Some married couples include watching their partner masturbate in their sexual routine. Many of these people report feeling a stronger bond with the people who are watching the act.
A third type of situation occurred when people would deliberately arrange things so as to be seen — either by a neighbor or by people on the street.
Finally, all three types of observation situations seem to transcend gender and sexual orientation — both gay and straight males and females can enjoy being watched as they masturbate. Although most people said that being watched enhanced their orgasms, a few reported having difficulty getting an erection or having only a modest orgasm.]
I was at a friend's house, and we were trying to watch the scrambled Playboy channel (yes, I know — pathetic). I was lying on his love seat while he and another friend sat on the couch. For some reason, the TV signal kept coming in pretty strong. I got pretty worked up, so I grabbed a big fluffy pillow and set it on top of me. I was wearing some baggy warm-ups, so it was easy to rub myself through them. I didn't think they would even notice, but I found out later they knew exactly what I was doing. Oops! At least they didn't tease me too badly or spread it around school or something like that. But then, I guess friends wouldn't do that.
- age 15, Michigan
When I was married, my wife once watched me without my knowledge. When she came in, I got more excited. She sat down and said to keep going because it got her panting — and before I knew it, she was going at it. That was the start of a new experience for both of us. We did it all the time. She would wake me up in the middle of the night masturbating. It was great fun. I liked to stand in front of her and masturbate while she watched.
- age 58, Michigan
When I was 15 my neighbor across the street and I both got telescopes, and we used to watch each other masturbate all the time. We would set it up with walkie-talkies.
- age 27, California
It wasn't until I reached orgasm that I knew I was being watched. I was camping in a treehouse a few years ago. I thought I was alone, so I decided to pull it out and have a wank. It took me a while to climax. When I finally finished, I noticed some younger kids in a tree in the next yard. They had seen the entire thing. Even though I didn't know them well, I was extremely embarrassed. I had always masturbated only inside the privacy of my own room when I knew for sure that nobody was inside the house and I had the blinds closed.
- age 15, California
Yes — when I was 12, in front of my younger sister. That was more of a curiosity thing. The other times were in front of my ex-girlfriend. We often masturbated in front of each other as either a prelude to sex or a substitute for sex.
- age 20, Massachusetts
Once I was babysitting and just had to masturbate. I had put the kids to bed, so I decided just to masturbate on the couch in their den. I was having a really good session when I thought I heard something and looked up to see the 10-year-old standing in the doorway, watching. I was so horny that I just kept going. He stood and watched until I ejaculated. Then I told him about masturbation.
- age 16, Canada
One day I came home from work early, so I stripped, jumped into bed, lay back, and started pumping away. I had my eyes closed but got the feeling someone was watching me. I opened my eyes to see my wife standing there. I was enjoying it too much to stop, though, and continued until I finally ejaculated. When I looked up, she was smiling at me. Since then, she has "caught" me many times.
- age 36, Texas
"It took me forever.
I think it's because I'm used to being by myself."
I have only once masturbated to completion with somebody watching. My girlfriend wanted to see what a guy masturbating looks like, and she said it turned her on. It took me forever to get myself to finish. I have no idea why. I can do it by myself really fast if I want to. I think it's because I'm used to being by myself.
- age 25, Pennsylvania
Once I was masturbating with my finger and noticed another girl awake in my dorm room. She could see everything I was doing clearly, but I kept doing it anyway. It gave me a thrill to think of another person watching me, and I climaxed especially hard that time.
- age 17, England (female)
My younger brother (age 12) and I share a room, and I know he can see me from his bed. He has been asking me questions about stuff, but we're kind of shy to go into details — so one night when I really felt like doing it, I just went ahead and masturbated when he turned off his study light. I knew he was still awake and probably watching, but I guess that was the best way for me to answer his questions. I know we've got to talk about it — maybe I'll start the conversation.
- age 15, Illinois
I was 18, masturbating completely nude on my bed, and going at it furiously when my 16-year-old sister walked in suddenly. Instead of stopping, I just kept going while she watched. She simply said, "You must have really enjoyed yourself," and walked out. We talked about it recently, and she said that actually she saw me masturbating at least 10 times over the years.
- age 28, California
I masturbated once when I was over at a friend's house. I really wanted him to masturbate with me, but I wasn't sure if he'd be up to it at first. So when he left the room, I cracked the door and started to masturbate on the bed. I heard him come near the door, but he didn't come in, so I knew he was watching me. This turned me on, and after he saw me doing it, he joined in.
- age 14, Tennessee
Nope — I never have masturbated when somebody was watching, but I have always wanted to.
- age 17, Massachusetts
There is a secluded nude beach nearby where a lot of males go. Masturbation is common there. After a while in the warm sun and nice breezes, with the all the sensuality around, it is hard not to start playing with myself.
