Q&A for How to Give a Romantic Massage

If they are okay with it, then yes, you can drape a towel over your partner's face.

Tell them to stop. As soon as you feel even remotely uncomfortable during a massage, or any other romantic or sexual activity, you should immediately speak up. If the person will not stop, end the activity completely and have a serious talk about respect and consent.

Likely, there isn't anything you can do. You can ask your partner why they don't like it, but don't try to force them into anything they don't want to do.

It depends how intimate the massage is. If the participant is, for example, a friend, you wouldn’t be naked. However, if he/she is your partner, feel free to express your love.

If she is aware of it and OK with it, then you can do it. But make sure you are at a mature age.

You should not try to talk someone into an activity like this, as you need full consent to touch someone. If you think they would definitely be interested, they're just a little shy, try saying something like, "You know, a body massage is a really great way to relax tense, sore muscles..."

The vagina is an extremely sensitive area, so massaging it like other parts of the body is not recommended.

Yes, a breast massage is always a good complement to a consensual massage, as long as she is okay with it. Just be gentle.

Yes, it is. However, using it as lube is not recommended. Also, there's always the chance of an allergic reaction or other irritation.

This is completely up to you and your partner, but it's not required! Sometimes a nice, romantic massage can simply be a way to connect with your partner.

If you and your partner want to use a blindfold and restraints, you should probably give the massage on a bed so that it's easier to tie the restraints. Use materials made of silk or satin so they're really soft, and always make sure your partner consents before doing something like that.

On its own, it could actually be too greasy for a massage. But, add a few drops or capsules to a carrier oil, like almond oil or coconut oil. That way, your partner will get the hydrating benefits of Vitamin E without the accompanying mess.

It is okay if you are both comfortable and both have talked about it first. Make sure you are very gentle because that is a sensitive area.

It depends. You may want to ask your partner if she/he is okay with it. Some people will enjoy that type of massage music, but others may just settle for the regular classical music.

Generally, a gentle touch should be used by any non-professional. You only want to apply the minimum amount of pressure to be comfortable and effective. Gender is not the best indicator of how much pressure to apply. For example, women usually have higher pain thresholds (suggesting more pressure) but perform more tension-release activities than men (suggesting less pressure). Occupation and muscle use are larger factors. Looking at studies, there is more variability in individuals than just their gender. Do not assume. Always ask. And leave the deep tissue for the professionals.

While technically you can, with consent, generally massage is for muscle tissue, which is only in the root of the penis, which is deep and autonomic. The bulk of the penis is spongy tissue. As well, the massage is usually the relaxing part of the experience, whereas touching the penis can be very stimulating, due to sensitive nerve endings (and often the emotion related to who is doing the touching). If you wish to stimulate the penis as part of a sex act, manual stimulation of this type is referred to colloquially as a "hand job." This would be your search term.

Yes, olive oil is safe for most skin and may be used due to its availability. While it may not be the best choice, it can be greasy and not as easily absorbed by the skin (which can lead to staining), it will reduce the friction of skin-to-skin contact, allowing for massage. Always start with small amounts and add more only when necessary.