Are fetishes an indication of a past life?

[greg1991]

Or a future life? Example: I have a fetish for litter beds (the ones carried by slaves) and fans (the ones held by slaves). Does that indicate a past life or future life? Is it possible that the fetish is just a fond memory of a past or future life where I was or will be rich and powerful? Or is something else at play?

 

[DeviantDaniel]

----------------------------

 

[MatthewVett]

I doubt it, but it sounds like a good story idea.

 

[sunandshadow]

Amusing concept, but no. Fetishes are a type of imprinting (like a baby bird imprints on a parent, even when that 'parent' is a human or dog who is around shortly after the bird hatches). Fetish imprinting happens at periods of intense excitement. Not necessarily sexual or positive excitement; fear can cause the same effect, which is why common fetish is for spanking or similar punishment. Of course a more straightforward type is when a person imprints on something associated with arousal, such as lingerie, which is often encountered on attractive half-naked people. But it can also be neutral or positive excitement that is not initially sexual. For example a strong preference for people who have a particular hair color has roots in the simple fact that it's surprising and interesting to encounter someone who looks different than most of the people around you.

On the other hand, some "fetishes" are inherited, genetically-influenced preferences. For example, men in general have an inherited preference for women whose waists are narrower than their hips. It's also possible to inherit a preference for, say, barrel chests or wide noses or plumpness from one or both parents. This is because shape-recognition in human brains is pretty much built in. One notable study found that babies too young to talk have a notable preference for attractive faces, even though they have not had time to be programmed about what their culture considers attractive.

 

[LucyH]

Amusing concept, but no. Fetishes are a type of imprinting (like a baby bird imprints on a parent, even when that 'parent' is a human or dog who is around shortly after the bird hatches). Fetish imprinting happens at periods of intense excitement. Not necessarily sexual or positive excitement; fear can cause the same effect, which is why common fetish is for spanking or similar punishment. Of course a more straightforward type is when a person imprints on something associated with arousal, such as lingerie, which is often encountered on attractive half-naked people. But it can also be neutral or positive excitement that is not initially sexual. For example a strong preference for people who have a particular hair color has roots in the simple fact that it's surprising and interesting to encounter someone who looks different than most of the people around you.

On the other hand, some "fetishes" are inherited, genetically-influenced preferences. For example, men in general have an inherited preference for women whose waists are narrower than their hips. It's also possible to inherit a preference for, say, barrel chests or wide noses or plumpness from one or both parents. This is because shape-recognition in human brains is pretty much built in. One notable study found that babies too young to talk have a notable preference for attractive faces, even though they have not had time to be programmed about what their culture considers attractive.

Ah, yes. This reminds me of the time I was visiting family and found my handcuff key inexplicably sitting on the bathroom counter... then realized that since there was no possible way my key could have gotten there, it must not be mine.

 

[firefighter12]

Amusing concept, but no. Fetishes are a type of imprinting (like a baby bird imprints on a parent, even when that 'parent' is a human or dog who is around shortly after the bird hatches). Fetish imprinting happens at periods of intense excitement. Not necessarily sexual or positive excitement; fear can cause the same effect, which is why common fetish is for spanking or similar punishment. Of course a more straightforward type is when a person imprints on something associated with arousal, such as lingerie, which is often encountered on attractive half-naked people. But it can also be neutral or positive excitement that is not initially sexual. For example a strong preference for people who have a particular hair color has roots in the simple fact that it's surprising and interesting to encounter someone who looks different than most of the people around you.

On the other hand, some "fetishes" are inherited, genetically-influenced preferences. For example, men in general have an inherited preference for women whose waists are narrower than their hips. It's also possible to inherit a preference for, say, barrel chests or wide noses or plumpness from one or both parents. This is because shape-recognition in human brains is pretty much built in. One notable study found that babies too young to talk have a notable preference for attractive faces, even though they have not had time to be programmed about what their culture considers attractive.

And, sometimes, a fetish is just a fetish.....how do you know you crave chocolate, let's say, until you taste it? Is not a fetish just a craving taken to an extreme?