What is candaulism?

Candaulism

Candaulism is a paraphilia in which a person derives sexual arousal from showing their partner, usually a spouse or long-term partner, naked to others, often strangers, or watching them engage in sexual activity with others.

Key aspects of candaulism include:

• Arousal from Exhibition: The primary source of sexual gratification is the act of displaying the partner and observing the reactions of others.
• Partner Involvement: The partner may or may not be willing. When unwilling, this activity can constitute sexual%20coercion or abuse. However, candaulism typically requires the willing involvement, or at least tacit acceptance, of the partner being exhibited.
• Variety of Scenarios: Candaulistic acts can range from simple exhibitionism (e.g., displaying the partner naked) to voyeurism (e.g., watching the partner engage in sexual acts with others) to more complex scenarios involving group sex or swinging.

The term derives from the story of Candaules, king of Lydia, who, according to Herodotus, insisted that his bodyguard see his wife naked, leading to his assassination.