My Vanilla Wife... After She Agrees

For my whole story/backstory please read “On Your Mark. Get Set. Go!” in which I detail my whole story. It covers my interest in improving my relationship with my wife and family through reducing masturbation. That thread covers everything that led up to the moment when I decided to tell my wife that I wanted to stop masturbating and asked her if she would like to participate in a Female Led Relationship. That thread covers the means by which I convinced her to become comfortable with the idea of supporting me, and the purchase and normalization of my first chastity device.

My first device is the A275-1 which I purchased on eBay. To learn more about this device please read my thread in The Mall under the category Chinese Devices with the thread title A275 A275-1 The Arc. This thread can easily be found by searching any the descriptions that I just listed.

The thread you are reading now will cover the period after the implementation of my first device and in combination with a Female Led Relationship on my relationship with my vanilla wife. My goal is to let go of some bad habits and selfishness and embrace making my wife happy. I also want to make the focus less on the device and the rules and more on our relationship.

This is going to be fun!

 

The alarm went off this morning at 6:00 am. It is set to an alternative music station. I usually listen for any new or interesting music playing before I hit the snooze for 20 more minutes of sleep. Well… I don’t usually sleep, but my wife usually rolls over, snuggles close and begins snoring. This has become a welcome interaction over the last few months.

Before implementing a Female Led Relationship I would have viewed this interaction as a sexual advancement by her and reciprocated by groping her body and trying to remove her clothes. The whole situation would have ended with her asking what I was doing, then telling me that we don’t have time for that, and most importantly that she was looking forward to a few more moments sleep and was no longer comfortable. In short I would have made ruined everything and made her resent getting close to me. In the future (the next 15 years) she would avoid that kind of interaction. I would have left frustrated and looked for my physical satisfaction at the first sign of her absence through pornography and masturbation, and masturbation, and masturbation, and probably more masturbation.

Now I have a schedule. The plan is simple, I don’t masturbate at all. I schedule myself every two weeks unless she is unavailable (her monthly menstrual cycle, work etc.) to participate. My plan is simply to only orgasm with her present. If it’s a planned day and she becomes unavailable, I can ask her permission to masturbate. I have told her that I don’t want to masturbate without her though. She isn’t sure how that is going to work because she is so freaking vanilla. She did say that it’s ok for me to masturbate by myself as long as I am thinking of her. And so we are still trying to figure this all out.

Her bottom line can be summed up with a few things that she said when we first began only three months ago “So I get all of the benefits and I don’t have to do any work? Who wouldn’t want that.” Of course this was quickly followed up by, “I don’t want to be involved in decisions because I don’t have the headspace due to work” and “I’m not doing any of the research to make this work.” And, “I don’t want to have to micro-manage your schedule.” And, “So you are saying that we don’t have to do anything that I don’t want to do?” after which she said that I can’t ask for head ever again, I have to stay away from her anus and no sex during the week.” I know what I am giving up. Hope – for certain things. But I am accepting all of the other things that we can do in this alternative lifestyle in exchange. She is still open to suggestions. I just have to accept it if she says no. She still realizes that my hopes, dreams and fantasies are still desired, and is becoming open to the ones that she feels comfortable with.

I am a stay at home dad after working directly for CEO’s, Presidents and Controllers for the last 10 years. She told me to stay home so that she could climb the corporate ladder after a merger forced my position to be dissolved. The device goes on after she leaves in the morning and comes off before the kids come home from school. It’s pretty small, and I’m pretty big which gives me a good reason to not try to cheat. I put the keys on my key ring so that I know where they are. She was very concerned that I would lose them. I have never lost a key in my life, but I am pretty sloppy some times. My desk is a mess of papers, electronics and tools. She has not agreed to be my keyholder, but then again I haven’t asked. That wouldn’t work during every day use for us, since I need to have this thing off before the kids get home from school every day.

I clean and do dishes, shop for meals cook, wash clothes, fold them and put them away, do floors, finish projects around the house, but most importantly I make the bed and lay out a pair of pajamas for her with a note that says “I love you” every day. I have become more helpful, considerate, kind, and generally enjoyable for her to be around. I rub her feet with lotion, massage her back and hips (which have been hurting her for some reason) and try to find ways to plan for events that will be improvements to our lives such as vacations and camping trips.

