NEST Ladies Thread, Share Your Thoughts!

[BellaRisa]

This is a thread for all the lovely ladies who've been to NEST in past years to share our thoughts about this wonderful event! Ladies, if you please:

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?

How were those fears alleviated by the event?

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?

What's your favorite part of the weekend: the great conversations over meals, the Saturday meet-and-greet, the Sunday event, just relaxing with old and new friends in the rooms...?

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?

Thanks in advance, my answers to follow

 

[chicago]

When I went in '06, I was really terrified. I had this idea that NEST was a huge orgy for nutcases where this was their only opportunity for tickling for the whole year.

But I was really taken care of and looked after by the people there. I say it all the time, but it bears repeating that the NEST team make it their top priority to try and see that everyone is comfortable.

There's a reason why up to 100 people keep comin back each year.

My favorite part of course is just seeing everyone and hanging out. I miss you guys!

 

[minerva]

When I went to my first NEST last year, my biggest concern was not knowing anyone, since I was new to the forum as well.
So I spoke to as many people as possible online and by the time NEST came close I was really looking forward to meet the new friends I had made in person - and it was great 🙂
I also read lots of posts people had made about previous NEST's and I spoke to people who had been there before. This way I had quite a good idea what NEST would be like and I wasn't disappointed at all.

The whole athmosphere are NEST is very relaxed, people are friendly and helpful and it's very easy to make new friends.

As far as safety is concerned, I couldn't think of any safer way to meet people for tickling.
If you want to play, you'll get all the action you want, but if you don't want to, no one will touch you or talk you into doing anything you don't like.

It's difficult to say, what my favorite part was. I loved meeting and hanging out with people, I loved the sightseeing, I loved the evening, we went out for dinner and dancing and of course I loved the tickling. The whole package is just as much fun as you want it to be.

Don't hesitate, ladies - GO!! 🙂

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

When I first went to NEST in 2005, I didn't stay at the hotel because I found out about NEST last minute and I live in Philly so it wasn't really necessary to go to the hotel. I did go to the main event on Sunday and I was hesitant to go on a St. Andrew's Cross or anything like that. Although, I did get tickled some. When I went in 2006 I was more comfortable and had a good time & in 2007 I had a great time! I enjoy the tickling in the hotel room, meeting new people and seeing familiar faces and my favorite part is the event on Sunday.

 

[BellaRisa]

When I went to my first NEST last year, my biggest concern was not knowing anyone, since I was new to the forum as well.
So I spoke to as many people as possible online and by the time NEST came close I was really looking forward to meet the new friends I had made in person - and it was great 🙂
I also read lots of posts people had made about previous NEST's and I spoke to people who had been there before. This way I had quite a good idea what NEST would be like and I wasn't disappointed at all.

The whole athmosphere are NEST is very relaxed, people are friendly and helpful and it's very easy to make new friends.

As far as safety is concerned, I couldn't think of any safer way to meet people for tickling.
If you want to play, you'll get all the action you want, but if you don't want to, no one will touch you or talk you into doing anything you don't like.

It's difficult to say, what my favorite part was. I loved meeting and hanging out with people, I loved the sightseeing, I loved the evening, we went out for dinner and dancing and of course I loved the tickling. The whole package is just as much fun as you want it to be.

Don't hesitate, ladies - GO!! 🙂

Thank you Minerva! NEST really is a wonderful and *safe* weekend and there's so much more to it than tickling, you really do make friends for life. This will be NEST number 8 for me and it gets better every year!

 

[classy]

Great Friends

Well, I have to say last year was my first time. The year before (as I am sure many have done before) I chickened out...... YES I chickened out lol. But, this past year I followed through with the plan of going and let me tell you... I still talk to most that I met there. We had such a great time just talking at the lounge at the hotel, there were classes you could take like tickle massage etc. There is never a dull moment and the ladies as well as the men always make you feel warm and safe. I not once had someone push me into anything (was one of my fears) and nest keep some firm and protected rules for our safety. OK I tend to go on and on but.....

My favorite is so hard to say.... I love the pool and just hitting the beach ball (kinda like volley ball) as we got to know one another. I loved hanging in the lounge teasing and just talking. I loved the play that went all such fun playful people. The event was definately fun and a great way to play. The going out to eat and dancing ...... OMG I could go on and on. I met so many wonderful people and can not wait to meet them again as well as new ones.

I can't wait to see everyone.

