Sex Venues

• If you're going to a sex venue, check out the busier night, as some midweek events can be poorly attended. Also check the dress codes; some venues will refuse entry if you're wearing the wrong gear.
• Depending on what you choose to wear (and whether you're travelling in public) consider taking your gear with you and changing at the venue.
• Don't forget to take, condoms, lube, chewing gum and a pack of tissues as required.
• If you've not been there before, it's well worth checking out where everything is before you get down to business.
• If you're going with a friend agree a check-in time and place to meet.
• If you've had some great sex, think about leaving rather than being greedy, as than can often lead to disappointment.
• While there is tendency to have sex and move on to the next, don't be afraid to talk to a guy if you think they're maybe something more going on.

Cruising the streets

Meeting guys on the street happens all the time, but while the theory is simple, the practice requires a little more balls and timing. So, if you see a guy you like, here are a few handy tips.

• First things first, check your 'gaydar' (that exclusive sixth sense only known to gay men). Looks can be deceptive, and many straight men dress gay for fashion.
• Depending on the distance between you, you may need to change your angle of approach to ensure you pass by. Be casual, and if you're unfamiliar with the art of subtlety it's possibly best not to try. As you near each other look straight into his eyes in friendly non-threatening manner. If he does the same - and any longer than is usual between strangers - continue to look at him as you pass him.
• Now this is the hard part. At what point do you look over your shoulder to see if he's doing the same? When you're doing it he might only be thinking about it or he could be doing it while you're making up you're mind! Hopefully, five or ten paces on you'll both do it at the same time. If not, you'll never know what you missed, quite literally.
• If he's doing the same, you'll both pretend not to cruise when in fact you both know what you're both doing. Your heart pounds as you work out who's going to make the next move. A friendly smile, a casual remark or a straight forward 'Hi!' can break the ice but it does help if one of you has the courage to speak. His body language, his voice and facial expression should all tell you whether he's interested or not.
• If, after talking to him, you change your mind, you should make a clean polite getaway. 'Nice to meet you' or 'see you around' and a friendly smile will usually do it, but say it as you're leaving so as to make it clear that the encounter is over.