Still with me? Cool, thanks! Let's start with the definition of fetishism:
fet·ish·ism
noun
1. a form of sexual behavior in which gratification is linked to an abnormal degree to a particular object, activity, part of the body, etc.
Now if you're like me, you've probably heard people say something like "Oh I have so many fetishes, lol." Well they'd be wrong, probably.
Now if you're still like me, you might have a lot of kinks, but a fetish is usually just
one thing. One main thing that overrides all other sexual desires, to the point where it is the only thing you can think about that will get you off.
Hi, my name's ToastGhost, and I have a fetish.
And it sucks for me.
Most people can get aroused by regular sexual activity. Not fetishists. They need the one thing that calls to them in order to achieve sexual gratification, or sometimes just regular gratification. It won't matter if someone is perceived as sexually attractive, it won't matter to a fetishist unless it involves the object of their desire. Sometimes this can be a nonsexual bodypart, which is also called partialism, being attracted to a part of the body, like feet for example.
Plenty of people have foot fetishes, and heck, I wish I had that over my dumb fetish.
Let's say I have a balloon fetish. I don't, but maybe I do, but let's just use it for the sake of an example. I swear I don't have a balloon fetish though. Or maybe I do and I'm just trying to throw you off my tracks. Anyway, example time: since I have a balloon fetish, that occupies my thoughts maybe 20% of the time. Like, I'll be playing a videogame, then I'll think,
Damn, wish I had some balloons or was a balloon or something. Also, seeing balloons in public or on TV will make me aroused, which can be problematic. Lastly, I could never form a romantic relationship with anyone who dislikes balloons or is afraid of them, thus making it that much harder to find someone who will be accepting of me. Doesn't matter if they're attractive, intelligent, friendly, etc. If they don't like balloons, you'll find yourself isolated again.
As I mentioned earlier, having a fetish sucks.
People might ask you "Are you a boobs or ass guy?", and then your thoughts will drift to balloons for a few seconds before you make up a fake answer. You might take physical discomfort in seeing a balloon popped, which is a surprisingly common occurrence in the right or wrong places. You might end up having to spend a lot of money on helium tanks because blowing up balloons is the only thing that'll grant you a true feeling of joy or reprieve from the various mental ailments you face.
I'd like to reiterate that I don't have a balloon fetish and this is all still a series of examples.
Even with online communities, having a fetish can lead to varied feelings of isolation. Not having anyone to personally or physically share said fetish with will be really difficult, and even if you do find someone who is accepting of it, they might not be able to reciprocate or support it. Or if you do find someone who shares your fetish, they might not be willing to share it with you simply due to personal differences. "Ewww, you like balloons filled with helium? I only like balloons filled with water."
If anyone here has a balloon fetish
I am so sorry. Heck, I'm sorry if you have any fetish, because chances are it's difficult for you on some level. Even more so if your fetish is illegal, but for the sake of safety and sanity I won't go into that.
A fetish is by definition abnormal, and no one really wants to feel abnormal. Having a fetish is often really difficult: it will constantly battle for your attention, make it harder for you to form connections with others, and almost definitely label you as a weirdo in the eyes of yourself and others.
So, if you encounter someone with a weird fetish, try to be accepting. Chances are they've already encountered plenty of people who have immediately disliked them for it.