When it comes to sex, a lot of us keep what gets us hot and bothered under the sheets on the down-low. This is especially true if the stuff that gets our proverbial motors running is, well, specific — or at least, not on the cover of this month's Cosmo. I'm talking about sexual fetishes, and they are way more common than you think.
With the success of 50 Shades of Grey, the relatively 'secret' world of the fetishist is becoming more and more socially acceptable. But don't feel bad if you're still in the dark when it comes to dishing about the kinkier stuff out there. That's what I'm here for!
A sexual fetish can be described as an object or situation that gives one a sexual thrill. It's a broad definition, and kind of a great one since it is expansive enough to cover the vast gamut of our weird, wonderful, human natures.
Because there are only so many hours in the day, I've put together a list of 8 sexual fetishes you might not know anything about. Some might surprise you, others might be ones of which you are well-aware, you delightfully kinky beasts. We've only scratched the surface here, but hopefully this will give you a taste of what's out there, hidden in plain sight.
What other fetishes should we have added to our list?
Image via Jim Orsini/Flickr
BDSM
BDSM is more popular than ever thanks in part to the run-away success of 50 Shades. Broken down, it stands for bondage, discipline, sadism, and masochism. The defining feature of BDSM play is the dynamic between the partners. Fans of BDSM find the strict parameters and rules of control involved in play major turn-ons. There is usual a dominant partner, and submissive partner — this makes the issue of informed consent super important.
Furries
"Furries" is a term used to describe folks who project human characteristics to animals of the stuffed or cartoon variety. Some are happy just to dress as their favorite character and hang out, while others find fulfillment acting out their sexual fantasies either in costume, or with someone in costume.
Latex
Folks with a latex fetish enjoy having sex with others wearing latex, or derive a sexual charge from the simple act of wearing or being around the material itself. Some point to latex's 'second skin' quality as being very appealing. I, in turn, am allergic to latex.
Feet
This one's exactly what it sounds like: Feet make you horny. There's also a worship component; the foot fetishist loves nothing more than to be a made a slave to the foot. This one is also the most common of all fetishes.
Golden Showers
A pretty name for something not everyone might find so pretty. People into golden showers get their jollies by way of being peed upon. Remember, just because someone else's fetish isn't your own, it should still be treated with respect. In other words, don't yuck someone else's yum.
Voyeurism
Voyeurism is the erotic appeal some find watching other people. This could mean just spying on private events from a distance, or an up-close-and-personal private viewing session of the sexual encounters of others. The flip side of this coin is exhibitionism — where folks get off on being watched.
Sissification
In Sissy play a man (or woman) wears girlish clothing and makeup at the behest of a dominant (usually female) partner. Outside of the BDSM realm, sissfication might not even involve sex at all. It's not uncommon for a 'sissy' to be put to work, doing chores around the house or the like. Like BDSM, this one is all about power and role reversal.
Body Piercings
For those keen on body piercing, sensitivity is the name of the game. Piercing fetishists believe in adding adornments to their bodies that will increase their sexual pleasure and their partner's through heightened sensation. Common piercings include the Prince Albert (urethra piercing), nipple piercing, tongue piercing, and the VCP (vertical clitoral hood piercing).
