• Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world
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    12 hours ago

    …stimmed? Flapping?

    What are these words? I’m afraid to ask in the event it’s some new sex thing…that your dad was watching…ew ew ew ew ew.

    • Broadfern@lemmy.world
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      11 hours ago

      I’m going to pretend you’re asking in good faith and would genuinely like to learn.

      “Stimming” is “sensory stimulation,” or self-regulating behavior. When used in this context it’s not sexual. It helps (typically neurodivergent, but I’d argue most) people better process the environment around them by having a sensory input they can focus on.

      Examples of stimming are hand-flapping (waving one’s hands around), clicking a pen, listening to music, tapping one’s toes, chewing gum, just to name a few. I’m willing to bet you have stims that you may not even realize, and that’s perfectly okay.

      TL;DR: Stimming = fidgeting that helps you focus/calm down, it’s not perverted.

      • GreenAppleTree@lemmy.world
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        10 hours ago

        typically neurodivergent, but I’d argue most

        Yup. I’m (mostly) neurotypical, and used to unconsciously reach for a pen whenever I need to focus on reading code, or have important conversations. I don’t click it, just need something to hold (and very occasionally bite on).

        Now I consciously carry a “focus pen”.

        I’m sure Freud has something to say about the whole thing…

    • JellyfishGalaxy@lemmy.ca
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      8 hours ago

      In the future, if you’re that worried about something giving you certain results, dictionary.com exists, and shouldn’t give you anything but words. I, also, love urban dictionary, because its funny, but you don’t always get a clear answer, due to the crowdsourcing. This way you don’t look weird for assuming something