Pandora's Paraphilias Recap : Part 2
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Paraphilia Of The Day: Dendrophilia
Roots: Dendro (Tree) - Philia (Friendship/Love)
Definition: Dendrophilia is defined as the sexual and romantic attraction to trees or other forms of plant life. Literally translating to “love of trees”, those with dendrophilia most often had an impactful sexual experience while surrounded by plant life during their development. As a result, dendrophiliacs have reported being attracted to plants as they would be to another person. Dendrophilia stands out from other inanimate attractions specifically in how tree-like organisms are shaped. While those with the paraphilia may not experience attraction to humans, those interviewed often stated they found trees exciting because of their inherently phallic design. Some go as far as to engage in intercourse with such specimens, but most simply appreciate being in the presence of their fixation. So, on your next hike, take time to reflect on nature’s beauty, as well as understand that the enchanting view in front of you is, for some people, special in more ways than one.
Paraphilia Of The Day: Voyeurism
Roots: Voyeur (Obsessive observer) - Ism (Relates to/classifies the noun)
Definition: Voyeurism is defined as the derivation of sexual pleasure from witnessing other individuals engage in intimate acts, often without said individuals’ knowledge of the observer’s presence. Many of us are familiar with the stereotypical “peeping Tom”, and while the trope of someone sneaking into a changing room to admire the object of their attraction (often men attempting to observe women in pools or bath houses) is not uncommon in media, voyeurs take this obsession one step further. For these individuals, the ability to view others in a sexual context is more gratifying than actually participating themselves, and the enjoyment they find in the activity may stem from multiple possible sources. Some may find gratification in the power dynamic voyeurs hold over those they are observing, as they maintain some degree of control by peering in on a situation that is normally kept private from others. Their ability to overcome barriers of privacy grants them some sway over the scenario. Others simply may not find any enjoyment in physically engaging with sexual acts, but appreciate witnessing others “go through the motions”. Of course, most voyeurs never actually cross such boundaries without the object of their fascination’s knowledge, and acts of consensual voyeurism are quite common in the sexual world. So, as you prepare yourself to enter the adult world (and whether you personally enjoy sex or not), remember there are some out there who just like to watch.
Paraphilia Of The Day: Exhibitionism
Roots: Exhibition (Displaying oneself) - Ism (Relates to/classifies the noun)
Definition: Exhibitionism is defined as the sexual enjoyment experienced when one reveals themselves in a revealing state to those around them, often without the other individuals’ consent or knowledge. Whether an exhibitionist attempts to gratify themselves publicly or stages an encounter with a consenting partner, they traditionally incorporate one of two approaches into meeting their ideal fantasy. Either they begin to engage in a sexual act and are stumbled upon by an unknowing second or third party, or they intentionally approach another individual and reveal themselves to them (otherwise known as flashing). Exhibitionism can result in a given individual as a product of either dominant or submissive tendencies, with the first manifesting itself as a need to hold power over others. By revealing themselves to a non-consenting party, an exhibitionist is forcing said person into an inherently sexual situation, and is capable of eliciting a response from them. On the submissive side of things, exhibitionists may enjoy being ridiculed and experience an innate desire to be made out as less than they are, mocked, or shamed publicly. Exhibitionism may also be an activity taken on by two or more individuals, as the concept of having sex in public is not only an alluring but semi-common occurrence amongst modern-day couples. A distinct subsection of public intercourse, having sex with a partner while on a plane, is so readily discussed that it has its own subculture built up around, what with people who have accomplished such a thing being admitted into the “mile high club”. The elements of danger or the fear of being discovered draws in the more adventurous couples of our time, and the trend has grown in popularity in recent years.
Paraphilia Of The Day: Sadism
Roots: Sadisme (Enjoyment in inflicting pain)
Definition: Sadism is defined as sexual enjoyment found in inflicting pain, discomfort, and/or humiliation on others. Unlike other, more nuanced paraphilias, engaging in sadistic acts always implies a dominant role in a given sexual encounter, as sexual sadists most often enjoy complete control of the scenario with which they are engaged in. Their partners might be restrained, which could fuel the sadist’s desire for control, or be physically dominated by a partner with a need to demonstrate superiority. Other sadists might find gratification in the physical maintenance of a sexual encounter, in which they are responsible for both harming and caring for their partner; they take on the responsibility of another life, and appreciate the level of trust required for their partner to give themselves up entirely to the sadist’s care. Almost all forms of sexual sadism are classified as impact play within the BDSM community, in which the submissive partner experiences varying degrees of physical harm in a consensual setting. This most often includes whips, hard leather boards used for spanking, or the complete restriction of the submissive individual’s movement with the use of restraints such as shibari ropes. In any scenario, impact play is treated with an extreme amount of caution, and a responsible sadist must always be aware of the risks associated with their actions as well as how to care for an injured partner.
Paraphilia Of The Day: Masochism
Roots: Masochisme (Enjoyment in receiving pain)
Definition: Masochism is defined as sexual enjoyment found in experiencing pain, discomfort, and/or humiliation as a result of their own or a partner’s actions. In a manner akin to sexual sadism, a masochist always fills the submissive role in a given sexual encounter, and is traditionally dominated by a partner (unless the individual is inflicting pain on themselves in a sexual context). Masochists may agree to be restrained or physically dominated by their partner, and generally report that they crave the state of helplessness they consent to being put into. Many masochists enjoy positions of great power, influence, or control in their everyday-lives, which inversely draws them to giving up that control for an extended period of time, relinquishing the stress and worry accumulated by their jobs to their dominant partner; they no longer need to make any decisions and can let go for the duration of the sexual encounter. Others may gravitate not towards feelings of helplessness but instead towards a dynamic in which they are provided care. Despite the fact that a dominant partner may be inflicting pain upon them, the masochist is still receiving a degree of attention they may not experience in their non-sexual lives, and they most often enjoy a great deal of care following the sexual encounter. They might find gratification in the fact that someone is taking responsibility for them, and appreciate the bonds they can form with dominant partners.