I have noticed small changes in the way that I treat her. We hug a lot more, kiss a lot more, and most recently she has begun to allow me to touch her intimately without feeling that everything must lead to sex. I’ve been missing her during the day and longing to be with her. I want to do a good job on projects and assignments that she needs done around the house.

Today she even asked me questions that I didn’t expect. She said, “So have you been wearing your thing?” to which I replied,” Yes, I put it on as soon as you leave. It has been helping to keep me focused.” She said, “I thought it was too small.” I replied, “It is very comfortable, as long as I don’t get turned on. Like right now, this just wouldn’t do…” I gave her a wink. Then she said “I thought you were going to get a new one. A bigger one” To which I replied, “If you are telling me to buy one I will order one today, I just haven’t picked one out. I haven’t made a decision yet. Besides the one I have seems to be doing it’s job. I did a bunch of yard work outside yesterday with it on. It would be helpful if it was bigger sometimes, but most of the time I don’t even know it’s there.”

The truth is that like all of the rest of you know, there is some pinching involved from time to time so I never actually forget, especially if I’m writing about it on here. If I’m doing some work outside or cooking or cleaning I really do forget all about it though. A small device is very comfortable as long as you aren’t aroused. I’m in no rush to get a new device.

I asked why she was asking, she said that she hadn’t gotten any email notices. She made a comment about how I could set up my own account, or shut off the emails, but that we were supposed to be open and honest. I told her that I hadn’t ordered one yet and she could know if she wanted. It didn’t bother me either way.

I was just so surprised and happy that she asked I was completely caught off guard. She gave me a list of stuff to do today before she gets home and talked about some projects she wants done (clean out the fridge/pantry/get rid of clutter around the house). So I’m going to go get started for today.

 

Life has become pretty normalized now. FLR obsession period has waned. I really only want what she wants for it to be now. My wife even said, “There’s the man I love! So I guess we are all done with the other stuff?” In reference to chastity and FLR. I simply said, “Nope, I’ve been wearing the device during the day and taking it off and leaving you alone about it before you get home. This way our time is focused on the regular stuff. You know… Us.” She appreciated that. I haven’t been doting over her and showering her with constant attention, and foot rubs at night unless she asks.

It’s not that it’s too much work, but I can see how it must be a little overwhelming for me to ask her to take this new role as “The person in charge” with all at once. It’s easy to forget how to “Act” when you have a lot of normal life stuff going on such as work.

She asked about the new device. I told her that I hadn't ordered it yet, because I am going to make due with this one for now. After all, it does the job and it's quite comfortable if i'm not turned on. She isn't into teasing and doesn't want to see it on me for now so I don't see interacting with her becoming a problem.

Over all I have been trying to respect her wishes more., pick up after myself more, and administrate the home more. Chastity has been a good decision.

The device is small. I had to take a break from it for a few days (Friday through the weekend). I started having internal pain at the top base of my penis shaft. I believe that this is due to the constant downward pull on my shaft by the base ring, especially during an erection. Also, my testicles became sensitive and slightly sore I figured this was due to large amounts of manipulation and pull from time to time.

One thing I noticed was that my erections were at least 1/4 inch larger than usual. I think this is due to having erections while wearing the cage. As the cage pulls away from the body, there is stress on the suspensory ligament that holds the penis to the pubic bone. This is the ligament that causes your penis to stand upright during an erection.

Any porn stars who have a tiny scar at the top base of the penis have had this cut. This can add 20-50 mm of length to almost any penis. However, post op, the penis may not be erect (pointing up) when aroused since this ligament is what is used to pull it back toward the body.

My point is, a small chastity device is making my penis larger. Who would have knew. I wonder if my wife will notice. My next “O” is this weekend.

 

Another first, and it’s freaking great! This time it's all about authority!

It is Saturday and my wife woke up in the mood to cuddle. I reminded her that it was my weekend.to “O”. She said that her back and hip were hurting and that she just wanted to rest while we hold each other and talk about our plan for the day. I had a raging hard on, I apologized for it touching her with it, but I told her that it was unavoidable so that we could snuggle. We discussed our plans for the day which were separate and a great many. Eventually we got hungry and she asked for chocolate chip pancakes.

FYI my pancakes are so good we eat them without syrup!

