# Does the idea of being bathed by others appeal to you or squick you out? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 24, 2008, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410 "2008-10-24T18:51:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/21 "2008-10-25T01:21:05Z")
If a couple of reasonably attractive women wanted to bathe me, I think I could work it into my schedule. ---
**Author:** ![ShelliBean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@ShelliBean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShelliBean)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/22 "2008-10-25T01:33:11Z")
As someone that regularly pays someone to put me into naked yoga poses and rip the hair out of my body, a stranger bath seems damn near clinical. ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/23 "2008-10-25T01:37:34Z")
> [@Millit\_the\_Frail](#): > > Then again, it’s not a sexual atmosphere at all (trust me, even if they’re male and still have working equipment, it’s not) Speaking as a fully equipped male with quite a bit of hospital time behind me, this is entirely correct. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/24 "2008-10-25T02:05:58Z")
It looks like a Turkish bath. I tried it when I was in Turkey at the Cemberlitas Baths. It was a bit meh for me. Your naughty bits are covered. It was like a massage. The Turkish one was a big room and had a few people in there. There was nothing the least bit sexual about it. It was similar to having your hair washed and maybe getting a shave at a barber shop. The entire thing was underwhelming but was worth trying once. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/25 "2008-10-25T02:23:35Z")
> [@NinetyWt](#): > > It would not appeal to me, at all. I would like it if my hubby was the bather; not any strangers, no sir. > > I don’t like folks fussing with me - I tolerate getting my hair shampooed when I get it cut. I hated the one manicure I had; just the feeling of another person rubbing my hands with lotion was hideously uncomfortable. I think it’s just too intimate for me. AH!!! I’m NOT the only person who hates manicures (and pedicures… the two I’ve had, I spent the entire time dead certain that the person was about to gash something, and there were times where I was in real pain). I keep wanting to yank my hand away, scrub everything off, and run shrieking out the door. Bath: nuh-uh, no way. I like my privacy in the bath. Nobody touches the most bath-needing parts of me unless they a) are married to me, or b) have an MD. Oddly though, I _lurves_ a professional massage (of the therapeutic variety, you pervs :p) and that’s _nearly_ as personal. ---
**Author:** ![Millit\_the\_Frail](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/51bf81/32.png) [@Millit\_the\_Frail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Millit_the_Frail)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/26 "2008-10-25T03:18:04Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > Speaking as a fully equipped male with quite a bit of hospital time behind me, this is entirely correct. Yeah, I kill a lot of people’s “naughty nurse” fantasies by speaking the truth. And by wearing a godawful standard-issue unisex getup, too. ---
**Author:** ![BaneSidhe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@BaneSidhe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BaneSidhe)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/27 "2008-10-25T03:34:33Z")
Unless the bathing is done by daHubby or two certain members of Def Leppard, no. ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/28 "2008-10-25T08:49:27Z")
> [@Millit\_the\_Frail](#): > > Although I have to admit that I sometimes feel total married woman guilt for enjoying the shampoo at the salon so much… Colour me confused. Married woman guilt? Non comprendo. Regarding the bath issue, I’d be very happy to be bathed (within limits, no ass-scrubbing and toenail-gunk eradication, f’rinstance) by someone I was sleeping with or hoped to be sleeping with. Stranger, with shorts on, as depicted in the photos? Also acceptable, but I doubt I’d go out of my way to find it. ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/29 "2008-10-25T09:59:02Z")
I love bathing or showering with an SO and getting scrubbed all over. If it were a stranger it would have to be a particularly attractive and nice stranger. I definitely wouldn’t want to be washed by the people on that website. ---
**Author:** ![Carson\_O\_Genic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cdc98d/32.png) [@Carson\_O\_Genic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carson_O_Genic)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/30 "2008-10-25T10:17:12Z")
Being a COF, I’m dreading a Millit the Frail scenario of being unable to bathe myself. Sure, it’s fun as a recreational thing where cleanliness isn’t the purpose. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/31 "2008-10-25T10:29:29Z")
> [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > It looks like a Turkish bath. I tried it when I was in Turkey at the Cemberlitas Baths. It was a bit meh for me. Your naughty bits are covered. It was like a massage. The Turkish one was a big room and had a few people in there. There was nothing the least bit sexual about it. It was similar to having your hair washed and maybe getting a shave at a barber shop. > > The entire thing was underwhelming but was worth trying once. Yeah, I’m a little unsure how this became so completely linked with sex so immediately. I don’t think sexy thoughts when I’m getting a pedicure or a shampoo - why would I be thinking sexy thoughts about cleaning other parts of me? I think I’d mentally file this in the same category, or maybe cross-reference it with “herbal wrap” and “massage”. Still not-sexy things. Really, the last time someone bathed you it was probably your mom. That’s sexy? _barf_ Sign me up for a sample - I love being pampered. On the other hand, I have issues with paid help; I tend to flitter about wanting to help the bagger bag at the grocery store, so I’m not entirely certain I could completely relax like I’d want to. ---
