Lick My Boots

[Mikayla1]

OK All, here is a link to one of my newest articles (and dare I say, one of my favorites!) - ENJOY!'

LICK MY BOOTS:

A Discussion of Some Common (and not so common) Sexual Fetishesby Mikayla

I am very sure that most people have heard of a “foot fetish” as it is most likely the most publicized fetish. Is it really a fetish? How many people actually know what a fetish is? Well, being true to form, I am not only going to discuss some interesting and unusual fetishes, but I am also going to help define what a fetish is – and what constitutes an actual, sexual fetish. Class is in session once again – take notes – you may need this information for a quiz later!

THE HISTORY OF FETISHISM

Fetishism is not as simple to explain as one may think. Sexual fetishism was first introduced in 1887 by Sigmund Freud (big surprise) – he recognized that occasionally a person (normally a male) became fixated on an “object” so much so that this object rendered sexual gratification. Fetishism is actually a form of a disorder termed “Paraphilia” in which an object of affection is a specific, inanimate object.

It is important to remember that a fetish is an object NOT a body part. Therefore, there can be NO “foot fetish” – however, there could be and is a “shoe” or “nylon” fetish. While there may be some people who are sexually aroused by feet, playing with feet, etc. – if it involves a body part, it is not termed fetishism – conversely, it is “Partialism” – being aroused by a “part”, not the whole.

Now, a sexual fetish (that is, an affection for an object) become “fetishism” (a disorder) when this object becomes NECESSARY for sexual gratification, and as such, interferes with normal sexual functions or with life in general. In essence, a sexual fetish is not about something you really like (for instance, your brand new 1966 Mustang) but instead something you HAVE to have for sexual pleasure. The component of compulsion is mandatory – and this object MUST be present to render orgasm! In some cases this object is not present, but instead the person fantasizes about this object in order to have it “near” in another way, which is basically a fetishism denial. In this respect, sex is not “normal” as arousal and climax are dependent not upon a person or an action, but instead an object!

It is clear by this definition that what most people consider to be a “sexual fetish” is clearly not. Fetishism is much deeper, more complex issue all together. In this way, the movies that portray a man obsessed with licking a woman’s toes is NOT fetishism, however if that man was rubbing a shoe on his crotch until orgasm – and that was the only way he could climax - that would be fetishism!

Now, the more common idea of what constitutes fetishism would actually be considered paraphilia – unusual sexual attraction or behaviors. Some common examples of these would be biting, scratching, spanking, licking (body parts), breast fixation, bondage or indecent exposure. In this way there is an action or some out of the norm activity that causes arousal. Most people have some sort of paraphilia – even if it is just the extreme liking of big breasted women, lingerie or pornography. What makes this paraphilia and NOT just preference? Well, if you will ONLY date women with large breasts and can not get aroused by smaller breasted women, then it would constitute paraphilia.

EAT MY WHAT????

So, you may want to know, what are some common forms of paraphilia. That is, a form of sexual fetish that does not involve an object, but perhaps an unusual sexual attraction or action. People who engage in these activities are known as “paraphiliacs.”

Here are some interesting ones:

Coprophilia: Sexual gratification that comes from contact with feces (poop for you non lexiconigraphers.)

Coprophagia: Sexual gratification from EATING human feces. (EEWWWIIIIE)

Urophilia: Sexual gratification from urine (pee.)

Frotteurism: Becoming sexually aroused by rubbing up against a person in public.

Hypoxphilia: Sexual gratification involving strangulation (of oneself).

Pictophilia: Sexual arousal from watching pornographic images. (I guess I have this J )

Pedophilia: Sexual gratification from sex with pre-pubescent children, most often ages 8-11.

Bestiality: Sex with animals, not necessarily exclusive to ONLY animals.

Klismaphilia: Sexual gratification from the use of enemas (now that is strange!)

Necrophilia: Sexual arousal derived from touching, viewing or having sex with (ick) a corpse.

Zoophilia: Sexual gratification that only comes from sexual contact with animals, and also can include the killing or harming of the animal as part of “foreplay.”

Transvestism: When a heterosexual male derives sexual pleasure from dressing in women’s clothing. Not to be confused with cross-dressing or female impersonation. Transvestites NEED to act like a woman to get sexual release.

Voyeurism: Sexual gratification derived from watching people in intimate situations without their knowledge. This act almost exclusively involves masturbation while observing.

Exhibitionism: Also known as “flashing” this is exposing of one’s genitals to unsuspecting people to obtain sexual arousal. Interestingly, many exhibitionists are impotent or have erectile dysfunction.

Masochism: Not to be confused with the lighter form of bondage play, a true “masochist” derives sexual gratification from pain or even the threat of pain. Many people who engage in BDSM play are NOT masochists.

Sadism: Also not to be confused with the lighter form of bondage play, a true “sadist” derives sexual pleasure from inflicting pain or threatening to inflict pain on another. As with masochists, many people who engage in BDSM are NOT sadists.

Sadomasochism: The combining of roles, deriving sexual pleasure from BOTH inflicting and receiving of pain. Many people confuse those interested in BDSM with sadomasochism, they are not interchangeable.

**Interesting note on bondage, BDSM as compared to Sadomasochism: Sadomasochism is what comes to mind when most people envision BDSM. The fact is, the above paraphilias are disorders that surround an unnatural arousal due to a strange circumstance. Many people who engage in bondage play are NOT paraphiliacs – and this is an important distinction. A true “paraphiliac” who is a sadist or masochist can NOT become aroused without the described behaviors!****

YOU WANNA WEAR MY WHAT???

