These surprising bedroom fantasies prove vanilla is so last season

We asked some of our readers to share the wildest, most surprising things that get their hearts racing—and let’s just say, there was nothing basic about their turn-ons. From fantasies about towering giantesses to a serious balloon obsession, these confessions prove that what makes us tick in the bedroom is often delightfully unexpected. Ready to get curious (and maybe a little hot under the collar)? Here’s the real deal on the quirks and kinks that spice things up beyond the usual.

Attack of the 50-foot woman—and he's into it — Alisha*, 27

“One of my friends once admitted he had this thing for women stepping on tiny cities. Much like Lana Del Rey in the music video 'Doin’ Time'. Apparently, it’s a real thing, called macrophilia (I had no idea!) So, he gets turned on by giantesses—women towering over little people, smashing buildings, being all powerful. He said it makes him feel safe and tiny...and honestly, same.”

Pop goes my brain — Sara*, 35

“I once dated this guy who was obsessed with balloons (and obsessed is an understatement). He’d get super flustered when it’d pop. It was much later in the relationship when he told me about his full-blown balloon kink—think sitting on balloons, popping them, and whatnot. I’ve never looked at party decor the same way again.”

Main character in someone else's sex scene? — Jay*, 31

“I swear I’m not a creep. But this one time, I stayed at a friend’s house and accidentally overheard her and her boyfriend doing it. Instead of dying of second-hand embarrassment, I literally paused to listen. And all I’ll say is, I wouldn’t mind being an auditory (or visual) admirer again.”

Get you someone who cries mid-movie and mid-make out — Vedika*, 24 

I’ve only confessed this to a friend, and she gave me that ‘girl, what?!’ look, but...when my boyfriend cries, it weirdly turns me on. Those tender, emotional, vulnerable tears? There’s just something raw and intimate about it. I don’t want to make him cry, obviously—but when it happens, I’m like...hello.”

Catch me in 4K — Sabrina, 29

“I think I’m low-key into exhibitionism. Not in a kinky way, but I do like the idea of being watched—with consent, of course. I’m not into watching—being the main act is so much hotter. Maybe it’s the role-play lover in me, but yeah...I’d definitely put on a show.”

*Names changed for anonymity.

Lead image: Illustration by Tanya Chaturvedi

The article originally appeared Cosmopolitan May-June 2025 print issue. 

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