Hmm it's been a while since I have posted on DF...
I am not a masochist, but I do enjoy some self induced pain every now and then... I can only speak for myself and where it comes from in my life. My reasons for that, is mainly becasue pain and pleasure are different from person to person.
For me, when I "harmed" myself, I felt like I was earning the pleasure/happiness... Mind you, there is usually some sort of depression involved, or at the very least a low esteem issue.
I had the "No Pain, No Gain" mentality, only in more literal sense... In other words, I felt and still feel to this day, that pain is a healthy part of life...you are able to grow from it and learn from it...both physical and emotional pain. For me, it not so much "Oh I'm hurting myself, so i feel better now"...it's the fact that I have control over my body and the pain it goes through.
When you look into the life of a Masochist, especially one in a stage of depression, i find that the masochism is a form of venting, if you will. The same as anybody else yelling, punching a pillow, counting to 10, or even meditation. A masochist just has a socially unaccepted/taboo way of dealing with stress, and sometimes angst.
Masochism really isn't a bad thing like it is percieved to be...as long as someone is able to keep control of themselves and not let it get the better of them, they will be fine. Unfortunately, we never hear of the people that keep control of their masochism. I am going to try and relate this now to sex, I believe someone asked about that earlier...
A healthy, self-controlled masochist, will choose an easy route with the most pleasure...that is simply human nature. Remember: a masochist doesn't always inflict the pain on themselves...a masochist simply gets pleasure from pain inflicted on them..self induced or not.
With that said, sex is a perfect outlet for a masochist...the rest of this is how it is in my life...sexually speaking, I cannot relate to other people. Only my wife and I...
Masochism and sex go hand in hand in my life...again I am not a masochist, but when I am having sex with my wife, I enjoy pain...the classic biting, squeezing, hair pulling, cuffs, etc...Infact i enjoy that very much...but I'm not here to talk about what gets me off...
When you are having sex, you are in a more primal state of mind...blood rushes from your brain, and you are focused on the pleasure and sensuality of the moment(s). I previously metioned venting, well this is a healthy way to vent for a masochist...not to mention it helps if your partner is a masochist/sadist as well...
I hope you understand what I said...