Anyway, our day started and we were apart for most of it. I am now deep in the second week of chastity I am starting to hit the sweet spot, where I want to wear the device and not “O”. I want her pleasure more than I want anything for me.

We eventually found ourselves back at home towards the end of the day Saturday. She’s still in pain, but pushing through. She went to bed early. I was working on a video that I’m editing. Anyway, time flew by. She stopped by my computer and asked if I forgot about her. I said “No. Just got busy.” Then she invited me back to the bedroom to watch tv. 5 minutes later I was asleep.

Sunday morning came around. We woke up and again she was in pain, but in the mood to be close to me. We talked about all kinds of random stuff. She asked about my device and how it was going, if I was using it. I told her that I do every day. She said that she came across it the other day and was a little worried.

At first I was elated. She’s worried about the device and me! Ha, more interest. Then she said that she was worried that the kids would find it in my sock drawer by accident or that I would lose the keys. I came up with a solution instantly. I’ll keep it in our locked fire safe when not in use, but then to address the key issue…. Now I think I have her!

“You know, I think you are right (I secretly don’t) It would probably be a good idea if you kept one of those keys for me just in case. I am not too worried about losing them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. “

Then she said brought up that she thought that I was going to order a new one. I told her that I’m still researching them.

The problem is that I really like the one I have, kind of. My skin pokes out between the bars of the A275 chastity device. Some times (most of the time) I either have pinching or scratching going on with my shaft skin or my glans. I really want a Holy Trainer clone, but I love the weight, security, and peace of mind (that it won’t split) of a metal device. I have been looking at the A257 standard size 45mm ring device, but it costs a little more and ($27 vs $18) and if the device weight or interior or ball space is no good, but I’m getting too far off track.

I reminded her that It was my weekend to “O” but to feel no pressure and to please say, “No” if she even was a little uncomfortable with the idea. I said, “I’m enjoying the snuggling so much that I don’t care either way.”

She immediately said, “My answer is, “No” maybe later. The snuggling is good for now, but we will need breakfast soon and I want pancakes again.”

So I asked permission, then buried my face in her ample bosom and wrapped my arms around her waist running my hands up and down her back.

The day went by pretty quick. I checked the calendar before I came in the bedroom. We found ourselves Her period starts tomorrow…Yikes… I told her as I got into bed, If we don’t make love tonight you won’t be available to enjoy an “O” again for a week. She looked me dead in the eye and said, “I thought I told you, “No.” this morning.”

Uh oh. But I love the authority she is exhibiting (she’s not like this about everything or anything for that matter!)

I reminded her that she said maybe later, and since it was later, and the circumstances were what they were, I thought I should ask. She said, “I give you permission to go take care of it yourself tonight, and I’m watching some stuff that you don’t like right now, so if you want you can go.”

I left thinking, “Hey, I get to go masturbate! Here I cum!” but then on the way out I realized how nice I have felt lately and how much I have gotten done. I turned to her and said, “What if I would rather not tonight.” She said, “As long as it doesn’t become a problem that’s fine.”

I walked out thinking: This is an opportunity for me to not orgasm, prove that the use of a device is to her benefit, and make her feel more in charge! I’m not going to “O” tonight… But I haven’t checked my schedule soooooo….

Well, I just checked. My next “O” is in two weeks, so fingers crossed she is horny after her period in a week and wants sex. I’m just going to focus on making her happy.

Wish me luck!

 

Well, since she asked... again... I did it. I ordered an a257 Stainless Steel Holy Trainer clone from eBay for $27 from China. It should be a little bigger than the A275 cage style and I look forward to not having skin sticking out between the bars. It should be here late April early May.

 

Thanks @Mash2214 for the encouragement. Today she called me on her way to discuss the new device I ordered too. She said, "It looks like a trophy." As long as she has a positive description and disposition about the whole thing then I agree more progress.

We also had a talk the other night in bed before lights out. She apologized for her lack of interest on my weekend, then said, "but I did say you could go take care of yourself." She said, "You still can you know." I told her, "My "O" date has come and gone so I'm not allowed now." To which she replied, "Then I guess you lost your opportunity. Too bad. Looks like you get nothing for two more weeks."

I had an instant erection.

Over the weekend she discussed with me some of her concerns. What if someone notices it when I'm out. Make sure that it is properly stored when the kids are around. I told her that I would put it on for her to see how unnoticeable it is. She said, "No, I don't want you to put it on with me here."

