Pluviofilia: what it is and how pleasure is experienced in the rain
In colloquial language, rain love is known as pluviofilia. It is not a specialized term, that is, it does not refer to a formal clinical category; however, it has been used in an ordinary way to describe a series of interests and hobbies related to rain.
What does pluviofilia consist of? In this article we will see it.
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What is pluviofilia?
In ancient Greek, the word "philos" means "love", and the suffix "ia" means "quality". Hence, "philia" ("filia" in Spanish), means the quality of feeling love for a given situation, object or practice. It is about the opposite experiences to the phobias, in which an intense fear to precise situations prevails.
On the other hand, "pluvio" comes from "pluvial" which means "from the rain or relative to it". Having said that, we can see that "pluviofilia" is love, hobby or special attraction for the rain and everything that concerns him .
It should be noted that this is not a pathological behavior. In fact, although there are many types of "philias," there are few that have become specific diagnostic criteria (for example, paraphilias). Mostly, the hobbies that are considered pathological are diagnosed with the suffix "mania" (like kleptomania); and not with "filia".
In this sense, the special and intense enjoyment by the rain does not represent in itself a threat nor does it require a treatment. Does this mean that pluviofilia can not cause discomfort? The pluviofilia (as other filias), can be accompanied by experiences of diagnosable or undiagnosable malaise. It can even be accompanied by little flexibility, discomfort or a depressed state of mind in situations where the climate is more uncomfortable (for example, sunny). But in itself, the pluviofilia it is not a clinical picture or necessarily generates discomfort clinically significant.
- Related article: "Anhedonia: the inability to feel pleasure"
5 characteristics of pluviofilia
While it is a special passion for rain and everything related to it, the pluviofilia has as a general characteristic the inclination for all circumstances that allow sensory enjoyment of the rain. For example, through sight, touch or smell. It's based on the thought that rain is beautiful and pleasant phenomenon , contrary to what is often thought.
1. Hobby for windows
The pluviofilia does not necessarily imply the special interest to be in the rain. It can also be pleasant to look at it from a window. For example, people who assume themselves as pluvifilicas say enjoy watching the raindrops fall, or count them and find which one falls first. In this sense, staying close to a window in rainy weather can be an important element for those who enjoy this intensely.
2. Preference for the cloudy sky
Contrary to what is usually thought, there are people whose mood is favorable or even better with gray skies and cloudy times. That is, it can cause more discomfort the hot and sunny weather. In the pluviolifia, the gray sky is perceived as a beautiful natural phenomenon and watching it is enjoyed.
3. Taste for soaking
Often people avoid getting wet in the rain. If we leave in rainy weather, we are prepared with umbrellas, raincoats, boots, car, etc.
Motivated by the risk of getting sick or getting dirty, or simply by not wanting to get wet, in general we tend to worry when we see the rain. This is not the case of pluviofilia. Far from avoiding it, the experience of being in the rain can convey a sense of freedom and security ; even if you recognize the possibility of catching a cold. Feeling the body wet in the rain results in this pleasant case.
4. Devotion to the sound of the rain
The ear is another senses that can easily be stimulated through the rain. In fact, even without the presence of pluviofilia, generally the sound of the rain is pleasant, for that reason it is frequently used to relax or to concentrate.
There are several theories about why this last works. On the one hand it may be because listening to the sound of the rain in the comfort of our home transmits us a feeling of protection and protection . On the other hand, it may be because the intensity and variability of the sounds that cause drops as well as thunder are comfortable.In pluviphobia these sounds can be preferred to any other and people can spend several hours listening to them.
5. Enjoy the smell that remains after raining
Finally, the sense of smell also allows you to enjoy the rainy moments. Or rather, of the moments and smells left by the rain when it ends. The smell of the streets while it rains and after raining can be very pleasant, comfortable and even refreshing. There are even some perfumes that have tried to imitate in some shades of the aroma of rain.
Bibliographic references:
- Trinidad, M. (2015). 7 signs you are a pluviophile. Retrieved July 26, 2018. Available at //thoughtcatalog.com/mica-trinidad/2015/03/7-signs-youre-a-pluviophile/.