There are hundreds more paraphilias – but there is no time to list them all. So, now that I have explained what a paraphilia is, how about discussing true “fetishes?” As we may recall, a “ sexual fetish” is the inability to obtain sexual arousal OR sexual climax without the accompaniment of a certain object. The nature of the object or how it is used to obtain satisfaction is unimportant, but what IS important (or essential) is that an object is involved.

Shoe / Boot Fetish: Obtaining sexual pleasure from either wearing, feeling, or placing one’s genitals INTO shoes or boots. The shoes or boots must become an integral and necessary part of the sexual contact.

Lingerie Fetish: Obtaining sexual pleasure from WEARING or RUBBING lingerie over one’s body. Seeing lingerie on your girlfriend and becoming aroused is not enough, that would be paraphilia. However, if she HAS to wear the lingerie or you HAVE to touch it or wear it yourself – then it is “fetish.”

Latex Fetish: Obtaining sexual pleasure from the wearing of latex (this does not have to be an “outfit” it can be any utilization of latex that results in climax (latex gloves, condoms, etc)

Leather Fetish: Obtaining sexual pleasure from utilizing leather objects by either wearing or rubbing a leather object over the genitals.

Equestrian Fetish: Obtaining sexual pleasure by riding on, brushing or otherwise touching a horse.

Water / Ice Fetish: Obtaining sexual pleasure through contact with water or ice.

Some paraphilias can ALSO be fetishes if sexual gratification can only be reached WHEN that particular object is present.

Some examples of paraphilias that do double duty are:

Coprophilia: Sexual gratification that comes from contact with feces (poop for you non lexiconigraphers.)

Coprophagia: Sexual gratification from EATING human feces. (EEWWWIIIIE)

Urophilia: Sexual gratification from urine (pee.)

Klismaphilia: Sexual gratification from the use of enemas (now that is strange!)

Necrophilia: Sexual arousal derived from touching, viewing or having sex with (ick) a corpse.

As you can see the line between paraphilia and fetishism is pretty thin. The main distinction is that for it to qualify as a fetish and not a paraphilia, the object MUST be present to obtain sexual arousal and/or climax. While both paraphilias and fetishism are seen as “mental abnormalities” in the psychiatric realm due to the oftentimes unnatural or odd action or object required to obtain sexual gratification, I am sure most people would admit to having an attraction to something – be it latex, corsets, shoes – that can cause some extent of sexual arousal. Simply liking something and / or finding it sexy does not constitute a fetish or a paraphilia. Most normal, sexual contact or experiences involve something that causes the arousal.

The key point to note when evaluating your own sexual interests is to decide if this object or action is becoming an obsession to the point that it is disrupting everyday life. If so, it is important to discuss this issue with a doctor or psychiatrist to talk about psychotherapy and discuss the normalcy of your attraction.

Also, I suppose it goes without saying, if your sexual interests involve children or corpses – get immediate help. Certain fetishes or paraphilias are illegal, dangerous and may point to a more serious psychological issue. If you know someone who has expressed interests in something that seems too “off” – encourage them to seek help.

I hope that this brief discussion of fetishism was interesting and informative. If you have any more interest in researching fetishism, you can read up on it in many interesting books or on the internet. Until next time, remember that interests in lingerie or high heeled shoes do not make you a sexual freak – they make you sexually interesting! Everyone has a little fetish somewhere!

[jennycherie]

great article, as usual, MIkayla. very interesting

[jesso]

Great article! Thanks for the continued education!

[Bugs0825]

OK Mikayla,

what is the Partialism when baby bellies turn you on. I know, i know i'm a freak. My wife had no worries of me not finding her attractive while she was prego. This way my wife and her friend, who is pregnant, have a name for me.

Bugs

P.S. I guess i don't qualify because its not necessary

[Mikayla1]

I am very sure that there is a technical term for partialism for pregnant bellies (as MANY men have this attraction) but I do not know what it is...but I tell you what, I will be glad to try and find out for ya!!!

[Bugs0825]

sweet, thanks

[Avalon616]

Hey Mikayla,

I really enjoy the articles you write in general, and I'm glad you tackle some of the more esoteric topics such as BDSM. As someone deeply involved in the BDSM culture, I always love it when educated people put out informative essays on things, and this essay on fetishism elucidates many of the common misconceptions surrounding it. Thank you for that.

However, I did notice that you put it a few judgments in this essay regarding different paraphila and fetishes. While personally I may concur with some of your opinions, I don't think it's appropriate in an article with the pretext of educating to express them. In the scene it's common courtesy not to criticize others as long as it's legal. While obviously this is a different venue, I just think you have obvious professionalism and education in your writing, and I would appreciate you carrying that to a fuller extent.

Thanks again for posting essays on non-traditional topics.

~Avalon

[Mikayla1]

Thanks Avalon, for your kind words and observations. I do believe you are correct in that I do make a few 'judgments' - that come off in a sort of humorous way, or were intended to. As a person who personally indulges in activities that many people would find completely odd and perhaps disgusting, I would hate to think that I was giving off the vibe that I am judging ANYONE for doing something in the sanctity of their own personal sexual experience.

I agree, what people do is their right, with the exception of illegal activities (basically, non-consensual acts and sexual acts with children). I hope to take your helpful criticism into account the next time I write an article where this may come into play.

Thanks!

[Mikayla1]

It took me a while....BUT I FOUND IT! (OK. so I forgot to look)

The name for being aroused by pregnant women (or even those who APPEAR pregnant) is: maiesiophilia

[ladylove]

glad you brought this around again... I wasn't around the first time and learned some...

[mudshark]

Cool thread. Thanks. Just told my wife that when she sucks my toes (she likes that) it's not a fetish. It's a partialism. Although, I must admit that partialism carries no sexuality to it. Wish it was called something else..

[sass]

Great info - thanks for bringing it back to the active threads.