Given by society, we have standards and stigmas that affect the way we view things in our daily life. Even though we often do it subconsciously, we base a lot of our actions and thoughts off of the accepted stigmas. Sex is no exception. Society has told us that sex is looked upon as dirty and irresponsible and something that should be refrained from as a recreational activity. Given this outlook of disgust, people are naturally secretive about their sex lives. Publicizing sexuality in any way is frowned upon by society. Whether a public display of affection or going to a store to buy condoms, many people in today’s society look upon sexuality as unclassy and dirty.

Due to this stigma on sex, buying protection or any other sexually related item can be an awkward process. When standing in line at the check-out stand, people almost always notice that you are waiting to buy condoms. Once they do notice it is not rare to see them make a comment to their friend or spouse. All this awkwardness just while you are waiting in line. Then once you get to the cashier, the awkwardness just compounds as he or she tries to crack a funny joke about the condoms you are buying or even worse, they just stare blankly and go about their work in silence. Finally, once you have paid for the condoms, you can try to escape the judging eyes of the cashier and the people in line and run home. Do yourself a favor, purchase and buy condoms online and skip the story. Protection should never be jeopardized because of stigma.