Everyone has a fetish, whether they admit it or not. And though some are more ‘open’ in their explorations than others, the fact is there’s a place for everyone across the dynamic spectrum of kink.

In a nutshell, “fetish” is best defined as an object, body part or act that gets someone aroused—regardless if a partner is present and/or involved. About 549 of them exist, and research has found they’re a lot more common than some would believe.

So where exactly do fetishes even come from in the first place? While there may not be token proof, both science and history have a few theories.

Not Just For Dogs

Some scientists have believed for decades that fetishes can develop from the association of a stimulant or experience with arousal. This is called the Pavlovian theory. Since sex is one big connection between mind and body anyway, the idea that repeat exposure incites excitement that mentally sticks has long been both a popular and plausible school of thought.

Childhood Strikes Again

Another prevailing theory is the idea of early exposure. If someone has a sexual experience during or around puberty, many believe it’s more likely to stay with us as we grow older. Like anything else, we grow alongside our sexual behaviors, so memorable moments that occur as we first become aware of our own sexuality could very well have the potential to imprint your mind for years to come.

Nature’s Choice

And of course there’s also the fact it could just be to each their own! Since there’s such a wide range of sexual fantasy among us, it’s definitely possible fetishes could just be another layer of natural diversity. Everyone has their own unique taste and personality traits, so some could just be inherently more susceptible (and easily excitable) than others.

But overall theory is one thing—where do the most popular fetishes come from?

BDSM

Since the dawn of time, bondage has often topped the list of most popular sexual fantasies. So it’s not too hard to believe BDSM has had a place in the zeitgeist long before the likes of Christian Grey.

BDSM practices have been found in some of the oldest records on the planet. The Mesopotamians, Greeks, Romans, Japanese, Etruscans—you name it! Human civilization has been full of freaks since forever, so everything from power play and ritualistic flagellation, to being beaten and bound for pleasure have had their place in the history books for ages…just maybe not the ones we had growing up.

Foot Fetish

Whether it’s high heels or the foot itself, research has shown feet and toes take the cake for most lusted after body parts. But in reality, foot fetishes dates back to the early 1200s when people were afraid of catching the plague (i.e. STDs) from sexual acts. As a solution, they opted to start experimenting in the “safer” territory of foot worship, which society has taken and ran with ever since.

Voyeurism/Exhibitionism

Humans have also always been captivated by nudity and the sexuality of others, so the prevalence of orgies and sex parties throughout history should come as no surprise as well. In addition to its place in art and literature, displays of sexuality have played significant roles in cultures throughout the world since the days of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

From then on it’s spread like wildfire, carrying on in many forms like sex clubs, live shows and pop culture’s obsession with threesomes. And not to mention its most obvious incarnation since the invention of motion picture—porn! Need we really say more?

If there’s one thing many psychologists can agree on in the end, it’s that fetishes are a healthy, perfectly normal thing to have (as long as they’re carried out between consenting, adult partners). So whether you’re well versed or are still exploring, we all can at least relish in the fact there will never be a shortage of ways to keep things spicy.

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The post Popular Fetishes and the Origins Behind Them first appeared on Tickle Kitty Blog.

The post Popular Fetishes and the Origins Behind Them appeared first on Tickle Kitty Blog.

Fantasizing over feet, better known as “podophilia,” is one of the best known fetishes in the kink world. A fetish is, by definition, a very specific kind of sexual desire for an act, fantasy, object, or, in the case of foot fetish, a body part.

You don’t have to be a true fetishist to bring foot play into the bedroom. Our ankles, toes, and soles are packed with sensitive nerve endings, and taking a cue from feet lovers can be a fun way to explore your partner’s body in a whole new way. However you choose to play bedroom footsie, check out these mild to wild foot fetishes that put a new spin on the term “fancy footwork!”

1. Toe Job

Some fetishists can’t get enough of literally putting a foot in their mouth! Called “shrimping” in the fetish community, toe sucking is exactly what it sounds like: giving someone’s toes a bit of oral action. However, giving your lover’s toes a little tongue action isn’t just for foot devotees. The feet are super sensitive and react to all sorts of delightful sensations. Picture how it feels to be tickled between your toes, or to scratch an itch on your ankle. A warm mouth, soft tongue, and gentle sucking feel just as intense and ignite sexual desire in a way you’ve never experienced before. Teasing with a vibrating wand or bullet can have the same exciting effect. Give your feet a good scrub in the tub, or better yet, make an excuse to get a fresh pedicure. Then ask your partner to please and tease those toes with their lips, tongue, or toys as you ease into foreplay. You might just find your newest fetish!

2. The Dirtier, The Better

For most of us, a stinky pair of feet can make for a good laugh, or they can send your partner running in desperation for a breath of fresh air. For some foot fetishists, smelly, dirty soles are the ultimate turn-on! Believe it or not, some podophilia practitioners prefer their partner’s feet after a long day at work. Although the taste of foot sweat can be enticing as well, the smell is what most excites fetishists with “ofactophilia,” or sexual arousal emanating from body odors like armpit sweat and unwashed feet. If you’ve yet to feel a tingle from smelling your partner’s dirty feet, it’s unlikely that this fetish will grow on you overnight. But the next time you’re feeling aroused, skip the shower and enjoy each other’s natural scents as you go at it like a pair of wild animals.

3. Please Tread on Me

These boots are made for walking….right onto a willing participant’s chest, crotch, and face! For those that love feet and domination, being turned into a human carpet is a dream come true. Foot domination involves being stepped on in silky stockings, barefoot, or even in spike-thin heels. Feet are just one part of the equation in this BDSM fetish. Some enjoy the pain of a pair of stilettos being dragged across their chest or a barefooted jump onto their genitals. Others get off on submitting to the will of a powerful dominant. Either way, foot domination is usually enjoyed by men who love putting their tender bodies into the hands of a sadistic domina (all with properly negotiated consent, of course). Average less-kinky couples might not want to turn their partners into a human trampoline, but you can still get your kink on with a fun power exchange. Ask your partner to lie down and gently toy with their face and body with your feet. Lightly apply more pressure when they’re ready, and explore all their sensitive parts with your toes and soles.

4. Teasing Tickles

We bet you’ve never thought of tickling as a sexy exchange of power, but tickling fetish is one of the most popular ways you can explore BDSM without the ouch factor. The submissive partner usually finds themselves restrained in rope or cuffs while the dominant uses fingers, feathers, and even toothbrushes to tickle-torture their feet. It’s the most fun you can have as a submissive, as you’ll be laughing uncontrollably with every new tickle tactic. If you’re among the crowd that absolutely hates being tickled, this fetish obviously isn’t for you. However, if you’re up for a little laughter in the bedroom, tickle fetish is a no-brainer for beginners, and can be practiced with or without restraints. For the BDSM-inclined, tie up your partner so you have ample access to their feet. Have an arsenal of tickling accessories on hand, like feathers, soft floggers, or brushes. Gently stroke your partner’s soles, toes, and ankles with each unique surface until they beg for more—or beg you to stop between bouts of belly laughs!

Foot fetishes are a fun way to spice up your sex life and add play, laughter, and exploration to your relationship. Whether you’re devoted to feet or just looking to surprise your partner with a new bedroom activity, our soles and toes can open the door to a unique way to experience sensual touch.

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The post 4 Surprising Foot Fetish Techniques to Try Tonight first appeared on Tickle Kitty Blog.

The post 4 Surprising Foot Fetish Techniques to Try Tonight appeared first on Tickle Kitty Blog.