In Couples Massage there are a giver and receiver. You may think the giver is the one giving massage so he or she is the only one responsible for making an experience great.

But that's not the case. The receiver has to participate and contribute to the experience as well. I'm going to share some tips on how to be a good massage giver and good massage receiver because it takes two to make the experience great.

Let's first talk about how to be a good massage receiver. Communicate clearly with your partner. Tell your partner if you want lighter or a deeper pressure using pain scale of one to ten if necessary, faster or slower stroke and specific location using right left up or down. Or right there! Your feedback helps your partner and give you what you want. Remember to be nice as you give your directions because they are doing your favor. Using the magic word “please” always helps. And if your partner is hurting you in any way tell them so immediately.

Always acknowledge your partner if something feels good. Say “Aww that feels so good” if something feels good. This will motivate your partner. When I massage my client I ask them how they're doing. And if they say “Oh it's great” or “It's a wonderful” it motivates me to do more of a good work. If they just say “It's OK” it's kind of a downer. It's always nice to be acknowledged for my effort. So you don't have to lie about it if something doesn't feel good. But if something does feel good then use a litter exaggeration to acknowledge your partner. And don't forget the say “Thank you” after the massage.

Now let’s talk about how to be a good massage giver. When you touch your partner think of at least one think you love or appreciate about the person you're touching. Touch is a very powerful communication tool and your thoughts and feelings can transfer through touch. So when you massage your partner always have positive good thoughts about your partner.

I believe massage is 50% techniques and 50% way of being, meaning how much you want to contribute in the way that benefits the other person. The most important thing to remember is to give what your partner wants. Instead of what you think your partner wants or needs or should have. Clear your mind create a safe space for the partner to speak up and listen to what he or she wants. For example if your partner wants a neck massage, give a neck massage and not a foot massage. Now a foot massage, in addition to a neck massage is GREAT. You’re going above and beyond so you should get a brownie point for that.

If your partner wants light pressure give light pressure even if you think you can kill the big knot by digging in your elbow. Don't be hateful of knots because they're there for a reason. Usually from a stress or a bad posture from stress. So treat knots with compassion. When you find tight spots think of bringing in better circulation and healing energy instead of attacking and killing them. The body knows how to heal itself. So with your massage your caring touch you are kick starting the healing process of your partner's body and mind. if something is hurting giving massage, stop your action immediately. It's just not worth hurting yourself to try to give good massage to your partner.

Oh and never tickle your partner on this your partner likes to be tickled. The whole idea of Couples Massage is to create a relaxing environment and once you tickle your partner even as a joke, they will be on their guard and will not enjoy your massage. So this is how you communicate and be a good massage giver and good massage receiver.

6. How To Be A Good Massage Giver and Receiver