Bryan Smith5
Newcomer
9 messages
joined Jul 2008
Fetishism?
Fetishism is just being fixated on inanimate objects or body parts that aren't exactly sexual to begin with. It’s that compulsive need to use them to get off. So, suddenly, random items or bits of anatomy become sexual symbols? Groundbreaking.
Fetishism almost exclusively shows up in men. Once it takes hold, it becomes a chronic, long-term pattern of behavior. It's just another form of paraphilia, isn't it?
So, we’re dividing up the fetishes now? Is there a system, or are we just winging it?
Fetishes can be inanimate or living. Who knows?
Inanimate object fetishes usually fall into two buckets: shape or material. One focuses on the silhouette, like a pair of high heels, while the other is all about the texture, like silk or leather. People with these fixations sometimes get carried away collecting things—it's not unheard of for someone to turn to theft just to snag something "special" for their collection. Who knows where that obsession ends?
The list of objects people use to fuel their fetishes is endless. But if we’re talking most common? It’s usually the basics: lace panties, bras, thongs, tights, stockings, silk nightgowns, heels, boots, gloves, schoolgirl outfits, or even braces. Who knows where it ends?
The usual suspects in the media fetish scene? Leather, silk, rubber, or fur.
Fetishes aren't just objects; they can be "living," too—specifically body parts. We're talking hair, feet, legs, butts, or breast size. When it comes to hair, it’s usually about length or a specific color. Then you have guys who are into armpit or leg hair. And sure, some people are attracted to partners with amputations, which might just be a subconscious craving for control and power. Or is it?
What actually drives fetishism? Is there a single root cause, or just a mess of different triggers?
Why does fetishism happen? It’s not exactly a simple equation. Some learning theorists argue it starts in early childhood when an object gets tied to intense sexual gratification. Others point toward late childhood or adolescence, focusing on conditioning during masturbation. Then you have psychoanalysis, which obsesses over phallic worship and castration anxiety. Some researchers suggest it's just a shift in focus—where an attraction to a specific body part evolves into a full-blown necessity, eventually replacing a partner entirely. According to this view, most men carry mild fetishistic traits; some prefer certain hair colors, while others are just driven by breasts, legs, or backsides. Is there really much difference?
One theory suggests fetishists are just kids who witnessed or experienced inappropriate sexual behavior. Is that really how it works?
Compensation theory suggests that fetishists just can't find satisfaction through regular means, so they turn to unusual behaviors instead. Is it really that deep?
The psychological model suggests that behavior, hormones, and the nervous system are all linked, specifically focusing on how male hormones drive aggressive tendencies. Is it really any surprise?
The psychology of a fetishist. Is there actually a personality behind it?
So, scientists have finally figured out that fetishists generally lack social skills, live pretty isolated lives, and struggle to build intimacy. Who could have seen that coming?
So, how exactly does one achieve sexual satisfaction through a fetish?
A fetishist craves any kind of sensory connection to an object or body part. It usually involves holding, smelling, or rubbing the item while masturbating. For some men, getting an erection is nearly impossible without that specific trigger. Women? They rarely fall into this category.
Fetish objects? They basically show up to every solo session and can easily be brought into the bedroom to spice things up with a partner. Who doesn't like a little extra excitement?
Sometimes drawings or photos might do the trick, but most of the time, a fetishist wants the actual item—preferably one that’s already been worn. It isn't about holding onto some sentimental souvenir of a former owner, either. The focus stays strictly on the object itself, not the person who used it. Is it really that complicated?
Focusing on objects rather than people
For someone with a fetish, sexual activity often becomes depersonalized and revolves around an object instead of a person, even when a partner is involved. All the attention goes straight to the fetish. Instead of connecting with their partner, they find satisfaction through kissing a shoe, stroking nylon stockings, or using underwear to reach climax.
Don't confuse this fixation with just having a preference for certain body parts. Even people without fetishes have things they find particularly attractive, but they aren't obsessively fixated on them to the exclusion of everything else.
In some cases, the fetish is so central that arousal or orgasm is impossible without it. In milder cases, they might manage without it, though the satisfaction usually takes a hit.
When the object isn't there, most rely on fantasies to get aroused. Some partners even have to incorporate the fetish into the act to make it work—like rubbing silk against genitals or making sure the partner is wearing specific black lingerie and high heels.
Treating Fetishism
Sometimes the compulsion gets intense enough to ruin someone's quality of life, leading them to seek medical help. Treatment options include traditional psychoanalysis, hypnosis, and behavioral therapy. Though research is limited, current data suggests these methods aren't always the most effective. Recently, antiandrogens—medications that lower male hormone levels—have been used to reduce libido and the frequency of these behaviors. This can give a person the breathing room needed to focus on counseling and therapy. Antidepressants like Prozac also work to lower sex drive, though they aren't as great at targeting specific sexual fantasies.
Another approach involves conditioning, where the fetish is psychologically linked to an unpleasant experience to lessen its power.
