People are opening up about the complexities of a particular fetish which is rising in popularity among married couples in the US.
As a dominatrix explained to UNILAD, it's 'important' for people to have a 'safe space' to discuss and explore their fantasies to have an 'outlet' and not let it 'come out in different ways' - with the safe exploration even sometimes helping 'make you a better person' as a result.
Unfortunately, a lot of kinks, fetishes and fantasies aren't spoken about enough and one in particular can sometimes be more 'complicated' to unpack despite it rising in popularity.
The rise in popularity
BedBible.com reports that there's one particular fetish or fantasy which is 'becoming more and more popular' among couples in the US.
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It states there are 'around 6.25 million US couples' who are actively taking part in the fetish, 'four million married couples' and searches of the kink on adult film sites have 'increased by 57 percent in the last three years'.
However, a more 'sex-positive environment' is desperately needed to navigate the fetish and unpack what its 'complexities' and what it says about 'human sexuality'.
But what is the fetish?
The fetish
The fetish is known as cuckolding.
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"The term 'cuckold' or 'cuckoldry' historically referred to a man whose wife has been unfaithful to him, implying that he is aware of the infidelity and possibly even complicit in it." BedBible.com explains.
"In modern usage, the term is often associated with sexual fetishes involving the cuckold fantasy, in which a man derives pleasure from his partner engaging in sexual activity with someone else while he watches or otherwise participates."
A since-deleted Reddit user took to the thread r/CuckoldPsychology to deep dive into the fetish.
They asked: "What does the cuckholding trend say about society?"
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One user replied: "Nothing. It is not a trend. Cuckoldry as a sexual practice is very familiar in classical and medieval sources. We're talking about a fairly universal sexual thrill."
And it didn't take long for others to weigh in.
Complexities
A since-deleted user wrote: "Interesting post. I think you hit on a lot of good thoughts. Like most things it's complicated, but all those factors probably contribute. I know for me personally it absolutely is about seeing my wife as a liberated sexual being that can do what ever she wants with whoever she wants with my complete support and encouragement."
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"I love that. So wholesome and so hot to me. I just love women like that, it makes me so happy to see," another added.
While a third resolved: "I think overall it shows that monogomy is not the sole option."
If you're interested in trying cuckholding, it's important to make sure you sit with the idea for a while and don't rush into anything - do your research.
And it's best to make sure it's something your partner definitely wants to try too, maintain open communication with them and clearly discuss boundaries with all involved.
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And remember you can always consult a sexpert or therapist too.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Mental Health, Reddit, Social Media
Poppy Bilderbeck