- age 44, Florida
A couple of years ago a woman and her boyfriend had their bedroom window opposite mine. Whenever they got undressed, they would draw their curtain, but I did not do likewise. She used to watch me carefully and did not move for a second if I was masturbating. Once, I noticed that she disappeared and came back with the boyfriend. I got really crazy, knowing they were both watching me and got aroused by the show. I would not mind masturbating onstage — but it's a dream I know will never come true!
- age 17, United Kingdom
I masturbated in front of an 11-year-old boy who wanted to know "how it works." I did it until I reached orgasm. It was really hot knowing somebody was watching me. Afterwards, he tried it out, too.
- age 16, Germany
Last night my husband was helping me. That was fun! We have watched and helped each other out many times.
- age 28, California (female)
Once my girlfriend said she wanted to watch me masturbate, so she went into her bathroom and kept watch at the door — partly watching me and partly keeping watch for her parents or siblings. I was really horny that day, but when I lay down and pulled down my pants, I couldn't keep an erection. I stroked for a while but it just wouldn't come. I asked for her to kiss me, and it finally did come up. Then I stroked for 4 or 5 minutes before I ejaculated. She left while I cleaned up and came out. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be.
- age 16, Tennessee
We had a bad storm, and I had to stay at my girlfriend's house that night. I slept in her room in a sleeping bag and was really horny, so I started to masturbate. Then all of a sudden she shined a flashlight on me and said to keep quiet.
- age 13, New Mexico
My girlfriend and I were masturbating together. It was great — one of the best orgasms I have ever had.
- age 23, Idaho
No, nobody has ever watched me masturbate, at least that I know about. I wouldn't want someone to watch me.
- age 14, Finland
At first I was a little unsure about masturbating in front of someone, but as I got into it I lost my inhibitions. When I finished, the observer told me it was a huge turn-on for him to see. He had the biggest smile on his face, and that made me feel totally sexy.
- age 19, California (female)
Once my brother was watching me. I was 15 and he was 13. He was hiding in the cupboard. I saw him, but for some reason I kept on going. I knew he was enjoying watching me because he did not stop looking. It felt so good, and it made me feel a lot bigger once I did it. Later that day he asked me if I masturbated. I said yes and replied, "Who doesn't?" He then said he did as well, and he asked if it was okay. I felt sorry for him and said not to worry, that he could do it when I am around and in my room — just watch out for mum and dad. Then he giggled and ran upstairs. I think I know what he was doing.
- age 16, England
Several years ago I was hiking in a local park. I felt confident I was alone and was feeling frisky, so I decided to masturbate. After I got my shorts down and began to stroke, I noticed a man standing off in the woods watching me. He never approached me — he just played with himself through his pants. Knowing he was watching brought me to a quick and hefty climax. I finished, zipped up, and left him to do the same.
- age 39, Kentucky
I've never masturbated when I knew someone was watching, but I know I couldn't do that.
- age 14, Iowa
At our high school we showered in stalls after gym. The light was such that one could see a clear reflection of the person in the next stall in the floor tiles. When I saw the other boy naked I got kind of horny and started to masturbate a little. As I started to go hard, I saw his penis get hard, too. So I started to show off a bit. When he left, I actually ejaculated. I was about 14 when this happened.
- age 19, Holland
I was at my friend's house and he got out one of those motorcycle magazines, where they have the gorgeous babes *nearly* naked next to a bike. I got really erect, and so did he. He started to rub his penis through his pants, and I took my penis out and had an orgasm right there. It was fun.
- age 14, Texas
One time before my boyfriend came over I decided to masturbate, just to relieve some sexual tension. I was lying on my bed when I heard the door squeak so softly, and I knew he was watching. So I spread my legs wider in his direction, so he could see me at work. I became very excited, and I began the largest orgasm I had ever had. When it was over, I got up and got dressed, as if nothing ever happened. When I went downstairs, I saw my boyfriend sitting on the couch with a large erection. I asked him if he had seen me, and he said he had. Then I asked if he would like to try masturbating me, so he did — and I had an even larger orgasm!
- age 17, Illinois (female)
I showed my cousin how to masturbate — does that count? He was 12 and I was 15. We were camping at the beach, and I hadn't masturbated in several days. We went out walking to explore some tide pools, and I really needed to masturbate, so I asked him if he'd done it before. He told me he hadn't, so I did it right in front of him. I ejaculated right on the rocks. He just watched but didn't try to do it then. I think he did later on, though!
- age 16, Hawaii
I have often masturbated with buddies of mine and knew they were watching. We have done it in groups many times. A couple of us are bi and the others are straight. It is all just a huge male bonding thing. After wanking while someone was watching and watching another guy masturbate, I decided I like it. Even though I plan to get married and have a family, I still plan to wank around with other guys every once in a while. I look at it as exploring who I am and who they are. It is fun to watch each other or even wank each other. It helps you understand yourself and the other person a lot better.
- age 18, Tennessee
"It turned out to be my friend
watching me with a pair of binoculars."
