The topic of fetishes and kinks, like so many other so-called sexually taboo subjects, has grown increasingly more acceptable as a talking point when it comes to desires, needs, wants, and preferences. And while a sexual fetish can technically be defined as an intense focus and desire for an inanimate object, medium, or body part, which, while devoid of any inherent sexuality, then becomes necessary for the fetishist to achieve a state of arousal; the word has grown to encompass a broad range of kinks and thrills that turn someone on.
Using this more relaxed definition, it’s easy to see how a fetish in and of itself is not only harmless, but when used as a supporting role in many people’s sex lives and exploratory repertoire, can actually lead to a more exciting and enjoyable sexual experience. There are simply some sexual preferences that seem hardwired within us–fantasies and kinks that turn us on and get us going every single time. Here’s a look at some of the most common fetishes around the world.
Age Play
Encompassing a wide range of fetishes and fantasies, age play involves make believe regression to a younger state. From adult babies that enjoy being diapered and breast fed to “littles” that take on the role of a child or teenager, the world of age play is varied and vast. It’s important to note that being into age play itself does not indicate an actual interest in having sex with underage children, or a predilection for pedophilia. Instead, age play is much more about nurturing, being cared for, and relinquishing the responsibility that we face on a day-to-day basis for a moment.
Water Sports
Known formally as Urolagnia, water sports is a complicated and surprisingly common fetish that involves becoming aroused by the feel, sensation, act, smell, or taste of urine. Common fantasies involving water sports include watching someone wet themselves while fully clothed or having an attractive man or woman act as a human urinal (known colloquially as a golden shower). Others simply enjoy watching others relieve themselves, or forcing someone to go in front of a crowd.
Shoe and Foot Worship
Foot and shoe fetishism are two more surprisingly common sexual preferences. In fact, the foot is the most common non-genital body part to be sexualized, according to studies. And while the majority of people into feet and shoes happen to be male, it’s not unheard of that people of every gender and sexual preference find this part of the body highly arousing. In fact, with so many nerve endings located in the soles of the feet, even those without this particular fetish might find a relaxing foot rub or having their toes sucked on exciting sometimes.
BDSM
Enjoying a more mainstream popularity in recent years thanks to the success of movies and erotic novels like 50 Shades of Grey, Bondage, Domination, Submission, Sadism and Masochism is a world of power play that has been around for a very long time. Whether isolated, one time occurrences between consenting adults or ongoing, full time arrangements as part of a D/s relationship, BDSM encompasses everything from fuzzy pink handcuffs to the more extreme versions of rope bondage and pain play. The most important part of a healthy and happy power play interaction is to follow the Safe, Sane, and Consensual rule–after which, just about everything is within boundaries.
Of course, all of this is just the tip of the fetish iceberg, which also includes such sultry topics as exhibitionism, swinging, role-play, cross dressing, rubber and latex, spanking, and many others.
