Enjoying erotic activity in front of the mirror, also known as katoptronophilia, is surprisingly very common. It’s depicted in porn, movies, songs, and even many erotic hotels set up mirrors above the beds in their suites specifically for this fantasy. So, why do we think this is so hot? Here’s some of the many reasons why seeing ourselves have sex is a huge turn on.

 

1. Sexuality is often very closely tied to our visual experience.

We get turned on by seeing our partner’s body, their movements, and facial experiences. So, why wouldn’t we be turned on by seeing our own reaction to pleasure? Having that pleasure-packed visual is a powerful turn-on that brings your sensuality to life and heightens your arousal, even when you’re observing your own pleasure.

 

 

2. You get to be a voyeur and an exhibitionist.

When you watch yourself have sex, you get to simultaneously be a voyeur and an exhibitionist. It is similar to voyeurism, because you enjoy watching someone have sex… but different that voyeurism, because you’re watching yourself. Plus, voyeurism often has a covert “hidden” or “spying” element to the fantasy, whereas watching oneself is a very overt act.

 

 

3. It’s in real time

Watching yourself have sex can be a beautiful, arousing visual of pleasure in real-time. You get to see the physical manifestation of your own pleasure from a third-person perspective. You see yourself from your partner’s point of view, from your arched back to your mouth opened with pleasure, which can be thrilling. You can also see yourself and your partner from more angles, some of which are usually hidden, giving you a fresh perspective – like a new appreciation for how hot you really look on top.

 

 

 

4. It’s a hot way to connect with your partner

But, it’s not just about seeing yourself. It’s also a unique, hot way to connect with your partner. When you’re having sex in front of a mirror, you can see each other’s facial expressions, look into their eyes, and gauge each other’s pleasure in positions where you’re typically facing away from each other. You can also see new view of your partner’s body, including the areas that usually face away from you. You can also read their facial expressions and watch their reactions to see what’s working, and give them even more pleasure.

 

 

5. It can make you more confident

Some people may find the experience distracting or uncomfortable, especially if they’re typically uncomfortable with their bodies, or find the mirror to be too kinky or distracting for their taste. But, others find this to be a thrilling way to explore their own bodies and appearance, especially during sex. Seeing yourself experience pleasure and put on a sexy “performance”, all while positively enforcing your appearance with the pleasure-chemicals of sex, can actually help you to feel more confident about yourself!

 

 

6. Anyone can enjoy it

Sexual fantasies are for everyone, and you don’t have to be an American-Psycho-style narcissist to enjoy a mirror fantasy. For some people, it may be a narcissistic experience, if they really focus on themselves and how great they look. But to most people, it’s a unique way to enjoy visual stimulation in real time. You also get the feeling of simultaneously watching and being watched, or being in your own porn flick. Also, many people love the experience not to just watch themselves, but to see their partner from new angles, or get a glimpse of their partner’s expression in positions where you can’t normally see each other’s faces.

 

 

7. You’ll feel like you’re the star of your own porn

Sometimes, the voyeuristic aspects of watching yourself in the mirror might feel much like you’re the star in your very own porn. Many people get so lost in the moment that they’re not necessarily focusing on their imperfections, but the sensual show that they’re performing. It can very much feel like they’re acting out a scene in a porn!

 

 

 

8. You might even want to film it

Many people film themselves having sex to get the rush and thrill of performing for the camera, as if they’re shooting their own porn flick. It gives a unique feeling of creating a sexy show, even if it’s just for personal enjoyment. Some people also like to have a memory of the moment, go back to watch themselves have sex, or even go back to perfect their technique! This is quite different from katoptronophilia, though, because you don’t get the same real-time enjoyment of the visual.