When we talk about eroticism , or hear someone mention about an erotic experience or feeling, what is the first thing that comes to mind?Sex and love. Possibly…

You only have to turn on the TV or flip through a magazine or newspaper to realize that, nowadays, the media has commercialized so much about sex and sexuality that that is precisely what we think of when we hear words like this. There is so much sexual connotation in some media that sometimes we don’t know if we are being seduced or selling a shampoo, for example.

However, there are those who still find that talking about the subject can be offensive and uncomfortable, for others the term evokes mental images that refer them to the genitals and sexual practice, as well as some health issues (at best) that include eroticism, how sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive methods. And for a few others, it is natural to talk about related topics.

Definition of Eroticism

But what is eroticism? What is an erotic feeling? What do we mean by this? Does it really have to do only with sexual practices? How much do we not know about it?

There is little specific information on the subject, most of the research refers to eroticism with vague or not very exhaustive explanations about the concept. For example, is usually defined as communication and activity in a couple or individually, where different emotions, feelings and attitudes are involved that lead to genital stimulation and orgasm in search of sexual pleasure.

Clarifying concepts

Going back to the origin of the term, the word eroticism originates from the Greek eros in reference to the God Eros who is associated with sensuality, desire and sexual pleasure, as well as with the behaviors that are manifested when there is attraction between two or more beings.

Eroticism is a human characteristic; and in fact, the concept itself refers to the behaviors and attitudes that incite interaction and sexual activity , such as: caresses, kisses, hugs, oral stimulation, masturbation, among others that generally lead to intercourse and/or directly to the sensation of sexual pleasure of the person who practices them and that these behaviors do not necessarily seek reproduction.

How and when does eroticism express itself?

How, when and where these behaviours are manifested depends directly on the personality of each person, tastes and preferences , as well as other factors such as socioeconomic level, type of culture, family customs, religious practices, geographical location, etc. These practices allow the individual to be in contact with his or her body, to identify and perceive those stimuli that are pleasant for him or her and, of course, to know those practices that are not, both for him or her and for the person with whom he or she shares these experiences.

Eroticism involves the person in an integral way: physically and psychologically, it represents the way in which he expresses for himself and others, his desires, fantasies and most intimate feelings. There are countless ways in which each of us brings these desires to reality or not, and manifests his or her “erotic self”: from a romantic dinner at the beach to a session of sadomasochism, a threesome or swinging, to name a few. Not all of these erotic manifestations are exotic in nature or border on the extreme.

The importance of erotic language

The erotic language does not have a specific characteristic, it involves each and every one of our senses . It is composed of warm sensations and stimuli that shake the epidermis, it also involves feelings such as love and desire, the exchange of looks, words, gestures and signs that indicate to the other that one is in a position to take these sensations to the maximum.

Any behavior that represents a source of sexual pleasure for the person can be considered an erotic sensation, this can be provoked with one’s own body, that of one’s partner or external objects such as toys, feathers, ice, or others; there is a wide range of articles that allow enriching the sexual experience, specialized stores and even annual fairs that promote and inform, also the participation of health professionals and experts in sexuality that allow erotic life to be even more pleasant; guiding and educating the population in order to improve the experience.

Some reflections on eroticism

The concept eroticism is something complex and subjective, therefore difficult to pigeonhole. According to sexologists, there is no practice determined as normal or abnormal when it comes to eroticism and sexuality . The response to an erotic stimulus depends on the desires and fantasies of each person and something that is pleasant for some, can even be painful and abominable for others. Therefore, I think that it is the responsibility of each one of us to define what is or is not erotic and pleasant, to communicate it and to be honest in the moment of such practices in order to maintain our physical and psychological integrity.

I consider eroticism to be part of a human need, not only to receive but also to provide pleasure, a pleasure that can be limited only to physical and mechanical stimulation or extended as far as the limits of our imagination allow, resulting in a complete state of physical and mental pleasure.

A way to rediscover ourselves through pleasure

Erotic practices bring us closer to ourselves and to others in a unique way since it is in intimacy that those personality traits that are generally kept hidden or private come to the surface .

It is essential to know our limits and respect those of the couple so that the practice of eroticism is pleasant, lasting and constant. “Talking makes people understand each other” a good communication with both oneself and one’s partner is key for us to be able to exploit that erotic potential that characterizes us.

Developing an erotic identity is vital to an individual’s psychological well-being. Fortunately, today we have multiple tools such as books, websites, manuals, educational and health institutions, brochures and fairs that are publicly accessible and that allow us to learn about the various aspects involving erotic identity. Being informed and responsible with our sexual behaviors depends directly on each individual.

Bibliographic references:

  • Freyman, Regina. (2011). Geography and erotic language.Reason and Word, August-October. Retrieved from: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=199520010037
  • Vladimir Gessen. Psychology for all. Eroticism. Retrieved from: http://www.psicologiaparatodos.com/psicologianuevo…