Classy

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?

For me, I wasn't alone. Drew and I attended our first NEST as a couple. So, I had a built-in security blanket. I didn't need it though. I was instantly confortable with everyone and had a wonderful time.

I must admit that I'd cheated myself out of that 3 years earlier when someone invited me and I declined. At the time, I wasn't sure I was ready to face a room full of ticklers. Silly me! 😱

How were those fears alleviated by the event?

It wasn't as much the event itself as the people there. We were welcomed with open arms...literally. It also helped that we'd gotten to know many folks online (mainly here on the TMF) before even deciding to go. As a couple, we could get tickles any time we wanted. It's always been more about the community and sense of family for us...though the play IS loads of fun!

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?

I think I was the opposite of many. My first NEST, I decided I was going to allow myself to get tickled as much as possible. I spent 80% of the main gathering time with half a dozen or so folks going at me...switching off with others as the afternoon progressed. The rest of the weekend, we mainly socialized...and pigged out. My biggest surprise was the fact that people asked permission before even touching me. My second biggest was in myself actually allowing folks I didn't really know to go at me...and loved every second of it.

What's your favorite part of the weekend?

After that first gathering, though we did play at least some every year, we've concentrated on the social aspects of things. Though we still love the play, we've gained some very good friends. Spending time with them is much more important to us than the play. So, our focus is there.

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?

It's perfectly safe. People will honor boundaries and not keep bugging you if you prefer to be left alone. If there's ever someone who's a bit over-enthusiastic, all you need to is tell them...or a dungeon monitor...and all is well. It's very rarely an issue, and never for long.

You're more likely to be overwhelmed by trying to get to meet so many people than by the play. That's the nice part of it being a full weekend now...with many folks staying extra days beyond the weekend. There's more time to make the rounds and get to know folks. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. I've made some life-long friends with whom tickling is now simply one of many interests we share.

It's just a great experience...and one I still kick myself for not grabbing the opportunity for sooner! Just go!!!

 

[Ayla ny]

The first time I went to NEST I hopped on a plane without any of my friends or family knowing where I was going (don’t really recommend that one but it’s what I needed to do) and it felt a lot like I had just jumped off the high-dive for the first time. I really really wanted to do it… but it was scary as hell!

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?

That no one would want to tickle me, that someone would want to tickle me and that if anyone did tickle me, it would feel weird.

How were those fears alleviated by the event?

Oddly enough, it was the not focusing on tickling and feeling like I had been invited to join a really cool group of friends (pretty much what it was) that made me feel the most relaxed. After that, when tickling did happen, it didn’t feel weird because it was with a bunch of friends.

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?

It was everything that I had imagined and more. Far from the “Tickle Orgy” that my ex-husband insisted it would be. I’d been wanting to go since 1998 and finally did in 2003 (the day of the horoscope in my sig).

What's your favorite part of the weekend: the great conversations over meals, the Saturday meet-and-greet, the Sunday event, just relaxing with old and new friends in the rooms...?

Pretty much the only part that wasn’t my favorite, was leaving. That part really sucked.

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?

Overwhelmed: It is overwhelming but in a Disneyland-when-you-were-a-kid kind of way.

Safety: There are a number of people who spend most of NEST making sure that we feel safe. And believe me; they make their presence and intent very well known.

Not making friends: It’s pretty hard to be any more shy than I was and I made a ton of friends. I think you would pretty much have to actively avoid making friends to leave without feeling like you made a real connection with someone.

I’d tell a friend who was considering going "Go for it and have fun!"

 

[lite]

I'll chime in...

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?

kwil and I had attended a couple of smaller gatherings, so it wasn't the idea of a "tickle gathering" that made me nervous; it was the idea of such a large gathering.

How were those fears alleviated by the event?

It turned out to be more like being with friends you'd never met. As Ayla mentioned, getting acquainted preceded the tickling, and that made it much more comfortable.

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?

There was absolutely no pressure to take part in anything, and that included going out to lunch as well as participating in any tickling scene. The DMs are very sensitive to those who are feeling nervous, or shy, or simply at a loss as to what to do (or not do).

What's your favorite part of the weekend: the great conversations over meals, the Saturday meet-and-greet, the Sunday event, just relaxing with old and new friends in the rooms...?

I really look forward to getting together with old friends, and making new friends (or, rather, finally meeting people in person whom I've befriended online).

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?

