Be afraid

[leethet]

Like all my fanfic thoughts, this is probably a dead horse kind of thing. But I was thinking that in gen hurt/comfort, there is a strong erotic element. It's not exactly sexual, but it's usually extremely physical -- much touching, much physical trust and intimacy. And I wonder if it's as close as nonslashers will get to slash. Any and all thoughts on the topic are welcome here.

Comments

[leethet.livejournal.com]

I'll try to avoid a gender discussion here (not that I don't enjoy them -- so much so I feel compelled to say that perhaps women wouldn't treasure those moments of male vulnerability so much if men didn't treasure pretending to be emotionless macho machines so much *g*) and say I would in general agree. Not that women like weak men (unless they're, you know, that kind of woman) in general, but they do like to know that their man isn't a bulletproof creature of iron and gears. Also -- an aspect that I think is important -- everyone, male or female, likes to feel needed by those they care about. That is empowering whether you're a man or a woman.

I was thinking whether I put myself in the nurturer or nurturee POV as a writer and reader, and it's usually the former, which I guess makes sense.

[st-crispins.livejournal.com]

Not that women like weak men

No, they don't. But what is weak to one person is lovely and warm to another.

I don't know if the gender discussion can be avoided because I do believe, for whatever reason, often women find pleasure in things that men do not and vice versa.

And yes, that's an overgeneralization coming from a woman who likes the 'man's gotta do what he's gotta do' type situations and blowing things up good.

But mostly, I think, again for whatever reason, women find great pleasure in intimacy with other people no matter what the age, gender, etc. of that person and that's what I think many readers are looking for.

I recently posted two little drabbles about Solo's thoughts on the utility of vulerability and intimacy here:

http://st-crispins.livejournal.com/181746.html