Where are you on the kinky scale?
Take the MoodTime kinky scale test
Ever wondered whether you're vanilla, a little adventurous, or perhaps a lot kinkier than you let on? Maybe you've got a curious side you've been meaning to explore, or perhaps your idea of a fun weekend makes other people's eyebrows reach for the ceiling.
Whatever your interests, there's no single way to define what it means to be kinky. Some people enjoy keeping things simple, others love experimenting with new sensations, and some are fascinated by BDSM, power exchange, bondage, roleplay and everything in between.
The interesting part? You might be surprised by where you land on the kinky scale.
Ready to find out where you land between Vanilla and Kinky?
Answer 12 quick questions and let the scale decide.
What is the kinky scale?
The kinky scale is a fun way to think about your interests, curiosity and willingness to explore different aspects of intimacy. It ranges from more traditional preferences, often described as vanilla, to a broader interest in kink, BDSM and alternative forms of pleasure.
Of course, human sexuality isn't quite as simple as putting everyone into neat little boxes. You might love one particular kink while having absolutely no interest in another. You could be curious about bondage but have no desire to try roleplay, or enjoy experimenting with sex toys without being interested in BDSM at all.
And that's perfectly normal.
Think of the kinky scale as a starting point for self-discovery, not a definitive label that determines who you are.
Vanilla, curious or kinky? Let's talk about it.
1. Vanilla: Keeping things classic
In the world of kink, vanilla is a commonly used term for sexual interests and activities that fall outside BDSM or other alternative practices. It isn't an insult, and it certainly doesn't mean someone is boring.
Vanilla preferences can be satisfying, exciting and deeply fulfilling. Not everyone wants restraints, complicated roleplay or a collection of interesting toys hidden in the bedside drawer. Sometimes, simple is exactly what you enjoy. And if that's you, own it. There's no prize for being the kinkiest person in the room.
2. Kink-curious: A little curiosity never hurt
Perhaps you've stumbled across an article about BDSM, wondered what a chastity cage actually does, or found yourself browsing sex toys that are a little outside your usual comfort zone. Welcome to the curious stage.
Being kink-curious means you're interested in learning more about different experiences, even if you're not ready to try them yourself. You might be interested in light bondage, sensory play, teasing, roleplay or exploring a new type of sex toy.
Curiosity doesn't create an obligation to experiment. You can research, ask questions and discover what interests you at your own pace. Besides, there's nothing wrong with window-shopping. That applies to sex toys, too.
3. Adventurous: Trying something different
If you enjoy experimenting with new sensations, introducing different toys or exploring fantasies with a consenting partner, you might describe yourself as adventurous. This could mean trying a new vibrator, exploring anal toys, experimenting with blindfolds or discovering what makes power dynamics appealing.
For some people, it's about variety. For others, it's about learning more about their bodies and understanding what they enjoy. There's no universal checklist for being adventurous. What matters is finding experiences that feel right for you.
4. Kinky: Exploring beyond the conventional
Kink can cover a wide range of interests, including BDSM, bondage, dominance and submission, sensory play, fetish interests and consensual power exchange. Some people enjoy taking control, while others prefer handing control over to a trusted partner. Others enjoy switching between roles, or exploring their interests independently.
Kink doesn't automatically mean extreme activities, complicated equipment or elaborate scenes. Sometimes, the psychological side of an experience is just as important as the physical side. And no, owning one pair of handcuffs doesn't automatically make you the next BDSM mastermind. Although it might make your bedside drawer a little more interesting.
BDSM, chastity and the many sides of kink
For those who enjoy exploring further, BDSM and related interests offer plenty of different directions to discover.
BDSM is an umbrella term covering bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism. These interests can involve physical sensations, psychological dynamics, negotiated roles or a combination of different elements.
Here are a few areas you might encounter as you explore your kinky side.
Bondage: The consensual use of restraints, rope or other equipment as part of a scene.
Dominance and submission: A negotiated dynamic in which one person takes a dominant role and another takes a submissive role.
Chastity play: Using a chastity device as part of consensual restriction, teasing, anticipation or power exchange.
Sensory play: Exploring sensations through touch, temperature, sound, blindfolds or other sensory experiences.
Anal play: Exploring anal stimulation using suitable, purpose-designed toys, with appropriate preparation and care.
Fantasy and roleplay: Exploring fictional scenarios, characters or imagined experiences with a consenting partner.
You don't have to be interested in all of these. In fact, discovering what doesn't appeal to you is just as useful as finding something that does. Kink is personal. Your interests don't have to match anyone else's.
Can sex toys help you explore your kinky side?
Absolutely. Sex toys can be a useful way to explore preferences, discover new sensations and add variety to your intimate life. The right toy depends on what interests you, your experience level and the kind of experience you're looking for.
For example, beginners might prefer simple designs that are easy to use and clean. Those interested in BDSM might explore blindfolds, restraints or other accessories designed for consensual play. People interested in fantasy toys may prefer imaginative shapes and designs that go beyond the realistic.
Chastity devices, anal toys, vibrators and bondage accessories can all serve different purposes. There isn't one universal combination, and you certainly don't need an enormous collection to enjoy exploring.
Start with what interests you, learn how to use it safely, and don't feel pressured to buy something simply because it sounds adventurous. Your curiosity should lead the way, not your shopping basket.
Is it normal to be more kinky than your partner?
It's not unusual for partners to have different interests, different levels of experience or different ideas about what sounds exciting. One person might be interested in BDSM, while the other prefers more traditional experiences. Someone might be curious about a particular toy without wanting to try it immediately. The key is honest communication, mutual respect and consent.
Talk about your interests without pressuring each other. Be open to hearing both yes and no, and remember that boundaries can change as people learn more about themselves. You don't need identical preferences to have a fulfilling relationship. You need a way to discuss them comfortably.
And if your partner discovers that their idea of adventurous is a different flavour of massage oil, that doesn't mean either of you is doing it wrong.
Does your kinky scale score define you?
Not even slightly. A quiz can be a fun way to reflect on your interests, but it cannot measure your sexuality, determine your identity or predict what you will enjoy in the future. You might score on the vanilla side today and become more curious about certain interests later. You might score as adventurous but have no interest in BDSM. Or you might discover that your preferences don't fit neatly into any category.
All of those outcomes are perfectly fine. The point isn't to reach the highest possible score. It's to understand yourself a little better, have a laugh along the way and perhaps discover something new that interests you. There is no right or wrong place to land on the kinky scale.
Ready to discover your kinky side? 🔐
Enough reading. It's time to put your curiosity to the test.
Our Where Are You on the Kinky Scale? quiz features 12 quick questions designed to explore your interests and reveal where you fall between Vanilla and Kinky.
It's light-hearted, easy to complete and designed to help you discover which side of the scale best reflects your answers. Are you a classic vanilla, a curious explorer or someone with a seriously adventurous streak?
Take the test and find out.
Your result might confirm what you already suspected, or it might surprise you. Either way, it's a fun little opportunity to learn more about yourself. And remember: the goal isn't to be the kinkiest person alive. It's to discover what you enjoy, respect your boundaries and have fun along the way.
Explore your interests. Embrace your curiosity. Stay true to yourself.
Discover more adult toys, BDSM accessories, chastity devices and fantasy toys at MoodTime, your South African online store for intimate exploration.
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