All About Objectum-Sexuality

Objectum-sexuality is a rare sexual condition in which the object of affection is literally an object. People with objectum-sexuality fall in love with inanimate objects and have relationships they believe are reciprocal. It has been classified in the past as a paraphilia, or sexual disorder, but some sexual psychologists are now beginning to believe it is a sexual orientation like heterosexuality or homosexuality.

How does a relationship with an object work?

Objectum-sexuality is different than having a favorite sex toy or being really fond of a possession. While there may be an element of fantasy involved in that the objects probably do not have real feelings for their lovers, people with objectum-sexuality view their relationships like anyone else. Objective sexuals believe objects have a power or life force that isn't human, but real and feeling nonetheless. The loved object provides comfort, emotional support, and even sexual stimulation.

Often, people with objectum-sexuality report "making love" or being physically intimate in their relationships. This is different than masturbating, because even though the object doesn't physically reciprocate, the person with objective-sexuality believes that the object reciprocates with feelings.

What kinds of objects are relationship material?

Any object may be loved by a person with objectum-sexuality, but many of the most-documented public cases involve humans who fall in love with buildings or monuments. The Eiffel Tower, various bridges, and the Berlin Wall have all be objects of affection. A carnival ride, a bow, and a fence have also been love objects discussed by the media. Obviously, there are practical obstacles to a person wooing a public monument all day, so many objectum-sexuals have scale models in their homes.

What happens if two people fall in love with the same object?

With a highly public object like the Eiffel Tower, it can be hard to stake a personal relationship claim. When two objectum-sexuals love the same object, it's generally not a problem. Many people with objectum-sexuality are also oriented toward polyamory and don't see any problem with having multiple partners or letting their love object have multiple partners.

What causes objectum-sexuality?

No one knows for sure where objectum-sexuality comes from, not even objectum-sexuals. Research suggests a link between Asperger's syndrome and objectum-sexuality, though less than a third of objectum-sexuals have been diagnosed with Asperger's or any other form of autism. Some cite childhood abuse or molestation as possible causes, but again, that does not explain a majority of cases. Much like heterosexuality or homosexuality, objectum-sexuality usually begins to manifest during puberty.

Resources:

"The Object of Her Affection: A New Kind of Sexual Orientation" ABC News with Diane Sawyer, April 8, 2009.

Married to the Eiffel Tower, 2008 BBC Documentary (available in three parts on YouTube).

Official website: http://www.objectum-sexuality.org/