Would you be comfortable getting a professional massage from a man or woman? Massages have nothing to do with the class, but gender does. I have had this conversation with lots of people and everyone has different opinions like: I do not want another man or woman touching me except my wife/husband/girl/boy/friend or It really does not matter. This kind of like asking if you prefer a male or female doctor. Do you guys have a opinions or would your decision change if the massage therapist or doctor was a homosexual?

I would prefer having a female doctor. I don't know why, I guess because she would understand things that are going on with my body because she is also a female. I just never have felt comfortable being examined by a male doctor for some reason.

I personally would not have a problem with either a male or female giving me a massage, as long as the individual kept it professional and to the point. My brother does not agree with me - I was talking to him about the topic and he said that he would never let a male give him a massage. A massage is almost too girly! Sports trainers are okay though - he plays football at his college! Men have this idea that if a guy were to give them a massage they would be considered gay. In today's society, men need to overcome this image that guys cannot be affectionate without someone accusing them of being gay!!

I agree with Jill's findings. the word massage has come into a more erotic meaning in our society lately. They are more intimate if given by a spouse or significant other, but if given by, say, a chiropractor or a physical therapist, they are ok. There is something about the setting that makes me feel uneasy. I have a friend who is a male, and a certified massage therapist and I had him adjust my back one day because it had been sore. This didn;t feel wierd or anything like that, however, I wouldn't ask him to give me a massage out of the blue. Another friend of mine, a female, has wonderful hands and gives great massages, and I will go to her, almost daily, and ask for one. There is something about the purpose and connotation that makes one feel uneasy or comforted in this situation.

When I was in my 20s, I was quite shy and would not have felt comfortable receiving a massage from a man - unless I knew him well. But I have since taken a massage therapy course and had alot of massages. I agree with Jill that if a person is professional, which is the only kind I imagine (besides an intimate partner's touch), then my preference is to whomever will massage with the technique I prefer.

In my massage therapy class, I was surprised to discover how incredibly unique our preferences are when it comes to touch. Big people whom I actually anticipated might want a deep touch massage often times wanted light, easy massaging. I'm small-framed but like deep muscle work in a massage. I think when one finds a massage therapist one likes, it is a worthwhile investment, male or female.