I assured her that it is for my personal use and that I store it when anyone is around.

She stayed home the next day due to hip pain. I didn't tell her but I installed my device and wore it all day. I even hugged her while standing face to face with her without her noticing. At the end of the day I asked her if she noticed that I wore my device and told her that it helped keep me focused. The look on her face was priceless. She had no idea it was even on. The A275 is a great low profile device. You just have to watch out for erections. I noticed that mine sort of curl up inside of my lower body cavity. I don't mind stretching the crap out of my suspensory ligament or even tearing it, but I don't want to give myself a hernia.

Today installed my device (Chinese A275) as soon as she left for work. I was thinking about how great it is that my wife has agreed to participate in this with me and how much more comfortable she is with the device. I did some reading on this site, then decided to pull the trigger on a new, bigger device with less shaft skin exposure.

I ordered the A257 (aka Chinese steel rikers/Holy Trainer clone) this afternoon from China. Expected delivery date is late April, to mid May. I look forward to having a little extra room and not having my skin pinched and rubbed.

I have a lot going on, so although it will be a long wait I'm not too worried about it. This device is available for $5 more from New York in 3 days on eBay if you need it sooner.

 

@Vinny I love reading how it's all about your wife. I find no idea sexier than that of watching her masturbate while I am forced to watch without. You have truly lived and are living one of most men's fantasies. A bisexual wife who is into kink and trying whatever, whenever. I did notice that you mention often that she is more into women than men. I wonder why she hasn't been interested in a new female lover.

@Jasmic68 as always, your words are inspiring. I'm trying to get the most out of this experience as possible. I waited for her to bring up the new device twice before I ordered it. eBay sent her the email with the notification, which she opened and saw. She said, "It looks like a trophy." which is positive and, "It doesn't look very breathable." which I countered with, "It's only for daytime use so there shouldn't be any issues." But I look forward to having less stimulation. In the mean time. I do still like my current device and will keep and use it afterward.

 

Wow! Thanks so much for your link @QSMd . I read your post on reddit. I haven't found a lot of reviews of this online so congratulations on being one of the first.

 

Holy freaking cow! Two things just happened today. I mentioned that I was super horny this morning to my wife. then texted her an apology because I don’t want her to think about my problems, and I certainly don’t want her to feel any pressure because of what I sent her. She texted me back not to worry about it and that we would talk about it tonight…

Now a little back story. My wife listened to some pod cast on her way to work which discussed male hormones and it’s affect on their attitudes, desire, and general behavior. Then it followed a lady who was just starting to take testosterone. She said she was turned on by everything masculine. Sometimes she got horny when a muscle car would drive by.

Welcome to our world… Am I right?

So she had a long talk with me about how she gets it. I’m turned on by the wind blowing and even more when that wind hits her skirt.

So back to today. We talked about our progress and how happy or not she is with me wearing a device. To which she replied it’s all become normal. She still has no desire to want to see it on me, or to tell me to wear it but she understands what is going on and can see how wearing a device has upped my productivity around the house.

She said that she is super happy that she feels no pressure for sex, even if I talk about it. She knows that I’m not asking for it. I’m just having a conversation about it.

We discussed motivation. I told her that I am still motivated by sex even though I’m not getting any, to which she replied that she wants to change that, and asked me if I deserve a gift for being so good lately.

I told her that I could have been better, but I would love the motivation to be better. My mind is reeling at this point. What the heck could she be thinking about? I have no idea.

Then she asked me to research and buy her a vibrator!

What the… What!?!

My vanilla wife… And she wouldn’t stop smiling and talking about it. She said that she really wanted to have this experience. She didn’t want one that looked phallic, because it wasn’t supposed to be a replacement for me, and it couldn’t be too big. Something comfortable and smooth.

So now I have to find the perfect toy for her…

I’m so excited! I don't know what to do with myself!

 

What a weekend! We finally cashed in on my birthday gift from a relative to watch the kids for a weekend and booked a crazy trendy hotel room at the beach.

I asked her if she wanted me to bring my device. She said only if I needed it. I tried to ask a different way, “Would you like me to wear my device while we are on vacation?” She looked at me again and said, “If you need your device to control yourself then you should have it. Otherwise you should leave it.” I told her that I wouldn’t be masturbating on the trip. So she said to leave it.

