fas·ci·na·tion
The capability of eliciting intense interest or of being very attractive.
The state of being intensely interested or attracted: listened in fascination.
An intensely interesting, attractive quality or trait.
As long as we're using the word in its positive sense, I love being fascinated, at least, I love being fascinated in the way that I use the word. Even in it's weakest sense I associate fascination with a strong desire to know and see more, and at the other end of the spectrum with intense, hypnotic mental pleasure that can, surprisingly - and wonderfully - spring up out of almost nowhere.
For example, both Punce and I remember being three years old and watching our Grandad cut up an apple with his pen knife and slowly devour it. The event is imprinted on both of our minds because it's the first time either of us can remember being well and truly fascinated.
More recently I've been fascinated by my Bobossino's attempts to manipulate his little face, and - the other week in the library - a girl I was sitting next to, which brings me to an important point. For me fascination, as I understand the term, is seldom sexual (it most certainly wasn't in the case of the aforementioned girl). I feel this is important as the only other set of sensations that I find anywhere near as pleasurable are sexual in nature so I think it's particularly easy to conflate the two, however I'm interested in fascination as a stand alone set of sensations, how it comes about, and why.
So what fascionates you? |
