus what to look for in materials,…
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How to Clean and Store Your Sex Toys (Step by Step)
Keep your toys hygienic and lasting longer. Step-by-step cleaning for silicone, glass, rechargeable and fabric toys, plus smart, discreet…
Read moreHow to Create a Relaxing Self-Pleasure Ritual
Self-pleasure can be a genuine act of self-care. Ideas for setting the mood, slowing down and exploring at your own pace — plus a few…
Read moreHow to Give a Sex Toy as a Gift (Thoughtfully)
Thinking of gifting a sex toy or intimate set? How to know if it's welcome, choose something they'll love, and present it with care — plus…
Read moreHow to Talk to Your Partner About What You Want in Bed
Talking about desire can feel awkward — but it's the fastest route to better intimacy. Gentle conversation starters, timing tips and how to…
Read moreHow to Use a Wand Vibrator: A Beginner's Guide
New to wand vibrators? How to start gently, the best positions and techniques, using a wand with a partner, and how to care for it.
Read moreRabbit vs. Wand vs. Bullet Vibrators: Which Is Right for You?
Rabbit, wand, bullet or suction? A clear side-by-side comparison of the most popular vibrator types — how each one feels, who it suits, and…
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Remote-Controlled Toys: Playful Ideas for Couples
Remote-controlled toys turn anticipation into play. How they work, ideas to try at home, and the communication basics that keep it fun for…
Read moreSensory Play for Beginners: Blindfolds, Rope and Anticipation
A gentle introduction to sensory play — how blindfolds, soft rope and light impact heighten anticipation, plus the communication basics…
Read moreSex Toys for Couples: A Friendly Guide to Exploring Together
New to using toys with a partner? How to bring it up, which couples' toys are easiest to start with, and ideas for exploring together —…
Read moreThe G-Spot Explained: What It Is and How to Explore It
What is the G-spot, where is it, and does everyone enjoy it? A calm, practical guide to exploring internal sensation with fingers or a…
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Water-Based vs. Silicone vs. Oil-Based Lube: The Complete Guide
Which lube should you use? Compare water-based, silicone and oil-based lubricants — what each is best for, toy and condom compatibility,…
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What Is a Suction Vibrator? How Air-Pulse Toys Work
Suction vibrators feel completely different from traditional toys. Learn how air-pulse stimulation works, why so many people love it, and…
Read moreWhich Blush Box Is Right for You? Comparing All Four Kits
First Blush, Discovery, Duet or Adore? A side-by-side guide to every Dearly Desire Blush Box — what's inside, who each one suits, and how…
Read moreConsent Matters: Creating Safer, Healthier Intimacy
Consent is one of the most important parts of any intimate relationship. It creates trust, respect, and a sense of safety between partners…
Read moreExploring Together: A Beginner’s Guide to Intimacy With Your Partner
Trying something new with your partner can be exciting, but it can also feel a little intimidating. Whether you’ve been together for years…
Read moreSexual Wellness Is Self-Care: Why Your Intimate Wellbeing Matters
When we think about self-care, we often picture skincare routines, cozy nights in, exercise, or taking a much-needed break. But there’s…
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