When a Fetish Becomes a Chore

Ah, fetishes. They can make sex even more fun and exciting, or – for the less enthusiastic partner of a fetishist – turn it into a banal chore.

In a prior post, we explored the medical and colloquial definitions of a fetish. But what if your partner has a fetish that isn’t exactly hampering his ability to function as a normal individual, but it makes you long for the days when sex was just, well, a little bit of foreplay, then penetration? No props, cameras, vinyl, rubber, leather, lace, balloons, puppets… you get the picture.

Is It a True Fetish?

Experts consider a fetish any sexual obsession that interferes with a person’s ability to function normally in work and social settings. But sometimes, when one partner has a fetish the other person doesn’t share, it can affect your sex life in a negative way – even if you previously enjoyed sharing in the fetish activity.

In fact, when a partner indulges their significant other in a fetish, that fetish can grow stronger until it turns into a problem for both parties. If your partner can’t get aroused without thinking about or using the fetish object, by all means, seek professional help or couples counseling.

If your partner can get aroused without the object, but chooses not to, he may not realize it’s grown stale for you. Chances are, you’ll be able to work things out on your own, without professional intervention. As with any other aspect of sex, communication is the key.

Remember, It’s Not You

Partners coerced into fetish activities often begin to feel they aren’t adequate on their own. “He only wants me for my feet!” might be a common complaint.

First, remember that his fetish has nothing to do with you. Even if it hasn’t turned into a full-blown addiction that requires treatment, it’s about the object, not about you. If he can’t get turned on without the object, that is because of him, not your level of attractiveness. If he can… then it’s time to talk to him about doing so every so often.

Conversation-starters

First, stress to your partner that you don’t want to abandon his fetish completely, but you’d like to try something that turns you on more every once in a while.

Suggest, kindly and when you’re outside the bedroom: “Would it be okay if we tried sex without [fetish object] once in a while, just for something different?”

Don’t be afraid to ask for the reassurance you need. Ask him straight out if he still finds you attractive. If he has a foot fetish, for instance, ask him to compliment other body parts, even if you have to fish for the compliments. Wear clothing emphasizing other body parts and then ask a question like, “Doesn’t this thong make my ass look tight?” Hopefully, he’ll get the idea that you want to focus on another body part for a change.

Transfer the “Object of Transfer”

A fetishist transfers his sexual feelings onto a specific, typically non-sexual, object. If the so-called fetish  is not so much about the fetish object, but about doing something daring, different and socially unacceptable in the bedroom, change it up.

If your partner is infatuated with dirty talk, try making a video instead. If he’s into being blindfolded, see if he’d be game to try being tied up instead. If he doesn’t have a true fetish by the clinical definition, but merely craves excitement and is turned on by taboo acts, he shouldn’t mind trying something different. Maybe he’s just fallen into a kinky rut and needs to explore other creative sex acts.

Fetishes, like any non-mainstream sex acts, aren’t inherently good or bad, but when one partner stops finding enjoyment in it, it’s time to pause and re-assess your sex life. It doesn’t mean you’re not good together as a couple, it just means you need to work on some aspects of your relationship. And who doesn’t?

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