Pluviophilia: what it is and how to experience pleasure in the rain

In colloquial language the love of rain is known as pluviophilia. 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 range of interests and hobbies related to rain.

What is pluviophilia? In this article we will see it.

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What is pluviophilia?

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 particular situation, object or practice. These are experiences contrary to phobias, in which an intense fear of specific situations prevails.

For its part, "pluvio" comes from "pluvial" which means "from the rain or relative to it". Having said this, we can see that the "pluviophilia" is love, hobby or special attraction to the rain and everything that concerns you.

It should be clarified that it is not a pathological behavior. In fact, although there are many types of "filias", few have become specific diagnostic criteria (for example, paraphilias). Mostly,

hobbies that are considered pathological are diagnosed with the suffix "mania" (such as kleptomania); and not with that of "filia".

In this sense, the special and intense enjoyment of the rain does not in itself pose a threat or require treatment. Does this mean that rainfall cannot cause discomfort? Pluviophilia (like other philia), can be accompanied by diagnosable or undiagnosed experiences of discomfort. It can even be accompanied by little flexibility, discomfort or a low mood in situations where the weather is more uncomfortable (for example, sunny). But in itself, the pluviophilia it is not a clinical picture nor does it necessarily cause discomfort clinically significant.

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5 characteristics of rainfall

While it is a special fondness for the rain and everything related to it, the pluviofilia has as a general characteristic the inclination for all the circumstances that allow sensory enjoyment of the rain. For example, through sight, touch or smell. It's based on the thought that rain is a beautiful and pleasant phenomenon, contrary to what is often thought.

1. Fondness for windows

The rainfall does not necessarily imply a special interest in being in the rain. It can also be pleasant to look at her from a window. For example, people who assume themselves to be pluvifilic say they enjoy watching the raindrops fall, or count them and find which one falls first. In this sense, staying near a window in rainy weather can be an important element for those who enjoy it intensely.

2. Preference for cloudy skies

Contrary to popular belief, there are people whose mood is favorable or even better with gray skies and cloudy times. In other words, hot and very sunny weather can cause them more discomfort. In the rain, the gray sky is perceived as a beautiful natural phenomenon and looking at it is enjoyed.

3. Taste for soaking

People often avoid getting wet in the rain. If we go out in rainy weather, we go prepared with umbrellas, raincoats, boots, a car, etc.

Motivated by the risk of getting sick or dirty, or by the simple fact of not wanting to get wet, in general we tend to worry when we see the rain. This is not the case with pluviophilia. Far from avoiding it, the experience of being in the rain can convey a sense of freedom and security; even if the possibility of catching a cold is recognized. Feeling the wet body in the rain is in this case pleasant.

4. Devotion to the sound of rain

The ear is another of the senses that can easily be stimulated through the rain. In fact, even without the presence of rainfall, generally the sound of rain is pleasant, for this reason it is often used to relax or to concentrate.

There are several theories as to why the latter 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 sense of shelter and protection. On the other hand, it may be because the intensity and variability of the sounds caused by both falling drops and thunder are in themselves 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, smell allows you to also enjoy rainy moments. Or rather, of the moments and the smells that the rain leaves when it ends. The smell of the streets while it rains and after it rains can be very pleasant, comfortable and even refreshing. There are even some perfumes that have tried to imitate the aroma of rain in some shades.

Bibliographic references:

• Trinidad, M. (2015). 7 signs you are a pluviophile. Retrieved July 26, 2018. Available in https://thoughtcatalog.com/mica-trinidad/2015/03/7-signs-youre-a-pluviophile/.