I think Minerva had the best plan: get to know people online by chatting with them and/or reading posts. There are many friendly people here on the TMF, and the same is true at NEST. As others have mentioned, the safety of all those attending is a high priority. In addition, you're gathering together with people with whom you have, at the very least, one common interest.

Hell, come and find me if you're nervous; I'm friendly, I'm chatty, and I'm not the least bit intimidating!

 

[LeeAllure]

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?
I was actually mad at Max because he told me about the first NEST just
after it happened, and I would have gone had he told me about it before.
He did think I was a guy at that time, though... 🙂

How were those fears alleviated by the event?
I couldn't have asked for better new friends. Period.

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?
I'm really blunt, but I expected people to be a little less
"Oh My God, I'm with other tickling folks, so it's ok for me to be as
out there as possible" and I was more forcefully direct with them
than I thought I'd have to be, but that was only the first event.
I did totally expect that as the only woman, they'd all think I'd be
a ticklee, which is definitely not the case.

What's your favorite part of the weekend:
My absolute favorite part of the weekend is saying hello to old friends.
Also good is the fun teasing things that take place every year, which are
always different. Last year, for example, I was at the door at the event,
checking people in. Every time Necia passed by me, I made her pay a
toll, much to the delight of those around (and me, and her, too, I'm sure 🙂 )

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?
Go, go, GO! 🙂 You'll make friends. You don't need to make friends with
99 people to have a good time (and even after all this time, I still don't
know everyone well). The one or two new friendships you make at this
event which will carry over into the years to come are well worth it!

Lee

 

[Bride of Dracula]

I remember the night I first found the tickling community.
It was a dull March 2002 evening and I was doing a google search for animation cel art. Somewhere within all the websites I found a link for tickling cartoons. I immediately clicked and was lead to SW Tickle. From there I was lead form one tickling website to another til, 2 hrs later, I found the TMF.

I read about NEST and was intrigued. Terrified, but intrigued.
Over the next few weeks, I made friends with Josie the ticklish pussycat, njjen3953 and guitarpete. They introduced me to some of my first tickling experiences and encourgaged me to go to NEST. Reassuring me that it was perfectly safe and I would have a great time...I was still a bit apprehensive, but determined to take on the experience of my first gathering.

When I sent in my deposit, I made contact with the legendary..and supersweet QBWeaver. She was so kind and also reassuring that no one would touch me without consent and there would be DMs there to monitor all activity and take care of any problems.

I packed my bags and tacked NEST onto the end of a week long business trip figuring that I would either be too tired to go to NEST or too tired to be overly worried about anything going wrong at NEST.

Turns out, NEST became a life changing experience for me. I found one person I liked and was comfortable enough to play with all weekend, but still made many friends as well.
Njjen and guitarpete called ahead to Ann & Drew who met me right after check-in and introduced themselves so I had new firends there to greet me.

Everyone was warm and friendly and put me at my ease.
I also saw, but did not exactly meet, my soon-to-be hubby Starwolffe, across a crowed S&M club.
Starwolffe and I offically met and had our first date 5 months later.

NEST 2003 Starwolffe and I went together and had a wonderful time.
With each NEST we make more new friends every year.
Our favorite part of the weekend is see all our friends again. Just hanging out and sharing a meal is the best of times.
I read somewhere recently in another thread that at NEST, it becomes about the friends you make and the tickling comes in second. Very true!

To any females considering going for the first time I suggest the following....
make friends online with others who are going or have been to NEST and do not hesitate to contact organizers like Lee and Bella who can give you the reassurance Jan, QBWeaver gave me, when I was tempted to chickenshit out.

It makes things much easier knowing you already have friends there waiting to greet you.

We miss you Jan.
Please come back to NEST someday! ...and bring that georgous hunk of a man with you!

