A fetish is defined as sexual satisfaction derived from a certain object, situation or fantasy that becomes the focus of most pleasurable sexual experiences. Everyone has their “thing” that turns them on – but many people also feel a sense of embarrassment about it. If your fetish involves being aroused in the presence of certain materials, like leather, rubber or silk, then it’s called a media fetish. Animate fetishes involve body parts – feet, breasts, butts, boobs, etc., and form fetishes are those involving shapes like stiletto heels, lingerie or other unique garb. Certain situations like public sex or exhibitionism also can count as fetishes. For a true fetishist, obsessions with these objects and situations present the problem of being unable to get aroused without them. However, as far as most fetishes goes, these days the taboo is gone, and most are pretty harmless as long as you have a willing partner.

For younger people – those in their 20s and 30s, mostly – body piercings rank high as fetishes. With the acceptance of the activities in the wildly successful 50 Shades trilogy, leather and other sadomasochistic materials are making an appearance in “normal” people’s sex lives. Domination and submission, or just simply being restrained, have become more popular as well. Shoes and feet rank high on the fetish scale – a 2007 study even found that feet were the most highly fetishized body parts! Experts say fetishes are fairly harmless, unless they involve a life-threatening action, such as choking or other violent acts. Naturally, a willing partner is a must when you indulge your fetish. And if he or she isn’t into it, then a fetish can make or break the relationship. Keep in mind the golden rule when you indulge.