I hate jump scares, I don’t like imagining what would happen if an antique doll were possessed, and I prefer my houses not haunted. I just don’t get the thrill of being scared. And, so, when October 1 rolls around every year, I never understand why there is an influx of posts on social media that say something to the tune of “the Ghostface mask stays on during sex.” Seriously.
But because understanding why people have sex the way they do is my literal job, I decided to do a deep dive on horror, Halloween masks, and how they end up in our bedrooms. Now, when I see these posts, they typically include people wanting a partner to wear a Scream Ghostface mask or a Halloween Michael Myers mask. If you’ve seen either of these movies (or just don’t live under a rock), you’d know that neither of these characters are inherently “sexy.” But sex therapist and sexologist Suzannah Weiss explains that this isn’t necessarily the point.
People enjoy the novelty, weirdness, and humor of it as well as the festive spirit around Halloween.” Plus, for people who do actually enjoy horror movies, think about what goes on in your body: When you’re watching a horror movie, you have a certain physiological response. Typically, this means releasing adrenaline and norepinephrine. This “fight-or-flight” feeling you get while watching Scream, for example, actually mirrors some of the same physical traits of sexual arousal.
Key word: “some.” For someone like me, having a partner wear a horror movie mask in bed is far from a turn on, whereas someone else may thoroughly enjoy it. This is why it’s always important to have a conversation about trying something new in bed, and working out consent and a potential safe word. Also, having a conversation about wearing a mask in bed can help you figure out what it is about the scenario that might turn you and your partner on.
Sure—as Weiss says—there’s a pure physical response to horror movies, but there could be something else going on. You know how people have certain “hear me outs”? Like when people make an argument for why they think Shrek is hot?
Or for me, Scar from The Lion King? (You know you agree). Well, the same thinking could be used for Michael Myers. Like with any sort of role play, the mask can just serve as an opportunity to step outside of themselves and be someone new for the night.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
