Dominance and submission are the general containers for almost all kinks,
Understanding what the Dom/sub dynamic is, how it functions, and how to negotiate around it in your own relationship(s) is key to creating the kinky sex life of your dreams. It is the base layer. It is the fundamental configuration of role play.
Once you have a solid grasp on D/s, the rest — the whips, chains, blindfolds, sitting in Jell-O, using fake blood, etc. — can be built on top. We’re not here to yuck anyone else’s yum when it comes to your kinks, but we do want you to be confident in how to act on them.
What the Dom/sub dynamic actually is.
While Dom/sub dynamics are primarily found in kink, they actually play out in most forms of sex. One person is usually the more submissive partner, while the other is more dominant. But within the context of BDSM, these dynamics become even more explicit. BDSM stands for bondage, Dominance/Dominant, submissive/submission, and sadomasochism. This is when two or more people engage in consensual power exchange. The sub willingly hands over the power within the scene to the Dominant.
The keyword here is "consent." Kink is all about giving and taking power in an empowered way. "Since consent is the cornerstone of these practices, it provides an opportunity to ensure that the person surrendering control and the person in charge stay within the sexual boundaries they’ve set.
D/s dynamics will play out in every kinky scenario, because it is the core of the practice. But how it shows up is another story. This is one of the things that makes kink so appealing. You can completely customize an experience to cater to your specific interests.
Some examples of Dom/sub relationships:
A classic D/s bondage scene: The Dom acts as a master over the submissive. This usually entails punishment, sensory play, etc. Think: 50 Shades of Grey, but not shit.
A caretaking scene: The Dom "takes care" of the sub. The sub is called a Little in this dynamic.
A Dom/brat scene: The sub is a "brat" and purposely "disobeys" the Dom to receive punishments.
A Master/pet: The Dom is a pet-owner and the sub is the pet.
There is a common misconception that Dom/sub dynamics are inherently pain-focused or violent. This just isn’t true.
The paddles, crops, and ropes are about deepening the bond between the Dom and their sub. "A Dom may consensually practice bondage with their submissive to deepen their power practice. Bondage in this scenario can be used as a punishment, a reward, or a sensory experience to show who's boss in a safe way."
But nurturing a Dom/sub dynamics is not entirely relegated to the sphere of pain play. Kink can involve sensory play, elaborate pain-free role play, and much more. These scenes are made by two or more people playing them out. It is a unique and fully bespoke experience.
Negotiating boundaries within a Dom/sub dynamic.
The sub is not under the Dominant’s coercive control. They are an equal member in the power exchange. That means that BDSM and kink are all about negotiation. "The discussion you have before play is the place to express boundaries you both have, your expectations, and to set the stage for consent," Chiaramonte says. "This helps create healthy boundaries before entering a dynamic."
You should be "sure you have a ‘safe word’ that you may use during the scene to immediately halt any actions. It is also important to have periodic conversations about your boundaries." When you’re new to BDSM, you may not be entirely sure of every boundary you have. Feeling like you’re safe to explore edges with the ability to say "no" when something isn’t right is key.
Do not go forward in a situation without having a conversation first.
While all boundaries and scenes are negotiated, the Dom takes on a lot of responsibility within this dynamic. They are responsible for the sub’s safety — both mentally and physically. If you’re taking on a Dom role, you need to be extra-aware of the care you need to take to ensure the sub’s boundaries are respected. As a Dom, you have been given the reins to control the scene. And this shouldn’t be taken lightly.
These are things a real Dom knows and believes in. My job is to keep you safe and cared for, and if I own you, loved as well. Master Steel 13