this post was submitted on 05 Feb 2025
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[–] Broadfern 29 points 1 week ago (1 children)

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 7 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

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...

[–] devfuuu 3 points 1 week ago

It's a mom thing I guess.