 

[tickleshotel]

I remember my first time I went to Nest and I was nervous and a jumble of nerves as I arrived at the Hotel and checked in. It was through Qbweavers encouragement and understanding and her giving me a contact number to reach her after I had checked in and her welcoming hospitality inviting me to come down to the room she was in to meet and to hang out with the others who were chatting in the room . I was scared even to knock on the door but I did,and after walking in the room ,looking around and introducing myself and immediately being warmly welcomed and accepted, I was able to relax and be at peace that I was at home with others and I didn't need to have feelings of insecurity of I belonged here.
Everyone I met whether it is by hanging out socializing in the lobby , going to lunch , or the many activities that some do over the weekend were all very friendly , warm , and I had a wonderful time the weekend and I was sad ,teary eyed when I had to say my goodbyes .
Safety is always taken care of for everyone and I felt safe, content at all times and there were always the hosts of Nest, DM's around that make themselves visible and it is one of the reasons I love attending Nest anytime I can attend because they do have a job to do but it is assuring to realize that anyone ,everyone at Nest has folks looking out for them whether you are a veteran to Nest or a newbie .
Hard to pick a favorite time at Nest but I enjoy the whole weekend beginning from hanging out meeting others arriving at the lobby , the saturday meet and greet and the official sunday events.
My advice to a new female questioning to attend? GOOO! I wish I would have known about this earlier and would have gone many times beforehand!

 

[BellaRisa]

Forgot to answer my own questions 🙂

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?

I really didn't have many fears; this was in 1999 and I had just gotten involved with the BDSM community in Ohio. I'd been to a few small play parties and such, and I was pretty confident that the people I'd meet at NEST would be nice normal people who happened to like what I liked. Plus, I was lucky enough to have gotten to know Max via telephone and a brief lunch near the holidays (I flew through Philly on my way to VT with my family), so I knew he was a good and safe person and I'd be fine at his event. My curmedgeon of a husband liked him, that said a lot 😀


How were those fears alleviated by the event?

Traveling to NEST 1999 was my first time flying by myself, I was more worried about that than NEST itself 😛 I think the only real fear I had about NEST was that I'd have nothing to do before Sunday (I arrived Friday night) and that I'd be a little lonely; that definitely didn't happen

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?

Actually it was pretty much what I'd expected, all kinds of really nice people having a great time with tickling mixed in here and there. What did surprise me a little was how much fun everything surrounding the Sunday event was: going for water ice, sight-seeing and having breakfast and talking...the conversations at NEST may be some of the best I have all year to this day, so many different intelligent points of view and so relaxed That's a fascinating thing about NEST weekend, how hyper I feel to be there and yet how relaxed and zen I am from being with these people I love so much


What's your favorite part of the weekend: the great conversations over meals, the Saturday meet-and-greet, the Sunday event, just relaxing with old and new friends in the rooms...?

Out of everything I love about the whole event, I think I love Friday the best. I have the whole weekend ahead of me, people I absolutely adore and haven't seen in a year keep popping up for hugs and kisses and catching up, and as long-time NESTers will tell you, I haven't had time to miss my family and get all Mom-mopey yet 😛

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?

Let me echo the other ladies who've posted: just do it. Go. It really is just a party, with good people who will treat you beautifully. I know that the notion of being in a space with people who know how you feel about tickling can be a claustrophobic thought, trust me I get it. But once you get there and start shaking hands and talking with people you've known online who are already you're friends basically, the 'weird' feeling just goes away. And you're amongst good friends. It's an amazing time

 

[lite]

Bump...

Just in case anyone else wanted to post a reply.

 

[BellaRisa]

Bumpity Bump 😉

Bumping this thread, and I'd love to have ladies who were first timers last year chime in

 

[janedoe1]

Just in case anyone else wanted to post a reply.

Well, I've never been... and I'm deathly afraid of going But I must say that you ladies are doing a great job of easing my fears... I'm starting to feel more relaxed about the whole idea. Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 66627]

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?

Last year was my first NEST, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't petrified. 🙂 As it is, I'm not always great with large groups of people. I'm easily overwhelmed and can be socially awkward if I don't really know anyone.

I was nervous about the fact that I was going to be surrounded by people who were so open about something I was still unsure about. I was nervous that it was going to be just people standing around awkwardly and barely even talking. I hate situations like those. I was basically expecting the worst.

Atop that, nothing anyone said helped. You can have a million and one people tell you that it's going to be the exact opposite then you think, but the only way you'll be able to know for sure is to go. And that was the issue I had.

It's not like no one was supportive. I dumped Annie Hall and Jeff massive amounts of questions and they were completely open to answering every single one, no matter how retarded I thought it was. Kered, Bugman, LeeAllure, Brighteyes, Bella and dvnc also were very involved in the NEST question threads. So, even if I didn't ask something, but someone else did, I could read what the aforementioned folks explained and feel a smidgen better.

How were those fears alleviated by the event?

