Who would you rather get a massage from?!
Question:
Who would you rather get a massage from?
A guy or a girl...or it doesn't matter. Also, why did you pick your answer. I ask because I am a massage therapist and I have noticed a lot of guys are not comfortable receiving massages from male therapists. I have noticed that lots of woman are also not comfortable having a male therapist. I have seen that it is harder for male therapists in this field because of that. I personally would prefer a male because they tend to be stronger and more talented, but that's just me!
Answers: I am going to try to be as honest as possible from my OWN point of view in hopes it aides you in some way as an answer.
I am a female, and quite shy around undressing in front of males, however I think if I were to get a massage and the therapist was a male I'd be fine with it as they arent present when you prepare, and you are usually left with a choice what is comfortable for you to disrobe. As long as they remained professional (male or female), and I assume they would as they wouldnt want to just risk their license. I'd be fine with either myself. Also I think a male would have stronger more powerful hands to give the massage, however, a female would be a bit more sensuous with smaller more delicate hands. So perhaps that is a factor to some?? I also have often said that a massage (for me) is almost sexual. You are physically being touched all over and it feels good. (but I think the thought would only exceed a certain limit IF my massager were a "partner" as opposed a therepist....) Perhaps that thought alone causes discomfort in men and woman alike with a male thereapist???? Finding more comfort with a female thereapist if at all it seems sexual to them??? Some men just are not going to want to be touched by another male in that way, which to me is silly. Some females may not feel comfortable with a man's hands roaming their body. I am a female I can understand that, however a massage doesn't focus on any private area's, nor is it done in any sexual fashion, and you are always welcome to restrict area's ofd discomfort to you and no one seems to mind request..... Personally I think I like the best of both worlds. Depending on which type massage I'm in the mood for...... Who would know what they prefer without trying both??? We chose male doctors every day. I personally go for a female doctor over a male but in massage I think the point of two different styles due to mascilinity and femininity I go either way with a massage. I think anyone getting a massage, especially for medical purposes is cheating themselves somewhat not trying a male thereapist. I appolgize to my 2 female friends who are thereapist but that is my opinion in all fairness!!!! I might be wrong in my thinking but I'd seek a male thereapist for medical reasons and a female for sensual more relaxing times sought. I hope this helps you in some way. Now can I get a massage???? lol PEOPLE READING THIS; If you have never had a massage, get one!! I once was uncomfortable to have one i thought they were to personal and weird, now I love them!!! They are fabulous and you feel so rested and perky after. Its great!!!! Well worth indulging yourself with. Do it!!! I would NEVER pass one up, male or female provider!! I would pick a woman...they hands are much softer personally i wouldnt mind, as long as they are qualified :)
but i think men are uncomfortable with men massaging them as they are homophobic and will worry what "the lads" will say, so if they have a woman they can boast about the "hot bird" who massaged them.
women are probably uncomfortable with men massaging them if they have body and confidence issues. stripping down to just a towel is much easier for some women then others i would pick a women. i feel very uncomfortable and disgusting when a man touching me, and men always too strong! I'm a female :)...and I'd rather have a female. I would feel more comfortable and I've had a guy do it and he was too rough.... I would prefer a female because I don't want a strange guy touching me. It's funny. I'm also a massage therapist and the massage I have loved have been from men. I can handle firm pressure, but little focused pressure. I honestly hate the raking for the ribcage. lol Ouch! Men almost seem more professional and have more confidence. Don't get me wrong. I'm female and have had great massage from female therapists. But guys have that wider hand that works really well for my body. Women tend to poke me and that never feels good. lol I find the stigmas out there interesting. I never watch Seinfeld, but wasn't there an episode where they were getting massages, and neither one of them wanted to go with the male therapist? lol That's kinda how it is. :)
My teacher looked at the male therapist, who wanted a mostly female client base, and she said: you'll have a harder time finding clients, but the ones you have will never leave you. It's kinda true. There is a depth this question that you need to consider. In this homophobic age I can understand why some men would have a challenge with a male therapist. I think what you have to do is prepare your customer by allaying his concerns about you with some initial conversation and explanation of your procedures and techniques.
The same goes for women. Women don't want to be touched inappropriately and the therapist has to do everything possible to remove that thought by providing an environment in which the customer feels nothing can go wrong.
I don't know what that would be! But that's what my gut tells me. I feel more comfortable with males. They have stronger and more aggressive pressure. My personality is that they get my humor quickly, so rather than seeing it as immature, like females sometimes do.... Men go along with it as a youthful behavior. That's why I prefer men to message me, because I feel psychologically safe. Okay....here is my OPINION. I am also a therapist. That being said I am also overweight and was molested by my father as a child. 25 % of women will experience some form of sexual abuse in there life. No matter how well you recover it changes you. Safety is a big issue for many people. NOT that all men are perpetrators, but safety is an issue. Personal comfort is also an issue. Body image is a huge issue, that's why some people never get massages. One of the biggest issues is that we live in a society that is way over sexualized. It is increasingly harder to find good clean forms of touch. Given by spiritually clean (not physically etc.) people. Men are told all their life that they are sexual creatures and that it is normal for them to pretty much walk around with erections. I know that is an exaduration, but honesty how many men are told at a young age that it is okay to touch someone and hug someone and not have it lead to sex. Boys are quite often shunned, usually by men and boys, if they hold hands with their friends. The only highly accepted physical contact by men is sexual or aggressive. AND EVERYONE KNOWS THAT! Men know that men are not supposed to touch them unless they want their scapula ripped off. Women know that men will be looking at their bodies and touching them. I know that I am falling into the stereotype, but beliefs are formed thru experience. I have worked with men that I felt should be reported for ethic violation. I also see a man therapist fat and full of issues because I know him and his wife personally and I KNOW that he is an exception to the rule. Just like there are women that lust after their clientele. Men would rather have the touch of a woman and women would rather have the safety of a woman. Believe me I know that there are great therapist out there that don't buy this lie. They are clean of intent. Unfortunately the world is slow to change it's mind. I want a massage from someone, male or female, that has a good touch and a strong back. Many therapists feel that they should ask if the pressure is good every few minutes. My theory on this is to go deep and wide and if the patient hollers, let him go. I have a rule when it comes to strength, if I hurt you, say ouch and I'll let up a bit.
The women in my clientele are devoted to me as the men are a little shy to actually admit their pleasure from my touch. I am female. I prefer a male massage therapist. They're stronger and in my experience more gentle.