"Talk is silver, silence is gold". What does this well-known proverb have to do with massages? It's simple: without communication, a session is usually not satisfying for either party. Too much talk, however, is a mood killer. The key, therefore, is how much communication is necessary or useful.
For me, a massage visit is like a little date. There is some basic nervousness, a slight tingle, the joy of a new experience. The door opens, a perhaps previously unknown lady stands in front of you. Ideally, she smiles at me, greets me in a friendly manner and invites me in. The first hurdle is taken. Through a little small talk, a certain closeness is established, one feels a little more connected - if only for the time of the session. But this is a very important point, after all, both sides open up some of their intimacy. So it should not only be up to the masseuse to build a harmony but also up to me, the guest.
So while I consider a "chat" before the massage very important, skillful silence during the massage is a must. I want to relax and enjoy. That just doesn't work if I have to either listen to stories or even actively participate in a discussion on the side.
Now, many may ask, "Isn't it a given that there will be no talking during the session?" Obviously no and that is what prompted me to write this post. Anyone who regularly treats themselves to a massage and also enjoys trying out new providers should know what I mean. You just lay down nicely on the table or fouton, switch the internal systems to relax mode and feel the hands with the first movements ... But then suddenly a question enters your ear like "I had a pike perch fillet for lunch today, do you like fish?" Or even just trivial things like "It's so hot today, I hope the rain comes back tomorrow".
The chattiness is certainly not meant in a bad way. It may be due to the fact that the lady feels comfortable with the guest or the opposite, that she wants to cover up a certain nervousness. Whatever the reason is: small talk is ok, even desirable but please before the massage and not during.
I do not want to say that I demand complete radio silence during the session. However, communication should be involved during a treatment. Compliments are certainly mood enhancing or depending on the certain instructions are also part of the experience. Therefore: "Talk is silver, silence is gold"....