Seeing everyone interact, basically. The period of time where I was nervous throughout that whole gathering was about 20 minutes, in the very beginning. Everyone was so amazingly friendly, I seriously couldn't get over that. How is it that everyone just seems to get along so well?

Everyone looked out for everyone. And it's all done without a minute's hesitation. It's like as soon as you enter, you just know what to do. There's absolutely no one who sat there and ignored, blew off or belittled anyone. We all would split and merge. People kept tabs on people, and I don't think I saw anyone sitting by themselves, unless it was someone looking for a few minutes of alone time.


How was NEST different than you'd imagined?

It just wasn't what I expected, period. The "love" factor and the fact that there was absolutely no tension floating around and no fear of being judged just completely blew my mind. Like I said, I was gearing up for a weekend of socially awkward people stabbing each other with sticks.. more or less.

I've been to several other gatherings since NEST; All which were a bit smaller (except NHLee which was rather large), and the environment at those was just the same. I consider NEST to be the Woodstock of the tickling gatherings. Due to how much pumping it gets, as well as the fact that it brings people from everywhere who aren't always at any other gatherings throughout the year.


What's your favorite part of the weekend:

The evenings. Eating dinner with everyone and going outside to sit around the tables and talk. The days are incredible and the afternoons are awesome, but in my opinion, nighttime is when the memories happen. 🙂


What would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?

Nothing nobody says is going to make you feel better, and you know this. So, bite the bullet and go so you can prove yourself wrong. I hate doing being wrong on many levels, but this is the first of few times I was so glad that I was.

Read Amnesiac's and IvoryTickler's NEST threads:

• Amnesiac's 2008 NEST recap.
  
• Amnesiac's 2007 NEST recap.
  
• Confessions of a NEST Newbie. (Ivory Tickler)

Check out/read/contribute to all the NEST question threads that are floating around.

For those of you who don't really search around the forum a lot, click here for the NEST subforum. Within it there are copious amounts of threads and posts answering and asking probably almost every question you have. Along with other random NEST silliness.

 

[Tortuga]

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time? I was always tempted to go to NEST before I went, but I was nervous too. I didn't really think it was a huge tickle orgy, I was just scared of what peoples thoughts of me were. My biggest fear was whether or not those people that harassed me when I did my first video would be present.

How were those fears alleviated by the event?
Well I was a ball of nerves when we arrived at the hotel, I mean it took 3 people to convince me to just get out of the car. I felt relief, when I was at the desk checking in to my room, and Lite and Kwil just walked up to me, they were every excited to see me. And just that awesome welcome did me in, I felt a bit more confident. But I didn't truely warm up to people just randomly walking up to me until Friday night's poker game. I wasn't play, but I was watching the guys play. I even felt more relaxed when I strapped Tickle_Emperor to Chanedas bondage chair.


How was NEST different than you'd imagined?
Well I didn't get harassed like I expected. And I ended up making a really good connection with just about everyone that I met.

What's your favorite part of the weekend: the great conversations over meals, the Saturday meet-and-greet, the Sunday event, just relaxing with old and new friends in the rooms...?
The best part was the event, because I helped out a bit. I freely participated in the raffle, and just got a bit more involved with the community. It kind of made me feel a bit more at ease.

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?
I guess I'll just say the same thing that I said to Gin in Ohio, because she was really nervous! If it's your first gathering, of course it is going to be overwhelming because your putting faces to these screen names finally. There may be some unexpectations, but your around good people. If anyone tries to do anything that you don't want to you, don't ever feel embarassed to say anything. If your uncomfortable don't be scared to say anything. Your comfort and safety is always #1 at these get togethers. Your going to be among friends, and we all stick together. If you don't make friends, then your doing something wrong! It's kind of hard not to.

 

[Spot_Lady]

Thank you, Bella...

...for starting this thread. I can't tell you how many times I've started to reply to it since I first read it. I wanted my response to be as wonderfully articulate as the others you've received. Sadly (or happily), the words escape me because of the mammoth change that NEST made in my life.

My first NEST...spotmanc and I decided to go because it was something that he wanted to do, and I'm crazy in love with him, and wanted him to have the chance. The last time that NEST was exclusively HIS event was about the time that we parked the car at the hotel when we arrived.

As a newbie, the social was about the best thing ever. It was a pretty regular social situation, and we could all see that none of us had three heads. If the weekend had ended there, it would have still been a great experience because of the great conversations and fellowship that we had.

