An interest in fog, mist and steam as elements of s3xual attraction is receiving attention, with relationship experts describing how hazy surroundings can contribute to feelings of intimacy.
Known as nebulophilia, the term refers to arousal associated with low-visibility atmospheres. S3xologist Angie Rowntree said interest in the theme had grown on her female-focused adult website, Sssh.com.
Speaking to Metro, kink expert and author Gigi Engle described it as being turned on by “mist, clouds and other atmospheric things”. “It’s where you become super aroused by the sensation of mist or seeing clouds of fog or smoke,” she said. “It can have to do with the ambience or whimsy and romanticism of clouds and mist.
“It’s highly sensory and visual. It doesn’t mean you’re attracted to clouds or mist, but mostly it’s the atmosphere that features as an arousal component.” Relationship expert Annabelle Knight said fog and mist could evoke strong emotions, noting their frequent use in film and television. “They tend to evoke strong emotions, and fog and mist are often used in media to evoke these,” she said.
Examples include the fogged car window in Titanic and Mr Darcy’s walk through the morning mist in Pride and Prejudice. The experts suggested that such imagery can associate hazy settings with romance, mystery and desire. “Steam is also used in such a way, there are plenty of steamy scenes which take place in showers, for example,” Knight added.
Engle said poor weather could also create a sense of separation from the outside world and opportunities for private time together. “When it’s like misty, cloudy and rainy, it’s usually an indicator that the weather isn’t good,” she said. “So, situationally you’re stuck in the house, which is an opportunity to have a lot of intimate time. It interlinks.”
Rowntree described the appeal as partly rooted in the feeling of privacy created by obscured surroundings. “For those who experience it, the obscured, dreamlike setting can feel intensely sensual: the familiar world disappears, inhibitions soften, and an ordinary moment becomes a private fantasy.”
The experts advised discussing the interest openly with a partner and taking precautions in hot or slippery environments. “If it’s something you feel comfortable bringing up with a partner, be sure to explain it by how you are feeling, vs. using the word nebulophilia as they may not be familiar with the concept,” Knight said.