The backyard of my house looks out on a canyon. The nearest neighbor who might be able to see our backyard is about 300 yards away. I used to babysit for them until I got too busy. Their oldest kid and I are still friends; he's 14 now. When my parents are gone, my favorite place to masturbate is on one of the loungers on the rear deck. There's a cool view of the canyon, I can take off all of my clothes, I can fantasize about all kinds of things, and I can take a really long time. A few times when I was out there masturbating, I would see a little flash of sunlight, like from a mirror. When I turned my dad's little telescope in that direction, it turned out to be my friend watching me with a pair of binoculars. I'm not gay, but knowing he was watching me made it seem like dangerous and cool at the same time. I kind of put on a show for him. My orgasm was one of the most intense of my life, and there was an incredible amount of semen. Later I talked him into doing it for me when his parents are gone and he said the same thing about the first time he knew I was watching — he had an intense orgasm with lots of semen. We do it a couple of times a month now. Knowing that someone else is watching is dope!
- age 17, California
The only time I've ever masturbated with someone watching was one night with my boyfriend. I desperately wanted to achieve orgasm while we were having intercourse, but I just can't for some reason. I can orgasm only through clitoral stimulation. As I masturbated, he did too, but only slowly, to keep himself ready — I told him that as soon as I started to orgasm, I wanted him to start having intercourse with me. It was the best feeling ever!
- age 18, Australia (female)
Over the years I have masturbated many times while being watched by both men and women. The first time, I let my neighbor "catch" me going at it in my backyard. I had already spied on her on several occasions while she was masturbating, so I decided to give her a show. I had seen her at her window, so I opened my fly and started stroking. Knowin she was watching me was incredibly exciting, and I had an enormous orgasm.
- age 51, Canada
A few weeks ago, after returning from a weightlifting session, I was lying on my dorm-room floor watching TV with the lights out. My roommate was on the top bunk. I was really turned on that night and thought what the heck, so I pulled down my sweatpants and began to stroke myself slowly. As I began to get closer to what I knew was going to be a powerful orgasm, I realized he was also masturbating while watching me. We both reached our orgasms at about the same time. It was such a rush to masturbate in front of another guy — something I'd never had the nerve to do before. I hope "watching TV" will become a regular activity for us!
- age 18, Pennsylvania
No one has ever watched me. I have always made sure to masturbate in private.
- age 33, Finland
A couple of months ago I went to use a public toilet in a department store. There was a hole in the stall wall, and I could see this guy masturbating. I got *quite* an erection and began masturbating, myself. I could see his eye through the hole, but I don't think he could see my face — just me masturbating. Once I started I couldn't stop, and it took only a minute or so before I climaxed. I was kind of embarrassed and scared, but I just couldn't stop.
- age 17, Ohio
About 2 years ago, I was masturbating in my house in a room that faced the street and neighbors' homes. I forgot to at least pull down the shades or turn off the lights so no one would see me, and after I finished, I saw that someone from a neighboring house was watching me. I know that I didn't *know* I was being watched while masturbating, but when I found out that I was, I was scared and embarrassed and couldn't help but think, "What if that was someone from school, or one of my classmates' parents?" But I never saw that "secret admirer" again or found out who she (I think it was a she) was. Sometimes now, I like to pretend she *is* watching me. It's pathetic, but incredible, all at once. I really like the thought of someone enjoying watching me enjoy myself.
- age 16, New York
A buddy and I have masturbated together several times while watching an x-rated movie. We weren't specifically watching each other, but knowing that we were both getting excited by the same thing and doing something about it at the same time made it even more exciting. When we finished, we'd remark about the amount we'd ejaculated or how good the orgasm felt. In a way, it was really a bonding experience.
- age 19, Ohio
When I was 15 I was on vacation with my parents, camping at the beach. We were all sharing a tent, so there wasn't much privacy. I went for a walk and thought I found a private place behind a dune, so I took off my bathing suit, lay down on the sand, and began to masturbate. I was very close to orgasm when I heard someone giggle, and I looked around to see two boys around 12 watching me. I swore, but I couldn't stop — so I went ahead and finished. I actually felt more turned on because I knew they were looking. What a climax!
- age 17, California
Last summer my whole family rented a house for 10 days at a popular but small island resort. There were 18 of us in a place that could sleep the adults and little kids on beds but provided no privacy at all for the rest of us. While we older kids were at the beach one day, my 16-year-old cousin told me he was going to explode if he couldn't masturbate soon. I was feeling the need, too, so I took him to the most isolated place I could think of, took off my suit, and began to masturbate. He'd never done it before with anyone else watching, but the urge got to him — and his suit came off, too. I set a real slow pace that frustrated him, but I told him it would be cool, so he matched my slower stroking speed. Watching his chest get redder and redder was cool. Knowing he was watching me was really cool. My orgasm was earth-shattering, and my cousin's was so powerful he fell to his knees! We did it a few more times during that vacation and have also done it at home since then.
- age 18, California