On the day of the event, everyone was very careful to remind us that we could join in or not join in as we felt comfortable doing. I cannot tell you how amazing, respectful, amazing, supportive, amazing everyone was. The people at NEST impressed me so much that I was moved to do a demo that very day.

We made so many incredible friends that day that it was very, very, very hard to leave. We thought about our new friends all of the time. The next year, a family event kept us from attending NEST and I think we died a little bit that year. We haven't missed one since, and hope that we never will. We have promised ourselves that we will visit as many of our friends in between NESTs as we can, and that makes it a little easier. But it still feels like something is being wrenched from me each time I leave...yes, even after Lee has extracted her tolls.

If you are considering going...go. You can always say no and leave if you want. I don't think you will, though. If you do attend, I'm sure you will become one of us who can't wait for May to get here.
love,
SpotLady

 

[lite]

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time? I was always tempted to go to NEST before I went, but I was nervous too. I didn't really think it was a huge tickle orgy, I was just scared of what peoples thoughts of me were. My biggest fear was whether or not those people that harassed me when I did my first video would be present.

How were those fears alleviated by the event?
Well I was a ball of nerves when we arrived at the hotel, I mean it took 3 people to convince me to just get out of the car. I felt relief, when I was at the desk checking in to my room, and Lite and Kwil just walked up to me, they were every excited to see me. And just that awesome welcome did me in, I felt a bit more confident. But I didn't truely warm up to people just randomly walking up to me until Friday night's poker game. I wasn't play, but I was watching the guys play. I even felt more relaxed when I strapped Tickle_Emperor to Chanedas bondage chair.

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?
Well I didn't get harassed like I expected. And I ended up making a really good connection with just about everyone that I met.

What's your favorite part of the weekend: the great conversations over meals, the Saturday meet-and-greet, the Sunday event, just relaxing with old and new friends in the rooms...?
The best part was the event, because I helped out a bit. I freely participated in the raffle, and just got a bit more involved with the community. It kind of made me feel a bit more at ease.

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?
I guess I'll just say the same thing that I said to Gin in Ohio, because she was really nervous! If it's your first gathering, of course it is going to be overwhelming because your putting faces to these screen names finally. There may be some unexpectations, but your around good people. If anyone tries to do anything that you don't want to you, don't ever feel embarassed to say anything. If your uncomfortable don't be scared to say anything. Your comfort and safety is always #1 at these get togethers. Your going to be among friends, and we all stick together. If you don't make friends, then your doing something wrong! It's kind of hard not to.

I wanted to accomplish three things by bumping this thread to the head of the line:

1) Tell Tortuga how great it was to finally, finally! meet her last year at NEST.

2) Let people know that her answer is a great example of what pretty much everyone goes through when attending her first gathering, but know this: you will be welcomed, you will be taken care of, and you will be happy you attended, and sad when it's time to leave.

3) I want to encourage other ladies to add their thoughts to this thread.

 

[xSamanthax]

What were your thoughts/fears about NEST before your first time?
Most of my anxieties about my first NEST revolved around doing the video - in front a live audience - at the mercy of three very talented lady 'lers. Eeep!

How were those fears alleviated by the event?
Everything went pretty smoothly, lol.

How was NEST different than you'd imagined?
Well, I was a little too wrapped up in my own anxieties over the video to really dive in and make some connections. But I was not approached by random people expecting to tickle me, so that was a relief. There was no expectation - no pressure - to play...but plenty of opportunities if I was so inclined.

What's your favorite part of the weekend: the great conversations over meals, the Saturday meet-and-greet, the Sunday event, just relaxing with old and new friends in the rooms...?
Getting thru the video was my top priority. I think had I not been so on pins and needles about that, lol, it would have been the sunday event. That was a blast, even if you weren't participating directly. As time goes on and friendships develop - I'm putting my money on just relaxing and spending time with friends - being silly and hanging out.

I did enjoy the little workshops immensely though.

And finally, what would you say to a lady friend who was thinking of attending NEST but was worried about being overwhelmed, or safety, or not making friends...?

Do it. It can be overwhelming, but you got a ton of people looking out for you - even if they have never seen you before. I'm pretty high strung when it comes to social gatherings like this, and I was pretty much instantly at ease with the people.

 

[Tortuga]

I wanted to accomplish three things by bumping this thread to the head of the line:

1) Tell Tortuga how great it was to finally, finally! meet her last year at NEST.

Awww it was so great to meet you finally too!