Stay calm and take a deep breath. Figure out your exit strategy- how far is the door, and how silent can you get to it? Make a quiet exit. If they haven’t noticed you, because they are so-ahem- engaged in action, get out as quiet and as fast as you can. Never, ever mention what you saw or did, and move on with your life.

Say “I am sorry” and be out of there. Act normal the next time you see your parents- and block any attempt of theirs to talk about what you’ve seen with a friendly “It’s none of my business” or “That was your private time. " Don’t ever bring up the incident- they’ll be grateful.

Smile, and say “Hey, at least it’s not the plumber, Mom” or something along these lines. Be prepared to have something thrown at you, and leave the room. Don’t mention the incident ever again.

Tell them you were looking for socks, wanted to ask them for cash, etc. Do not show any emotions or feelings. Take whatever reaction you get- they may just shout “out”- you leave. Keep quiet about the incident and focus on your own life. There are plenty of other things to worry about than your parents’ sexuality.

Use earplugs [1] X Research source and headphones [2] X Research source to drown out the sounds. Soundproof your room. This is a long term solution, but it doesn’t always have to be expensive. Move your furniture- it does make a difference whether your bed is right next to their bedroom wall, or across the room. If possible, put a bookshelf to the shared wall. Listen to your own music- whales songs are very effective, as the sonar sounds drown out a lot of moans and sighs. Alternatively, didgeridoo or vuvuzela sounds also drown out most other sounds. Buy a white noise machine, or use an app or YouTube video of white noise. These devices produce different kind of noises, and are designed to drown out other sounds to protect privacy- your parents’ and yours. [3] X Research source

Send them a text message. Be subtle in approach and vague. For example, just type the word “Noise. " They will not read the message until later, but they might take more precautions the next time (because chances are, there will be a next time). Print out an advice column on “how to deal with overhearing your parents having sex” and slide it under their door. Again, they will find it later, but it will make them aware of the situation. Don’t mention the incident afterward. Pretend that nothing happened, and put it behind you.

Walk past their room shouting “you’re not alone in this house”- the reversal of roles in the admonishment that most of us received as children puts a humorous spin on the situation and hopefully relaxes it. Play songs that tell them that you can hear them at full volume, such as “Let’s talk about sex” by Salt N’ Pepa,[4] X Research source or the Bloodhound Gang’s “The Bad Touch. “[5] X Research source Bang on the wall, preferably with a broom or a stick. This is maybe not the most subtle method, but they’ll get the drift.

Pick the basement, attic, or any room as far as possible removed from their room. Smile and tell them, “we’re all grown up now, and everybody deserves privacy. " Not only is this an indirect way to tell them what you’ve heard, but it also protects your privacy in the future- if you can hear them, that means that they can hear you and your new girlfriend/boyfriend.

Prepare for awkward silences- nobody wants to be confronted by their own child about their sex life. Be calm, mature, and friendly. Tell them calmly, that some of their private activities are not so private thanks to noises and that you’d prefer not to be a witness. Change the subject immediately, and even leave the room- really, there is nothing to “discuss”, and your parents will be eternally grateful to offer them an “out. "