Of the conversational taboo trinity encompassing sex, politics and religion, sex is usually the subject bound and gagged. Speaking of sex in and of itself can be socially frowned-upon. But this isn’t the case everywhere. Local sex shops are helping customers expand their range of sexual experience and pleasure. Patrick Sexson, sales assistant for an unnamed Triangle sex shop, said his store is different from others he’s seen.  ”They’re usually dark and dingy and not as clean, and this one is more couples-oriented,” Sexson said. He said the store’s manager wanted a place where young ladies of all ages could come in and be comfortable. Sexson declined to give the name of where he works out of concern for negative repercussions. If someone inexperienced needs help, Sexson educates them on what might work. ”I would probably describe the differences between some of the toys for her. Some are for internal use and some are for external use,” Sexson said. He would probably suggest a vibrating clitoral stimulator. For those a bit more advanced with masturbation, Sexson recommends a multiple-stimulator with penetration feature. For couples looking to branch out, the store carries instructional videos and books. ”We have a little bit for everybody here. If you’re gay and embarrassed and don’t know where you want to go, there’s a lot of stuff for that. If you’re a little into it and want to step it up, we have stuff for that,” Sexson said. Sexson stresses it’s more of a personal decision. ”If I don’t have experience, I’m not going to tell you just to sell an item. I don’t believe in that,” Sexson said. Sexson has no problem with people wandering around the store and never buying anything. The store’s staff is diverse enough so all range of experience is considered. ”With the staff, we all have different levels of experience,” Sexson said. As the oldest one on staff, Sexson is no exception, having more experience with more items. This works in Sexson’s favor when he encounters men who are interested in purchasing items for their significant others. ”A lot of guys want to buy toys for their wives and girlfriends, and they’re just clueless. Sometimes it’s comical what a guy will buy,” Sexson said. He tends to recommends items he personally knows. ”It’s good to experiment if you don’t know what you want, because why invest a lot of money if you don’t know that that’s what you wanted,” Sexson said. There are some things Sexson would recommend to intermediate and advanced people that are more expensive, since they know what they want. ”The couples really don’t ask too much. On occasion, we get some questions from guys and girls,” Sexson said. He notes many questions are directed at the Egg Vibrator, which is very popular. Sexson also notes the price range of items in his store. Something with a lot more power and multi-functional that’s well-made would be more expensive that something simpler. Overall, Sexson said he doesn’t tend to field too many questions. ”I don’t know if it’s because they know what they want,” Sexson said, mentioning the display room helps. The display room is where customers can see how an item works, by bringing it up to the front and having batteries put inside. Kathryn Lindberg, sales associate at Priscilla’s on Western Blvd., suggests a good clitoral stimulator for those who haven’t experimented with sex toys in the past. ”It’s the easiest orgasm you can get,” Lindberg said. Lindberg recommends vibrators with a turn dial to play around with finding a comfortable speed. She also suggests gel to increase sensitivity. For customers who know what they want, Lindberg can point them to the right apparatus and show them how the device works. ”They’re usually the ones who’re most excited to feel it, because they know what they like and what they want. They have to make sure they’re getting the right one” Lindberg said. For couples, Lindberg said they can use anything available in the store, citing vibrating penis rings as a specific example. ”There’s no reason any man should be afraid of using a vibrator,” Lindberg said. “It’s a lot more fun to have him use it on you. It gives it a little more spice because you’re not the one controlling it.” A few items maintain perennial popularity, such as the Rabbit Vibrator. ”The Jackrabbit is great because it covers all the bases,” Lindberg said. Pocket Pussies featuring beads and certain anal toys are usually big sellers as well. For those curious about anal sex, Priscilla’s offers the right equipment to get started. ”We have some lube to help relax the sphincter muscles,” Lindberg said, mentioning that it’s better to relax the muscles as opposed to numbing them. For an intermediate level, a good lube might be all that’s needed. Bondage toys are also given equal space. ”We’ve got some satiny ties and velvet ropes, and [the manufacturers] make them pretty comfortable,” Lindberg said. Whips and paddles help make up a more advanced experience. ”We don’t have too much past an intermediate level for bondage. We like to keep the store comfortable for all people,” Lindberg said. “Particularly with bondage, when you move beyond an intermediate level, that usually goes beyond us.” For girls interested in watching porn with their significant others, Lindberg has some suggestions. ”I suggest something with a plot, which is what a lot of females like the best,” Lindberg said. “The Playgirls were definitely the best for couples because they were much more sensual.” Priscilla’s also recommends the Pirates movies, due to a sense of humor and plot behind it. But older films occasionally share shelf space with the newer ones. ”Every now and then, we’ll get some old titles in with classic stars, like John Holmes,” Lindberg said. The classic ones, such as “Deep Throat” and “Debbie Does Dallas” tend to sell out quickly.  Jihan Carr is the division manager for Adam & Eve on Glenwood Ave. Her territory covers Raleigh, Durham, Wilmington and Clayton. She cites the style of the store as setting it apart from the rest. ”Not only are we woman-friendly, but it’s very upscale and a lot of people feel very comfortable coming in,” Carr said, citing a knowledgeable and friendly all-female staff. ”I would suggest a small vibrator, just to start out with, nothing too heavy,” Carr said. “Sometimes people get scared so we suggest something very discreet, very soft. They’ll probably go full throttle later.” For those in a more advanced mind frame, Carr recommends the dual stimulator because it stimulates the vaginal area and the clitoral area all at the same time. Adam & Eve also caters to couples’ needs. ”We have couples’ pleasers and couples’ rings,” Carr said, mentioning the store carries a wide variety of the items. For beginning anal sex, Carr recommends beginning with a smaller plug or a smaller bead. ”[The more advanced people] pretty much come in and they know what they want,” Carr said. “They tell us what they need and we get it for them.”  Carr said Adam & Eve has something for everyone. ”Even though we’re woman-friendly, the guys like to shop in here because we’re friendly,” Carr said. “If that’s what you want to do, then that’s what it is.”