Fetish — a persistent sexual attraction to a particular object, material, body part or scenario that plays a special role in a person’s arousal.
What it means
Fetishes are very common and in most cases are a variation of the norm rather than a disorder. Clinical significance is only discussed when the attraction causes a person distress or interferes with their life. Otherwise a fetish is part of an individual’s sexuality, something that can be calmly discussed with a partner. As with any preferences, what matters here is consent, mutual comfort and respect for each other’s boundaries.
Example
One person finds a particular fabric or detail of their partner’s clothing especially attractive — that is an expression of a fetish, and it can be talked about openly.
Related terms
Kink, vanilla, boundaries in relationships.
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