The Naked Truth
A few years ago I treated myself to a massage and a wax at Bliss. I had never been there before, and despite having heard mixed things about it, I wanted to give it a try. I showed up the customary ten minutes early at the location on Prince Street. The spa was less luxurious then I had imagined, but they were expanding at the time and under construction, and much was hidden by curtains. It didn't matter. I would soon be relaxing in a dark warm fragrant room.
My therapist came to show me in. We chatted amicably, and she said "Undress, get on the table and I'll be back in a few." The treatment table in front of me was made tightly with white sheets; it seemed like someone worked hard to get it to look so nice, and I wasn't sure whether I should get under them or not. I didn't want to ruin anything. All the therapist had told me to do was get undressed and get on the table. And so I did. If I was wrong, she would guide me.
I lay there, in all my glory, trying to be modest and not seem uncomfortable, waiting for her to come back. After either a millenium, or five minutes, she entered. And upon seeing my naked self arrayed before her, she yelped.
"Oh! My!" She said, as though we were in a convent, and seeing a naked woman was the last thing she had expected upon entering the room.
She quickly turned away and told me to get under the covers. I was mortified. I would have been much happier tucked in to begin with, if only I had known! Now she thought I was a steaking freak, and I was as embarrassed as I had ever been. Let's just say it was not the most comforatble massage, even though she had a lovely touch. The worst part was at the end, when she half heartedly tried to make a repeat customer out of me. I know it was her professional duty, but her heart wasn't in it.
I was recently reminded of this unpleasant experience as I undressed in front of a massage therapist in a small adobe hut, open on one side, with only a sheet over the window, in Mexico. She had instructed me to take my clothes off, in Spanish, while holding a thin sheet up between us. She chatted in Spanish to me, and when I was disrobed down to my bra and underwear, she pointed at my bra, and brazenly watched as I took it off. She was friendly and comfortable, and so was I. The warm breeze fluttered in, and even though she wasn't the best masseuse I had ever had, she was definitely the most earnest. I left an hour later perfectly happy, mellow, and smelling a little bit like a grandmother.
What is the proper method for getting naked in front of a perfect stranger, who is going to touch you pretty intimately for the next hour? There are is no prescription, but here are some guidelines:
1) Your therapist should be clear when telling you what to do. Even if you have had thirty massages, you can not be expected to know the customs of every place. My facialist Olya gives me the exact same instructions every time, even though I have been going there for more then two years! And that is fine with me!
2) Don't be afraid to ask about specifically what you should do. Not sure whether to wrinkle that bed? Ask.
3) If you want to leave a bra or panties on, do it. It should be about your comfort.


omg! that is so embarrassing-what an unprofessional idiot. she shoudl have been honored to see you in yoru glory!!! anyways-back from trip-happy new year-write me soon-want to hear about yoru trip as well.