This is a topic that's gone too long unaddressed. It may be a touchy subject (sorry about the pun), but it's not talking about it openly which makes the problem worse. You see, we all say it's "weird" or "bad", but we all do it. The problem is worst in Conservative Christian families, where sexuality is never discussed. Both Joey and I grew up in that environment. It breeds enormous guilt. You feel like you're the only one and something's wrong with you.

Some people start masturbating at five. Many start at puberty. Some masturbate once a month. Others do it ten times a day. Yet, one constant remains: They can't help but do it. Especially during the teen years, when (most) people are at their reproductive and sexual peak, masturbation is common. Now, I'm far from typical. I had an odd and unrelated phobia of touch which simply made things worse emotionally. Yet, what is common between Joey and I is the enormous guilt that we would feel. I felt like I wasn't a good Christian because, try as I might, desires would creep in. Even complete self control simply leads to eventual nocturnal emissions (wet dreams). What turns many people off to the idea of Christianity is how many Christians try to portray themselves as better or "holier" when they act just the same as anyone else. Yet, gossip, lying to not "hurt someone's feelings", and obsession with money are all controllable. Sexual nature is not. That's why Christians are obsessed with sexuality. Greed, hatred, alcohol and drug use, etc. are also all controllable. Even grief, sadness, and loneliness take a conscious effort to constantly maintain without falter. Yet, sex is subconscious. Just like hunger, you're always hungry until you eat. You can be distracted from your hunger, but it doesn't go away. How long you can last is all dependent on your hormone levels. For example, I prayed for my sexual desires to go away. In being tired, my prayer was granted. The only escape is for the body to be unhealthy. Aside from the philosophical issue of Christianity being about suffering, to masturbate is to show your body is in working order. Even Christians (though we may try not to be) are human.