Ugh. It’s difficult to play a two player game by yourself…

My wife decided that this would be the weekend that she used her new toys for the first time. But being a good husband in a FLR I put that as far from my mind as possible and focused on just making her happy in the moment.

We checked in around 3 pm, unpacked and made some plans for later. I said, “Hey you know that they have jet ski’s and small boats down there. She really liked the idea of renting a boat to scoot around on. So I called down stairs to the rental office to check on the pricing.

“Boat Rentals”

“Hi there, I’m up in room 405. I was just wondering about the pricing on the boats and jet skis.”

“Boats are 200 per hour and seat 6. Jet skis are 65 for the first half hour and 120 for an hour and seat 3. But the water is too choppy for the boats. Come on down if you want to rent a jet ski.”

“Oh. Ok, thanks.”

We changed into our bathing suits, lathered up with sun block and headed to the pool and jet ski rental area.

We decided to rent a jet ski first and then float around in the pool.

Now, I don’t know if you know anything about jet skis and windy choppy water, but let me tell you… If there looks like there might be a slight breeze and the waves are bigger than ZERO WAVES, don’t rent a jet ski. That thing beat the hell out of us. My wife looked up one time. When she did the wind blew her hat off. That sucker is probably choking a sea turtle or something right now because there was no way we were going back for it. Every time we slowed down we thought that the whole boat was going to flip, so we left it. We rented for half an hour but only stayed out for fifteen minutes.

We came back to shore after fifteen minutes of holding on for dear life, knowing that we would be sore in places that deserved to be sore for other reasons if you catch my drift. I felt like rode a mechanical bull run by a sadist, and my wife’s knuckles are still white from the death grip she had on my chest. Claw marks people. I have claw marks. I look like I was attacked by an American Bald Eagle! Thank god we returned that human beat down machine early. It bounced me around so much I swear my spine compressed and I became shorter!

We rinsed off, and headed into the pool. Instantly we were lost in the sounds of the waterfall and the view of the bay. She loves to float while I gently place my hands under her and move her around the pool. It has been a long time since we have had this kind of time together. We stayed in the pool as long as possible.

Dinner was scheduled at 5:30. We like to eat early with the old people. There is less commotion and noise. The chefs are fresh and not behind and dinner is usually served pretty quickly. I had a sliced sirloin sandwich served on a toasted hoagie roll with a mushroom cheese sauce. Yumm. She had Red snapper over risotto with mixed vegetables. Our preferred wine is Kendall Jackson Vinters Reserve 2015. Super nice. Very aromatic California chardonnay.

We retired to the bedroom super full, aching from our afternoon beat down and ready to just relax and sleep. We found ourselves watching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince which led to a conversation about wanting to watch the series over again. Before I knew it I was asleep with the show on with my wife following closely behind.

I wanted more, but was just glad to be spending time with her.

The next morning we awoke in a great mood with the exception of still being sore from the day before. Sleeping in is a great change of pace. We discussed our plan, breakfast, a walk on the beach and head to the pool after checkout since the hotel front desk told us to “Please feel free to continue using our facilities for the rest of the day after check out!” I reminded her that we still had plenty of time to mess around sexually before breakfast, so we closed the blinds and she agreed to play with her new toys. Well, with one toy. I purchased three, but only brought two, but she was only interested in external stimulation so my options were limited.

I told her that they were quite pretty but she wasn’t interested in seeing them at all. She was super turned on right away though. FYI I purchased a

Doc Johnson Mood – G-powerful in purple- We didn’t use this but it seems to have a great shape and lots of power. It’s waterproof and only has one button which makes it simple, It uses 2 AAA batteries verses others like it which use one. It has seven settings and is hard and smooth to get to that G-spot but still seems a little buzzy. Did I mention that this thing is beautiful?

Trojan Vibrations Divine Massager – We used this. This thing is freaking amazing. It has a silicone outer, which is ridged but not phallic. It uses 2 AAA batteries which come with the device, and they were name brand (Duracell). It’s low setting is very rumbly which was exactly what she wanted in comparison to the buzzy numbing high settings. We only used this for external use, and I towards the end I held it in my hand while I manually stimulated her clitoris… I became a human sex toy! Anyway, it was good. I was hoping that we would use it for penetration, but she just wasn’t ready and I didn’t want to push her.

