Meh, tickling is something that generally happens between people who already have a level of comfort with each other. However, in cases of gatherings and such, or with anyone you're unsure of, consent is always important.
But it'd really take the fun out of it if the boyfriend asked "Can I tickle you?" every time he wanted to. I prefer causin trouble and getting punished. Fuck consent in that situation lol
I agree with you Annie and in my 61 years I have never had a problem tickling lots of people. But there is a recurring theme on the TMF discussions about tickling people with whom the level of comfort you mention has not been established. Multiple times questions have popped up on TMF about how to tickle any variety of people including, but not limited to, strangers, co-workers, casual acquaintances, friends and lovers.
All of this has to do with appropriateness, attitude and reasonable communication skills. The nature of the comments some make here indicate to me that some among our forum number may be lacking in appropriate social interaction skills. Adding tickling to the mixture simply exacerbates the problem of appropriateness.
Then there is the recurring theme of consent and nonconsent. Some make a hard distinction that consent is always needed. Others take the opposite view that it is never needed. And then there often ensues a spirited debate.
As you note, if the relationship is healthily and there is good communication established, consent for every quick poke in the ribs is hardly necessary. I've tickled many in many situations and never had a bad reaction. Some, perhaps many on the forum if one goes by these consent discussion threads, seem to have trouble differentiating when tickling is appropriate and inappropriate.
One would think common sense would prevail but all too often common sense seems to be on permanent vacation. Some seem to act as if he or she has no control over their tickling urges. Control and consent should be bywords of the tickling community.
