When Drake was called out on Gawker this week for loving to have his b-hole rimmed, it took me a minute to genuinely process my shock at the fact that analingus is regarded as such a novelty to the majority of society. Nobody would think twice about an article about how a celebrity loves fellatio, and yet this headline was popular enough to pique the interest of thousands. Regardless of whether or not it’s a chill move to call someone out publicly for their private (and perfectly normal) sexual preferences, Drake probably does love to be rimmed. Frankly, if you haven’t tried it, you probably love it too, you just don’t know it yet.

The fact that more of us DON’T talk about rimming is a crime. There are hundreds, nay, hundreds of thousands of people who prefer this above all of the items on the sex menu. I know this because I am one of them. Even as I write this, there is an iota of reservation floating around within me wondering if it’s okay to just blatantly write about something as simultaneously taboo and banal as analingus. “Are people going to think I’m gross?” I just asked myself.

Whoooooo cares.

Based on my experience, I can only draw the conclusion that anyone who has such a violent and resolutely negative reaction to the idea of rimming has NEVER tried it. I’ve drawn this conclusion from the facts that A) Um, it feels amazing and B) someone who was curious enough to try it and simply does not prefer it would not judge another person who enjoys it for being motivated by the same curiosity. And who cares about the opinion of a person who has never tried the thing he or she has an opinion about? NOBODY. Science.

If you at all curious, it’s time to try it (yay!!!). Of course, depending on your sexual partner(s), this could be as easy as picking up a phone, or as challenging as an involving discussion/negotiation. Both are fine and normal. You both need to be comfortable, so consider your partner’s hesitation (if there is any) carefully, and find ways to come to a middle ground. I would suggest not dropping your pants in the middle of making a romantic dinner at home, spreading your butt cheeks in the direction of your partner and screaming “TOSS MY SALAD OR I’M OUTTA HERE!”. It’s just not the way to get what you want (usually). If you want to rim, then you should rim. Here are some tips to get you started.

Put your hangups into perspective
If you’re experiencing some hesitation about this (or any other potentially fabulous sexual misadventure), examine where your hang ups are originating from. Besides typical childish reactions like, “Ew, butts smell!”, are you or your partner really that turned off by the idea, or are these reservations based on a stigma created by the potential judgement from others? It’s important to clarify for yourself the reasons you’re placing restrictions on your curiosity and make decisions based on what YOU feel is right, rather than what you think others will perceive as “gross.” Also it feels SO GOOD. I can say it over and over or you can just go find out for yourself.

Keep clean
As a general (non sexual) rule, I think we should all go about our days as though there is a possibility that we could be rimmed at any moment. Once one becomes familiar with his or her asshole, it becomes easier to discern when it is and is not a great idea for a good ol’ butt munch. Also, spit acts as a great cleansing agent (just saying).

Be safe
For God’s sake get tested. Like, rly tho. Also, bear in mind that not all STIs are covered in a regular screening. Please be responsible enough to get a list of which infections you are being tested for specifically so you can properly represent yourself to your partner(s). Being as informed as possible about your own sexual health is really the least you can do. That being said, avoid transmission of Hepatitis A by getting immunized before you Toss that Salad, cutie.

Have an open mind
Now, if you’re like me and already love rimming (hi Mom), you’ve probably found yourself in a situation or two where you weren’t sure if it was okay to propose the idea to your partner. If you’re not in a sexual partnership where you both feel open and free to suggest and try new things, throwing out unconventional sexual ideas involves the risk of judgement from the other person. That’s scary and not really fun. Remember that your sexual curiosity (which leads to your overall pleasure) is a gift and a joy and not something someone should make you feel bad about, ever.

RELAX RELAX RELAX
It feels great so calm down and enjoy it.

Give as much as you Receive
I don’t want to tell you how to live your life, but reciprocation makes the world a nicer place. If you’re not comfortable with the idea, then see the above 5 steps and reevaluate.

If you have no plans to try analingus then the least you can take from this article is the idea your judgement about it is never needed. If you’re planning to give it a go, then no more can be said to you except Happy Rimming! So, HAPPY RIMMING!!!