I always like to think it would be cool, that I would be proud of my sexuality and not embarrassed. Of course, the moment somebody walks by my door, I whip the covers over myself and pretend to be sleeping!
- age 21, Canada
It depends – sister and parents, yeah. Brothers not a problem. Girlfriends...even better
- age 16, New York
I would have to say it is neither. I have never been walked in on, and the idea certainly does not turn me on – but there isn't anything in this world that could deter me from masturbating. Let's face it, it's like having air to breathe.
- age 18, Massachusetts
A turn-on? Are you kidding? Doesn't everyone fear this more than anything in life? I suppose it does depend on who it is a little bit, but I don't see how being caught with my pants down by somebody, even a girlfriend, could be a turn-on.
- age 16, Canada
I've fantasized about my father catching me masturbating, and I know why. When I was younger he never seemed to formally acknowledge my becoming a man. He never appeared proud of my manhood, and it always bothered me that he hasn't "validated" my passage to manhood. I guess him catching me would sort of force him to see I'm a man in the most blatant and forward way possible.
- age 32, New York
The only people who would walk in on me would be my mom, dad, or sister, and I really don't want them to see me masturbating.
- age 16, Washington
I love the idea of being walked in on. It's one of my biggest fantasies. In fact I try to engineer situations where I am most likely to have someone discover me masturbating. I like to masturbate in groups so I can watch others and so they can watch me. The idea of masturbating on my own without some risk just doesn't excite me at all.
- age 40, Australia
Even thinking about getting walked in on is a complete turn-off, because if I'm masturbating, it's either because I'm just horny and need to relieve tension (which I'm self-conscious about), or I'm trying something really kinky and weird I wouldn't want found out. I'm uncomfortable about anybody knowing about the frontiers of my sexuality, even my girlfriend.
- age 18, Pennsylvania
I was interrupted a fair number of times when I was growing up; we didn't have locks on our bedroom doors at home, and both my parents walked in on me on a number of occasions. Their casual attitude toward my masturbation activities eliminated the shame I had sometimes felt, but being "caught" masturbating is still a fairly embarrassing moment. During my late teens and early 20s I got an added thrill by doing it in unusual places where I might be seen. Now that I'm a little older, though, I seem to prefer my privacy.
- age 35, California
Both. I'd hate to be walked in on, which can put me off in situations where I'm likely to be caught, such as doing stupid things like leaving my bedroom door open with my parents about. On the other hand, it is a huge turn-on if people are in the next room, tent, or even bed if my friends are around. I think just keeping quiet keeps you focused on the session and thus makes it more enjoyable.
- age 16, Scotland
The thought of getting caught while masturbating is always a little exciting. Pee Wee Herman and George Michael are excellent examples of the risk people are willing to take for that added excitement. Unfortunately, they are also examples of the humiliation that can occur when you actually are caught.
- age 17, Florida
A deterrent – no doubt about it. My family isn't very open about such things. I'm sure they know I do it, but I don't want them to see, and I don't think they want to see it, either.
- age 18, Michigan
It's honestly a turn-on for me – but it's the idea of getting caught. If I *actually* got caught, I don't know what I'd do...probably say it's perfectly normal and then pass out.
- age 29, Rhode Island
A definite deterrent! I would feel so embarrassed and awkward if I were caught masturbating. But the idea of walking in on someone else is a definite *turn-on.*
- age 16, Ohio (female)
Neither. I understand danger is a turn-on for some folks. Not for me. As a kid masturbating in bed I was always careful to stay under the covers and keep a sharp ear out for footsteps. Later on when I moved my activities to the bathroom, I was always very careful to lock the door. In college, I got walked in on once in the dorm room and afterwards did it in one of the stalls in the restroom where I could lock the door. While getting walked in on was never a turn-on, I assure you the possibility never stopped me from masturbating.
- age 45, Arkansas
Well, it doesn't turn me on and I don't worry about it, because my little 11-year-old brother walked in on me once. When my parents found out, they were pretty cool about it.
- age 16, Michigan
Definitely a turn-on, since the only person who'd be walking in on me would be my fiancee. She's seen me masturbate often and gets aroused watching me do it. On the occasion she's walked in on me when I had Mr. Happy in hand, she has undressed and joined me. Masturbation has always been a regular part of our lovemaking.
- age 39, California
Thinking about it right now it's a deterrent, but once I get "in the mood" it's a turn-on. It also depends on who walks in – If it's a parent, then it's a deterrent; if it's a sister, a turn-on for sure.
- age 14, Texas
It is definitely a deterrent. My house is small, and I don't have a lock on my bedroom door, so I always have that fear of someone walking in on me. I wait until my family is all asleep; on the weekends I do it more often, since my family is rarely home then.
- age 15, New Jersey
Who in the heck wants someone's total weight bearing down on them while they're masturbating? Definitely a deterrent.
- age 24, Oklahoma
The feeling of getting walked in on while pumping wildly is a turn-on for me. It gives a sense of danger, and the stimulation is terribly exciting. It really feels good when you are squeezing it tight when it's a "no-no" place, especially when it's an obvious spot where you could be caught.
