Exploration of sexual sensations and body responses starts early in all human beings. By the time the teen years come along, most children are familiar with their bodies and know that their sex organs are very sensitive. They also know that playing with them is not at all unpleasant, despite the fact that adults tend to be nervous about this subject. It doesn’t really matter how adults handle the issue and how many taboos they might invoke, children are naturally curious about everything and the big mystery is high on the list of priorities. The fact that adults won’t talk about it just makes it more interesting.

And all exploration starts with masturbation. For most, this is the first gate to sex and the place where the path to the world of sexual pleasure starts. And it’s a good thing this is done early on. Although masturbation and lack of knowledge about how the body of the opposite sex works are not the best ways to prepare for intercourse, it’s still better than complete ignorance. In the Victorian age, a certain English poet abstained from all manner of sex until he was married at 28 and was extremely disappointed to find on his wedding night what intercourse actually was. He had hoped for something grander because his view of passion was completely unrealistic.

Masturbation helps people learn what they really like when the clothes fall off. Knowing the pleasure they experience, people are more likely to understand the pleasure that others experience and to want to explore new ways of getting pleasure for themselves and for their partners. Communication of wants and needs is one of the crucial parts of a good sex life, since love alone cannot compensate for everything. And imagine what a pleasant surprise is to find that one’s partner is also interested in masturbation and not shy to share this intimate act with an eager lover. Mutual masturbation can be a very tender act.

Not to mention that masturbation is a very good idea when intercourse is not exactly easy to come by. If you don’t feel bound by moral or religious duties, there’s no reason to avoid relieving your own sexual tension by masturbating. You’ll certainly feel more relaxed afterwards and others will profit from your improved mood as well. A satisfied person is a person less likely to quarrel and start conflicts in the office or at home. Really, masturbation is a win-win situation.