A survey performed by DatingAdvice.com has revealed an interesting statistic: 1 in 2 singles has a sexual kink, fetish, or fantasy. The survey included 500 people in the United States. With 50% of the respondents admitting to their sexual predilections, it’s clear that open communication while dating is essential.

It’s important to understand that sexual kinks, fetishes, and fantasies are not the same. A sexual kink is considered any sexual practice outside the traditional mainstream norms. It’s not required for the person to reach sexual satisfaction but does enhance the pleasure derived from the non-traditional act. A sexual fetish revolves around one particular body part, object, or situation that is most often necessary for sexual satisfaction. Sexual fantasies live in the imagination and can involve all sorts of scenarios that the person may want to indulge in.

“It’s completely normal to have sexual fantasies. For most people, an orgasm begins with a movie in our minds. Sometimes, if it is emotionally safe to do so, sharing sexual fantasies can even strengthen a relationship by enhancing intimacy,” said Dr. Wendy Walsh, “America’s Relationship Expert” at DatingAdvice.com. “It’s important to note that research from the Kinsey Institute shows that while sexual fantasies can be very edgy, many people have no desire to act them out in real life, and sharing a fantasy need not be a suggestion for action.”

Up until recently, sharing such intimate desires was taboo, but the survey revealed this perception is on the decline. The change in societal attitudes toward sexual kinks, fetishes, and fantasies is reflected in the survey’s numbers. Of the respondents, 44% have shared their sexual desires with their partners. Another 61% admitted that their partner shared their sexual desires with them. Of those who disclosed their desires to their partner, 56% said they felt supported by their partner while almost half said they explored those desires together. The partners’ openness to the sharing of such intimate information shows a positive swing toward acceptance of non-traditional sexual acts. 

When people share this information with their significant other varies. The largest percentage of respondents, 40%, said they shared their desires within the first year of dating, while 13% said they’d rather wait until they were past their first anniversary. Those who would rather wait until they’d been with someone for two years were only 8% of the respondents. 

Even though there is a changing attitude in how people regard sexual kinks, fetishes, and fantasies, and many more in the dating pool are leaning toward sharing them with potential partners, there remains a stigma around any non-traditional sexual preferences. The survey revealed that 47% of singles have not shared their sexual appetites or desires with anyone.

Communication is vital for partners to build a healthy, fulfilling sexual relationship. Sexual kinks, fetishes, and fantasies should be shared so partners can decide together which acts can be included in their sexual relationship. Consent is vitally important to any relationship and partners should agree as to what is acceptable whether the sexual act is traditional or non-traditional.

DatingAdvice.com had this to say about the survey: “The data underscores the need for singles to feel comfortable and open to discussions surrounding sexual desires with future romantic partners.”