- age 14, Florida
Immediately after reading this question I thought it was definitely a deterrent – but after thinking about it for a minute, I realized I've been fooling myself the whole time. It's a turn-on!
- age 17, New York
Deterrent! Deterrent! Deterrent! I wouldn't mind walking in on someone else, but there's no way I'd masturbate if I thought I would get caught!
- age 24, Florida
It would be a deterrent because the thought of someone watching me masturbate makes me sick.
- age 16, New Jersey
In my teen years it wasn't a deterrent, but I always made sure the door was locked. Since I've been married it's become a turn-on. It excites me to think my husband might "catch" me. The thought that it will excite him to watch me is what excites me the most.
- age 28, Germany (female)
A definite turn-on after reading how many times it turns into mutual masturbation. Now I tend to make it more obvious that I am masturbating.
- age 19, Canada
If this question were asked a couple of years ago when I thought I was the only person who masturbated, I would have said it would be a deterrent. But now that I've learned other guys do it too, I'd say it would be a turn-on. It took a mutual masturbation session with a buddy of mine a few years ago to help me relax about masturbating.
- age 25, Arkansas
Certainly the opposite from a turn-on. Why? Well, it would be incredibly embarrassing for me, and the person would probably tease me about it later.
- age 17, Norway
I always take precautions when I masturbate – locking the door, twisting the knob a few times to make sure it is really locked, turning the fan on to cover the sound of my Vaseline-covered hand going over my penis, and so on. That said, I do have fantasies of my older stepsister walking in on me sometimes and blushing or making a comment – my mom and stepfather have been married only a year, so it's hard for me to think of her as a sister instead of a cute, older girl. Much of the time I masturbate to thoughts of her and her friends.
- age 14, Florida
Deterrent – it's a private moment.
- age 20, Indiana
I would be totally humiliated if I was caught masturbating by one of my parents or sisters. I mean, maybe if I had an older brother it might be a turn-on only because I've never masturbated with any other males. Other than that, I would be totally scared of being caught masturbating!
- age 14, Iowa
That depends on where I am. If I am at my parents' house, it's a deterrent like no other. There is nothing more repulsive to me than imagining my mother catching me masturbating. But if I am at my girlfriend's house, it's very exciting. If she does catch me masturbating (and I try to get it to happen as often as possible), it's a major turn-on for both of us. Granted, I'm pretty turned on by the time she catches me – but still, it's a rush.
- age 20, Vermont
I wouldn't like that idea at all, because there is always something very startling and jarring when getting walked in on. Also I know if I got walked in on, it would be by someone in my family, which in no way could be a turn-on. Unless the risk makes people excited, I don't understand how someone could be turned on by it.
- age 13, Missouri
Definitely a deterrent. I came from a culture that makes fun of masturbation, even though it's acknowledged. I don't feel it's dirty or wrong anymore, but I still keep it private. I would be very embarrassed if my wife or anyone else caught me masturbating.
- age 29, Ontario, Canada
It's a real deterrent. Once I was in my bedroom "pleasuring myself" when my older brother just opened the door and walked in. Needless to say it was really embarrassing. I can't lock the door because my mom freaks out when I do that. Since then, I masturbate only in the bathroom.
- age 14, Texas (female)
I guess it's a little of both, but probably more of a turn-on. Particularly because I masturbate with my legs spread wide apart. I've always masturbated that way. It also depends on who might walk in: my mom would be a turn-off, but my roommate or best friend would be a turn-on.
- age 23, New York
The mere thought of a family member walking in on me while I play with myself is a huge deterrent. I am extremely careful when it comes to masturbating, and I make sure to leave no evidence or even provide a possibility of being walked in on. For example, at night I sometimes masturbate under the covers. I keep my eye on the motion detector while I stroke my penis and keep the light in the room off. This fear of my parents seeing me masturbate has made me horny when they go out. Usually, the second I get the house to myself I get naked and enjoy myself. During this time I often go about everyday things while naked, before I begin masturbating. It is simply awesome. The thought of being seen provides me with arousal as long as it is not a possibility.
- age 16, Canada
It's a turn-on. I used to lie in bed naked with an erection just popping out of the sheets and pretend I was asleep. My brother would come in and see it but say nothing. My mom saw it a couple of times but quietly left the room. Then I would masturbate. I'd rather be caught naked with an erection than without.
- age 31, Massachusetts
Personally the thought of being walked in on is the most mind-boggling deterrent I can think of. However, my girlfriend loves the sense of danger, and I find myself drawn into her vortex of passion.
- age 18, Washington
I live alone in the desert. Being walked in on would mean someone was breaking and entering, hence, very much a turn-off.
- age 52, Nevada
I guess it is a deterrent. I masturbate only when the risk of getting caught is low. I come from a strict, Baptist family where masturbation is frowned upon. Getting walked in on and thinking of what my parents would do doesn't make me want to masturbate more.
