Bed and bedability

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Been musing on how the Samaritans set-up works. Crucial to the whole idea is that you never work alone; there's always at least one other person on duty. At the initial meeting, I noticed a rather dinky little bedroom with two single beds side by side. These, said the Director, were for people working overnight shifts "but they're rarely used because we have so many calls coming in". How do you go to work the next day after being awake all night dealing with suicidal people? What if you have to chair a crucial meeting? Fly a plane? Teach a class?

One person - a woman of a certain age - asked a question. "The two people working an overnight shift... would they be of the same sex?"

"No. Could be the same or different."

"But... the beds... they're rather close together..."

The Director laughed. "We can rig up a blanket between them if you like. Last overnight I did, between calls, me and my male companion spent the night discussing masturbation..."

I get the feeling that the Samaritans aren't particularly uptight people.

Also that it would be a perfect opportunity for early-morning sexual hi-jinks. If, of course, you were feeling remotely horny after speaking with profoundly depressed and worried people for several hours.