Fetish Friday: Hand Fetishism
A fetish defines the object of one’s sexual fantasies, whether it is a living being or an inanimate object. On the other hand, a kink describes the less conventional sexual practises that a person takes part in or fantasizes about. When considering either definition, both are typically viewed as straying from mainstream social norms.
Thankfully, recent years have seen the world become progressively sex-positive and, as a result, many fetishes and kinks are looked at as ‘acceptable.’ Though, not every fetish that a person has is understood by the general population; this is partially because of varied subcultures that often branch from a single fetish or kink. It can leave outsiders unsure of what it actually entails.
To help eliminate any misunderstandings and reservations, we’ve decided to explain the topic of hand fetishism or cheirophilia. We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish, as well as what someone who takes part in it enjoys and how they may convey their sexual attraction.
What is hand fetishism?
Hand fetishism — also referred to as hand partialism or cheirophilia — describes a sexual attraction that a person has towards hands. For some, it’s directed at a specific area of the hands, such as the fingers or nails. To others, it’s to a particular action performed by the hands (not always sexual, such as tying shoelaces). It can even be a combination of both!
Common misconceptions
Despite foot fetishism being one of the most common fetishes, hand partialism is less common. Not every person with a hand fetish wants to interact directly with the hands. Instead, it may encompass an interaction with certain fabrics, textured surfaces, or posing the hands and fingers in certain positions. While a hand fetish often is sexual, it can also represent a physical connection with someone loved, such as watching them do everyday tasks with care.
How to talk about it with your partner
If you experience cheirophilia and want to incorporate hand play of any degree into your sexual routine with your partner, it’s essential to talk to them about your fetish. Explain exactly how their, or your, hands can enhance sex for you and what you hope to do together to achieve that.
Keep in mind that like any sexual activity, consent is critical from both parties and must be given enthusiastically before proceeding.
Things to try
Curious about how you can explore hand fetishism in your own life? Consider the following:
Photographing one another’s hands for looking at later on
Watching ethical porn specifically for folks with a hand fetish
Foreplay acts such as fingering or handjobs
Sucking on your partner’s fingers (or having them suck on yours)
Licking the palms of your partner’s hands (or having yours licked)
Are there risks to consider?
So long as you only look at or come into contact with someone’s hand — that is, you do not engage in any sexual activities — you typically need not worry about the risks of STIs or pregnancy. However, you must be wary if you or your partner have warts on your hands.
Note that hand play is often a precursor to actual sex when used as foreplay or incorporated into sexual acts. In situations like these, practise safe sex by using protection and exploring all of your birth control options.
How can I learn more?
You can explore hand fetishism through various avenues, including learning more about it in chatrooms, your local sex club, or even watching ethical pornography. There are also plenty of resources to find pictures of hands, including stock image websites, social media like Pinterest and Instagram, or even a simple Google Image search. The possibilities are endless, and there is nothing to feel nervous or ashamed about!
In reading this breakdown, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of cheirophilia, or the sexual attraction to hands (hand partialism). If ever the topic were to come up in conversation, we hope you will feel encouraged to speak about it. Whether it’s learning more about the fetish from someone who experiences it first-hand or educating someone who may be closed off to the idea, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Have you ever been sexually attracted to hands before, in a feeling of cheirophilia? Do you picture yourself experiencing hand partialism in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
