What are Sexual Templates?

Sexual templates, also known as erotic templates or sexual preferences, refer to the unique set of characteristics, scenarios, and stimuli that individuals find sexually attractive or arousing. These templates encompass a wide range of factors, including physical, emotional, and intellectual attributes that influence an individual's sexual desire. Here's a breakdown of key points related to sexual templates:

1. Physical Attributes: These can include features such as height, body type, age, facial features, hair, and more. People often have specific preferences for certain physical characteristics in their sexual partners.

2. Scenarios and Activities: Sexual templates can also involve specific scenarios or activities that individuals find arousing. This can range from exhibitionism and voyeurism to BDSM, role-playing, or other sexual practices.

3. Fluidity of Sexuality: Contemporary views of sexuality acknowledge that it exists on a fluid spectrum rather than rigid categories like gay or straight. Concepts like the Kinsey Scale highlight the diversity of human sexuality and attraction.

4. Flexibility of Preferences: People vary in the flexibility of their sexual preferences. Some individuals have rigid and unchanging sexual templates, while others are more open to exploring a wider range of desires and partners.

5. Development and Change: Sexual templates typically develop during childhood and adolescence and become relatively fixed by the time of puberty. However, they can change or evolve over time due to various factors, including personal experiences and exploration.

6. Illogical Nature: Sexual templates don't always align with logic, and individuals can develop desires and interests that may seem unconventional or counterintuitive, such as eroticizing punishment, which can lead to an interest in BDSM.

7. Origins: The origins of sexual templates are not fully understood. They can be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, cultural, and personal factors, making them unique to each individual.

8. Sex Positivity: One goal of sex-positive approaches is to reduce shame and stigma associated with sexuality. This includes acknowledging and accepting diverse sexual preferences and desires as long as they are consensual and safe.

9. Substance Use: Substance use can impact sexual desire and behavior. Some substances may lower inhibitions, leading individuals to act on desires they might have been hesitant to explore otherwise. However, this can also lead to later feelings of shame or regret.

10. LGBTQ+ Experiences: Many LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique challenges in developing their sexual templates due to societal stigma, discrimination, and the need to navigate their own identities and desires in a heteronormative world.

11. Emotional Needs: Beyond physical pleasure, sex can also fulfill emotional needs such as connection, intimacy, a sense of importance, and a feeling of joining or belonging.

12. Therapeutic Exploration: In therapy, individuals may explore their sexual templates to better understand their sexual desires and histories. This can include examining when and how different aspects of their template developed and how substances may have influenced their sexual experiences.

It's important to note that sexual preferences are diverse and can vary widely from person to person. What matters most is that sexual activities and relationships are consensual, respectful, and safe for all parties involved. Therapy can be a helpful space for individuals to explore and understand their own sexual templates in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. And, understanding your sexual template can help you find more satisfying sex.