People's bedroom kinks are a reflection of their diverse desires and the ways they seek to explore intimacy and pleasure.
These kinks, which can range from light role-play to more elaborate fantasies, are often rooted in a person's unique psychology, past experiences, and evolving preferences.
.jpg_sJTyL1?tr=w-1024,cr-0.0.1024.686&config=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)
Engaging in kinks can enhance sexual connection, allowing individuals to express different facets of themselves in a safe and consensual environment.
It’s important to note that these desires are deeply personal and should always be approached with mutual respect, clear communication, and consent.
When navigated thoughtfully, exploring kinks can lead to a more fulfilling and open sexual relationship.
There are all kinds of different kinks, but one that isn't spoken about as much in a mainstream context is the "praise kink".
There has, however, been a noticeable rise in interest and conversation around this particular kink, largely fueled by—unsurprisingly—TikTok.
As of now, the hashtag #praisekink has garnered 84.6 million views, and #praisekinks has 3.5 million, indicating that this kink is resonating with many.
TikTok's unique algorithm, which often delivers content that feels personally relevant, has been a significant factor in spreading awareness.
Alongside BookTok, which is doing its part in explaining what a praise kink entails, it seems the phrase "TikTok made me realize I have a praise kink" is becoming a common, and thankfully harmless, realization for many.
So, what exactly is a praise kink? And if it intrigues you, how can you incorporate it into your bedroom activities?
A praise kink is pretty much what it sounds like. According to Georgia Grace, a sexologist and co-founder of NORMAL, a female- and queer-owned sexual wellness brand, it refers to getting sexual pleasure from being praised or complimented.
Examples might include phrases like, "You’ve been such a good girl," or "I’m so proud of you," Grace explained to Refinery29 Australia.
It can even extend to dynamics like "mummy and daddy play," where one person is dominant, though this doesn’t imply a link to childhood deprivation or a lack of verbal affection growing up.
While people often theorize about the origins of sexual kinks, kink educator Aoife Murray emphasizes that there is no solid research directly connecting a praise kink to specific childhood experiences.
Although everyone enjoys compliments from time to time, a praise kink is specifically about deriving sexual excitement from such affirmations.
This could include words, phrases, or even sounds like moans and groans that signal approval. The key is receiving validation that you're doing a good job.
Grace offers some advice for safely exploring a praise kink. “Even though it might not seem as intense as dirty talk, it’s important to check in with your sexual partners first,” she says. Using a praise kink unexpectedly could be surprising, or even triggering, for some people.
As with any sexual activity, explicit consent is crucial. Before using phrases like "good girl" in bed, have a conversation with your partner.
If you’re unsure how to bring it up, Grace suggests a simple approach: “Send someone this article and say, ‘Hey, I read about this. Would you be curious about trying it?’” This gives your partner the choice to opt in or out.
Grace also recommends testing the waters in a non-sexual context first. For example, you might say something while watching TV to see how your partner responds. This can help ensure everyone is comfortable before bringing it into the bedroom.
For some, exploring a new kink is a big event, while for others, it’s no big deal. It can be as simple as saying, "I’ve been such a good girl, I deserve a kiss." The only rules are to seek consent and establish boundaries before engaging.
With its positive reinforcement and playful nature, a praise kink is a relatively safe kink to explore. It might not even seem like a kink to some, but as Grace points out, kink is anything that falls outside the "straight and narrow." The term is intentionally vague to encourage inclusion and curiosity.
“This is a fun kink to play with,” Grace says. “People can feel more safe dipping into this kink.”
.jpg_79wBwt?tr=h-40)
.jpg_79wBwt?tr=h-184)