- age 15, Kentucky (female)
When I lived at home, I dreaded it. But now I fantasize sometimes about a woman walking in on me. Being caught by another man, or a family member, is a turn-off. But I would love to get caught by an unsuspecting woman.
- age 31, Louisiana
When I was younger, getting walked in on was definitely a deterrent because I wasn't open about masturbating, and I would have been pretty embarrassed if I got caught. Now my attitude is much different. In general, I'd be pretty matter-of-fact if someone walked in while I was masturbating. There are some people whom I have fantasized about walking in on me, and then we go at it together.
- age 32, Virginia
It is a definite turn-on. I have actually gone out onto my apartment balcony and masturbated, just because it turns me on so much. I had a friend who masturbated on his roof; I would love to do that.
- age 16, Texas
Getting walked in on has to be absolutely the greatest turn-off for me. The only person in my house who has the potential to barge into my room in the middle of the night (which is when I masturbate) is my mother. She has come *way* too close to catching me about 5 times, and after I narrowly (and often luckily) foiled each of those 5 attempts, I just couldn't continue. While I greatly enjoy masturbating in other places that I could be caught – such as outside and at school – there is just something totally different about being walked in on by my mom. Just thinking about it gets me unhorny.
- age 19, Florida
Definitely a deterrent at this point in my life. There was a time when it might have been okay, due to the people living around me – but now it would be terrible since I don't really want the people living around me to know.
- age 23, Washington
If it were my girlfriend, it would be cool, because we have our limits (no pants-off activity until we marry) – but we are pretty randy, so we'd enjoy it. Anyone else and it would be too embarrassing. Especially if it was one of my brothers!
- age 20, Australia
In the past the fear of being walked in on was a definite deterrent. Now that I live alone this isn't an issue. In fact, sometimes I fantasize about being walked in on and it leading to something else.
- age 34, California
It would depend on who walked in on me. I would probably be turned on if it was a guy I liked, someone whom I know would also be turned on by it. But if it was my parents, or a relative, or anyone that I wasn't attracted to, it would definitely be a deterrent.
- age 16, Washington (female)
It is normally a deterrent for obvious reasons, but I don't really have too much of a problem in college (showers, roommate at class, etc.). I figure, just wait until you're alone and everything is fine!
- age 19, Texas
I lock my door. But it would be a deterrent, I think, because I'd have a funny look on my face
- age 22, Ohio
Theoretically it would be a turn-on if the other person joined in – but it would be embarrassing. If one of my family members walked in I would die of guilt and embarrassment. What would be great is to walk in on one of my friends, which is very unlikely.
- age 16, North Carolina
Turn-off – *big time!* When I'm masturbating, it's my personal time. I don't want anybody joining me! I guess it would be kind of cool if my best friend (who also masturbates – we talk about it very openly) walked in on me. We used to masturbate together quite a bit. But most of the time it's quite a turn-off if my dad walks in. He usually knocks on the door, and then if I don't respond in 2 seconds, he opens it...aargh!
- age 18, Iowa
It is absolutely a deterrent. Usually I masturbate only when and where I know I won't be walked in on. I usually do it in the morning in the shower, taking a bath, and at night in bed. If I masturbate during the day I usually do it in the bathroom, too.
- age 25, Mexico
It is a major deterrent for me. That is why I lock the door. (Thank God for locks – saved my butt more than once!)
- age 13, Illinois
Deterrent! When I was growing up I felt the need to hide my masturbation from the family (I am the youngest of three children), and I still feel it should be done in private (though I have masturbated with others). Being walked in on in the middle of the act is an *interruption* and can certainly break the mood. No, I am not a big exhibitionist nor do I find sex in public places to be a turn-on.
- age 35, Georgia
A deterrent. I live with my brother and parents, and I would die if any of them were to catch me masturbating. I know my brother masturbates because I have seen the proof, but I do not want him to catch me because it would be way too embarrassing.
- age 18, Germany
A turn-on, just thinking about it – but I think in real life I would be really embarrassed. If it were somebody I was attracted to, I would be turned on, but if it were just anyone, I would probably curl up in a ball and die! But I often fantasize about masturbating for a private audience of one.
- age 43, Australia (female)
The idea of being discovered is a turn-on for me. If you masturbate in a place were you could be caught, your heart rate goes up and you are on edge more. Getting caught is not good – but if the possibility is there, the sexual energy is higher. I sometimes hurry myself so I don't get caught. That is not as good as being able to stroke myself for a long time – but the fear factor is cool, and it is interesting to masturbate in places that are not safe. The thrill of thinking of a person walking in on you when you have a huge erection is great.
- age 18, Massachusetts
I frequently masturbate when others are in the house. They would simply need to open the door, and I would be (using the expression Jackinworld loves) "caught." I assume I would hear my family approaching before they entered my room, and since they respect my privacy and would knock beforehand, I would have ample time to cover myself up. However I do find it is a turn-on. Unfortunately, it also causes me to speed up my masturbation sessions because I don't have as much time as I would when I am alone, and as a result, the pleasure is reduced.
- age 15, Pennsylvania