On a forum titled Masturbation, this might seem like a silly question. For any accomplished masturbator, the act is its own justification. But it seems relevant to dig a little deeper into the topic. It's safe to assume that most (if not all) readers of this forum are in fact masturbators. But there are masturbators and then there are masturbators. How one answers this question may serve to illuminate one's sexuality in general. I place myself in the latter category. For me, masturbation is not a mere stopgap substitute for intercourse. When I bring myself off, I am not just 'rubbing one out' (well, there is the occasional quickie). I really am engaging in self-pleasure. So, why do I masturbate? It's fun. It feels good. It keeps the neural pleasure pathways well-tuned and open. It keeps the nethers well-maintained and functional. [Use it or lose it!] It is an affirmation of my right to feel good, a gift I can give myself as often as I want. And it bears repeating, it feels really good. In the words of the immortal Betty Dodson, "Masturbation is sex." If you're only thinking of wanking as a substitute for fucking, then you really are missing out on the fun you could be having. My sex life has always been much more than masturbation, but the pleasure I give myself is the constant, the happy thread that runs through it all. I've been a masturbator since the crib, and I expect to be a masturbator as long as I live.
In my mind, the former would be those who engage in the act with only a surface-level enjoyment; they get off, but it's not a deeper experience. The latter masturbate for the reasons I listed, and possibly others. It's more than just cleaning the plumbing (though that's a legit reason I sometimes do it--just not the only one). I hope that makes sense.
Masturbation has become my primary source of pleasure in the later years of my life. not necessarily by choice but with a partner that seems to have lost all interest in sex it’s an alternative. That’s not to say I have not enjoyed self pleasure from a very young age and continued to throughout even my most active years with partners and one night stands. I have enjoyed exploring my most erotic fantasies in my mind while indulging in a slow and purposeful tug. But much like one night stands, I find it does little to fulfill the intimacy that I crave. on the upside - what I’ve lost in human connection I make up for in quick cleanup and less emotional headaches. Can’t remember ever arguing with my palm.
