Is tickling a fetish?

[TicklingDuo]

While I have no problem with other terms, I prefer to think of it as a passion. After all, a passion is something that moves you...that comes from deep within...that often feels uncontrollable or overwhelming...all things we experience with tickling. We move to get away from it. the laughter comes from deep within and can be uncontrollable. And I, for one, am often overwhelmed by it.

There's a lot in any of these terms that we would agree with and much that we don't. Unless we're writing a thesis on the subject, who cares what terms we use?

Ann...who doesn't much care what people think of me as long as I'm happy with myself. 😉

 

[Mischief]

This post is incredibly well timed. You see, I just had reason to discuss my tickling "fetish" (among other things) with a mental health care professional. What can I say-- when I lose a 3+ year relationship in a 30 second phone call, I'm going to have unresolved issues. LOL!

Anyways, I asked for a definition of fetish and got an answer that was slightly different than I expected. He actually referred to my tickling as a "fetishistic behaviour," rather than a fetish. I wish I had a good enough memory to provide a verbatim answer, but I don't-- so I'll have to paraphrase instead. Basically, you can enjoy tickling without literally having a tickling fetish. It's when you cannot achieve sexual satisfaction without tickling that it crosses over into a "fetishistic behaviour."

He also went on to let me know that tickling was (in the whole scheme of behaviours) a relatively benign one. Considering that more than one person I shared my kink with in the past has tried to make me feel bad about it or used it as a club in an argument, I found this definition and assessment to be somewhat reassuring.

So, I guess the real question is: "Is tickling a fetish for me?"

 

[TicklingDuo]

Mischief...You'll also find that you aren't alone in having a SO be more than a little taken aback by the fetish...and even in them using it as a weapon later on. There are a good number of people who have experienced that to one degree or another.

Dealing with your feelings (with or without a professional) is a good thing and one that many people avoid. But, it's in allowing ourselves to be/appear weak for a time that helps to strengthen us. I applaud you wisdom and courage.

Ann

 

[tklxprt]

yeah i really hate the word fetish. to the majority of people on earth it basically means "pervert"
grow up people on earth, will ya?