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/32 "2008-10-25T13:20:34Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Really, the last time someone bathed you it was probably your mom. That’s sexy? _barf_ No, actually, the last time was my husband. I’ve done the “play bath” thing with various lovers over the years. I thought that was something all couples did. ---
**Author:** ![3acresandatruck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/e79b87/32.png) [@3acresandatruck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3acresandatruck)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/33 "2008-10-25T14:04:39Z")
> [@jackdavinci](#): > > I love bathing or showering with an SO and getting scrubbed all over. If it were a stranger it would have to be a particularly attractive and nice stranger. I definitely wouldn’t want to be washed by the people on that website. Yeah…when I looked at the pictures, I was thinking that’s not a bath. Lie on a stone slab while two hairy Turkish guys wearing red checkered tablecloths work you over? No thanks. But something in a tub of hot water with a lady friend…I’m all over _that_! Or even just a platonic bath-massage of some sort would sound nice when you’re achy all over. But I don’t imagine them washing me so much as massaging…and I’m old enough to appreciate an actual massage. The ladies administering my ablutions may wear bathing suits, but no men, please. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/34 "2008-10-25T14:54:06Z")
> [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > It looks like a Turkish bath. I tried it when I was in Turkey at the Cemberlitas Baths. It was a bit meh for me. Your naughty bits are covered. It was like a massage. The Turkish one was a big room and had a few people in there. There was nothing the least bit sexual about it. It was similar to having your hair washed and maybe getting a shave at a barber shop. > > The entire thing was underwhelming but was worth trying once. I can see how you could misread my OP, but it’s not the sexual element that bothers me; I meant that it’s just too disturbing an idea for me to contemplate, and even the the prospect of comely female hands doing it doesn’t help. I don’t mind showering with my wife, though. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/35 "2008-10-25T14:55:44Z")
> [@Carson\_O\_Genic](#): > > Being a COF, I’m dreading a Millit the Frail scenario of being unable to bathe myself. > Sure, it’s fun as a recreational thing where cleanliness isn’t the purpose. What is a COF? ---
**Author:** ![freekalette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/50afbb/32.png) [@freekalette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freekalette)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/36 "2008-10-25T15:34:17Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > What is a COF? My WAG: Creature of Frailty ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/37 "2008-10-25T15:48:00Z")
I went to a Turkish bath in Istanbul last December. It had been highly recommended to me by several other people. It was…an experience. Not at all sexual, though. I’ll try to remember exactly what happened. First, I went into a dressing room and changed into a little robe and shower shoes they gave me. Then, the bath woman showed me to a marble (it wasn’t as fancy as that sounds though) room, where hot water poured out of a spout. I was instructed to sit on the floor and use a little bucket to pour the water over myself. After doing this for about ten minutes, the bath woman came back and led me to a massage-type table. Then she cleaned the ever-loving fuck out of my skin. I don’t think I had a single dead skin cell on my body after that. It was hard core. Then she gave me a “massage”, by which I mean she practically beat me up. This was no namby pamby new age massage. I think I was black and blue afterwards. It fucking HURT. Then I went back to the other room, rinsed myself off again, and was led back to the central room, which was heated by a wood-burning stove (this was winter, so it was pretty chilly). They gave me tea made on the stove (Turks are REALLY into giving people tea) and I sat there until I was dry, when I went back to my dressing room, changed, and left. Incredibly, I actually felt really, really good the next day. I had been in Istanbul for a few days and had been walking a LOT and was kind of achy from all of the exercise. But after getting the shit beat out of me by the masseuse, I felt great and ready to tackle some more museums and bazaars. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/38 "2008-10-25T16:11:14Z")
> [@NinetyWt](#): > > No, actually, the last time was my husband. I’ve done the “play bath” thing with various lovers over the years. I thought that was something all couples did. Ah, I’ve had my tits thoroughly and enthusiastically lathered by lovers, and a much appreciated if too short back scrubbin’, but I consider that “Turkish bathing” like I consider the 15 minute neck rubs “deep tissue massage”. 😉 The one is foreplay, the other is “Ow that feels good.” ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/39 "2008-10-25T16:27:05Z")
Absolutely it appeals to me. Wash me, shampoo and brush my hair, comb and oil my beard, and massage me. I love it, it makes me feel like a conquering gladiator enjoying his rewards. There is something intrinsically manly about being attended to by scantily clad sudsy young ladies. Sex need not be involved at all. It’s a relaxation thing. Men may be masseuses when servicing me but nothing else. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410/40 "2008-10-25T17:11:07Z")
> [@](#): > > Ah, I’ve had my tits thoroughly and enthusiastically lathered by lovers, and a much appreciated if too short back scrubbin’ I think Sarah Silverman made a joke about showering with a guy and how your breasts will never be cleaner. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-being-bathed-by-others-appeal-to-you-or-squick-you-out/469410.md?page=3)