While this is very subjective and differs as to preference for each individual, tickling does not have to be sexual.  Nor does it have to be strictly non-sexual.  If we think about tickle play when we were children, we can clearly see this.  That doesn’t change when we become adults.  But, there are as many  individuals who see tickling as only sexual for them personally as there are those who see it as purely fun or a combination that can depend on who the play partner is.

For one person, tickling may be purely fun.  They may enjoy clowning with and teasing others in a good-natured way.  From the beginning of the human race, tickling has existed...and likely did with other life before that.  It’s likely that it’s always been a form of affectionate interaction between individuals as well.  When we tickle a small child, we know it’s just playing and having fun.  When we tickle someone in the course of a friendly exchange of thoughts, it’s innocent fun.  There are numerous possibilities for situations in which tickling can easily be inserted as a show of affection.

For many people, tickling is also sexual.  This can be with only certain individuals.  Or, it can be sexual for them all the time...in which case, they likely won’t enter into tickling with those they are not attracted to in some way.  For these individuals, tickling may be a bit more difficult to deal with.  The nature of their enjoyment of it has built-in limits as to who they are able to enjoy it with.  So, they may have fewer opportunities to enjoy it.  That can lead to a good deal of frustration at times.  It’s something that others really need to be aware of in interacting with them so we can show a bit of patience and understanding if that frustration leads to them seeming to be a bit pushy at times.

No matter which way you see tickling, there’s nothing wrong with you.  There are plenty of us out here.  The trick is to know what form tickling takes for those you’re interacting with.  If someone is into it for innocent play only, you arena’t going to want to start getting sexual with them.  On the flip side, if you know that someone is into it as a purely sexual thing, it’s not a great idea to get into a session of cyber play with them unless you first inform them that it does’t mean the same to you.  Being up front with and getting to know folks a bit is always the best bet.  That will help to avoid hurt feelings and misunderstandings.