Hi Yvonne,
Have you ever covered the subject of foot fetishes? I would like to hear your take on the subject.
                   —Tim

Dear Tim,
A fetish of any sort is when a person has learned to attach erotic significance to an object that is typically regarded as not sexual in nature. The person becomes aroused by the object, often dependent upon it for sexual excitement. Nobody is certain why or how fetishes develop. Proposed ideas include early childhood events, including those involving sexual shaming, and simply human nature. Most fetishes are harmless, and concerning only when they become an obsession, impacting one’s ability to be intimate in a healthy relationship. A concern with fetishes is that such may be a symptom that the person cannot cope with a sexual relationship, perhaps for fear of rejection. The fetish, for the individual, is safe and non-threatening.

Many people with fetishes are able to have satisfying sex without the fetish object. Those who actively incorporate their fetish into partnered sex can enjoy the fact that easy arousal is practically guaranteed. In providing adventure and entertainment, the object can act as a means to greater bonding for some lovers as well.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Dear Yvonne,
Sometimes my girlfriend will laugh during sex, which weirds me out. Is it because I’m doing something wrong?
— Tad

Dear Tad,
Sex is a fun activity (and if it isn’t a good time, at least most of the time, you seriously need to question the relationship and what you’re doing). Inuit Eskimos refer to sex as “laughing time.” So is it any wonder that lovers aren’t always serious in the sack?

Sex involves feeling good, expressing yourself, and sharing amazing, positive moments with somebody you care about. Laughing can be a great compliment because it indicates your lover is letting go of stress and getting into the moment. While many people worry that their lover is laughing at them, it is more likely that such an expression is due to tickle sensations, disbelief at what is being experienced or simply joy.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”