Magic Wand rechargeable personal massager. We have not used this. I like this one though for my back. She might not use this, but it’s a body massager first as far as I’m concerned. Cordless too. If she gets nutty and wants to try it out for sexy time it also has attachments available for the top. Super good device. Expensive, but super good.

We headed to breakfast and were surrounded by people with screaming children so we ate as quickly as possible and bolted.

We walked on the beach, picked up some shells. The wind was whipping up sand so we didn’t last long on the beach. Soon enough we were ready to head back to the pool for our last hoorah. We swam and floated, but knowing that we had to leave… Well, it was like the special had worn off, and the anxiety of our responsibilities had returned. We tried a mixed drink, and then it was time to go.

Back to reality and life. Our new energy was slightly stifled by the pains still in our bodies from the jet ski experience. Regardless, we started our normal weekly routines…. Sort of…

Look… Here’s the deal. I didn’t put on my device Monday. I was frustrated by the new metal HTv2 being so heavy and the lock not working, and wasn’t sure about going back into my A257, so I left it off. Everything was going fine, until I masturbated. My wife was super busy at work and I don’t know, I just did it. I figured she doesn’t really care, because we haven’t been talking about it much lately. Then I did it again every day that week sometimes several times a day (up to 3). I guess I just thought we would have a supersex weekend and it didn’t happen and I made up for lost time.

So over the weekend I told myself that I was satisfied and to start over on Monday. So Monday I put on my device a257 and was a good boy. Same with Tuesday, and today Wednesday. The thing is.. My wife asked me tonight how I was doing…. And I told her.

She seemed pretty upset. I told her that, ”I cheated and that I knew it was wrong and I did it anyway.” I continued, “It’s just me policing myself, and there are no consequences for doing bad or rewards for doing good. It’s hard to do this just for me.”

She sounded pretty upset when she told me that she didn’t think it was right that I did it without asking her permission first. And that she thought that she satisfied me with the one orgasm that I got… That she gave me.

I told her that she was busy and I didn’t want to bother her with my problems. I felt really bad. Anyway, she said that I didn’t deserve to interrupt her shows, taking her down time to discuss this any further and that I could leave.

I have mixed feelings about this. I think she might be genuine about how upset she was, but it’s hard to say.

What have I learned about myself? Well, I know that I can control myself when people are around, so the evenings are no big deal, but daytime is another issue. When I’m alone, I have to put on my device right away, or I’m going to start making decisions about how to spend my free time. If I do this I will masturbate every time. I wish she would just tell me to put it on before she leaves every day.

 

11 days being locked and the buzzing feeling at night has started making me almost too aroused. I asked if I could wear my device at night to bed. I can't believe that she agreed. We have now gone from vanilla and no device, to a device that I can only wear when she is not around, to a device that she allows me to wear at night with her to bed... But the night time erections and burning sensations are proving too much while I sleep, waking me up several times per night. I have tried both devices (the a257 stainless HTv2 clone and a275 arc stainless cage) neither proves to fit any better for night time wear. Perhaps a larger ring that allows base growth at night is will work.

On a separate note I have discovered a way to make the a257 HTv2 clone weight a non issue. I secure it around my waist with a paracord belt. A bowline knot on one side and a taught line hitch on the other for adjusting tightness. This makes it as close to a custom belt device as I will ever have. It is locked in place and the weight is completely relieved. Best part is that total cost is less than $30 for a very secured feeling.

I wish I could make it through the night. If I keep trying every night and start to make it, that could put me in a position for 24/7 wear on get away trips. I still don't want it on during the day when the kids are around.

On another side note, this is going to prove to be another long month. My last "O" was supposed to be on April 29th on our vacation, but I cheated the first week of the month which I wrote about in my last post. I cheated every day three times per day Monday through Thursday May 4th. So I checked the calendar and this weekend was her period, and the next two weekends I may be out of town. she won't be available again until either the weekend of June 3rd (30 days) or June 10th (37 days I may be out of town) or June 24th (Yikes 51 days). In a way I'm kind of excited to find out if I can make it. In a way I'm kind of sad that she is so strict about not having sex during the week days (M-F). It really doesn't make sense to me, although it does make this game of chastity more interesting.