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How To Be A Dom

It’s possible to enjoy your kinks in a way that not only makes you a gentleman but makes you more desirable to women.

Everyone has their own kinks, fetishes, fantasies, and desires. The degree in which you push these is the main thing that separates the freaks from the vanilla. The first step in all of this is to accept the kinks you have and begin to be honest and mature about them. If you are unable to have an open discussion about your fetishes, it’s almost certain you are not capable of exploring them safely.

I use the terms kink and fetish often in this article, and figure I should take a second to explain the subtle difference in the terms. A fetish is an abnormal desire (and that doesn’t have to be sexual). Fetish is always specific, while kink in general. Your kink encompasses all of your fetishes, but not the other way around. At the same time, a single fetish can be referred to as a kink.

While kink can come in any form or function, the vast majority of all kinks will either be something you do to someone else or something someone else does to you. Almost all of these scenarios involve a form of power play: someone is in control of the scene, making choices, and ensuring results.

This article is about being a Dom. A Dominant, also known as a Top, is always in control. Make no mistake, being a Dom is a lot of work and responsibility.

Why would any woman want to submit?

When examined on their own, a lot of the specific elements of kink are wrong, offensive, degrading, and/or humiliating. It’s common for people to question the motives and reasons behind doing these things, and these challenges should be encouraged. If you can’t explain why what you are doing is right, and rooted in respect, then you have no business doing these things in the first place.

The concept behind a power-exchange relationship is based on respect and the earnest desire to be a positive, healthy, mate. Pain, degradation, and humiliation are all tools used for emotional manipulation. When and how you use these tools depends on the reaction and result you intend from your sub.

A true Dom will degrade a sub because he respects them. A Dom sadist will hurt a sub because he loves them. At no point is it about anger, hate, or disgust.

By taking control, you are taking responsibility for the quality of the sex you are having. It is entirely on you for her to have a good time. If you are good at what you do, taking on this burden frees her up to do nothing more than experience and enjoy. She can entirely shut off her brain, and submit.

The truth of submission is in her submitting to herself, letting her need for control go and becoming entirely free. This amount of trust is not something to take lightly, if it scares you you should consider doing kinky things with your partner, but not going as far as to think of yourself as a Dom.

The power paradox

The fundamental concept around a Dominant & submissive relationship (D/s) is that the dominant is in control. They make the choices, they give the orders, and they deliver the punishments when appropriate.

The paradox is that even in the most extreme D/s relationships, the sub has the ultimate power. It is always up to her what is unacceptable, she always has the final say as to what you can or cannot do with or to her. The only choice a sub has to make in a full power exchange relationship is continuing to choose to give away her control and power. Make no mistake, no matter what the dynamics of your relationship this ultimate control must always be willfully given.

Mistakes are unacceptable

As a Dom, it is your job to be confidently in control of the situation at all times. You need to adopt the ideology that mistakes are unacceptable. This seems a contradiction, as no one ever intends to make a mistake, but somethings should not be done in practice until you are confident you can accomplish them with skill and precision. For example, you do not learn how to land an airplane through trial and error.

The job of a good Dom is to be pushing the limits and boundaries of his sub, without ever going too far and breaking them. You want to push them as hard as you can, with them yearning to come back and see you again when you are finished. If they don’t want to come back, you did not do your job well.

Just about every aspect of D/s and kink is dangerous, either physically or mentally. Just because you see something hot in a video doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to pull it out in the middle of a scene. The best way to ensure you don’t make any mistakes is to have an honest and open line of communication with your sub, long before playtime ever starts.

Honesty is not optional

When I say honestly, I don’t mean you don’t tell any big lies, I mean brutal, stark, brazen honesty.

You need to be honest with yourself: You need to know who you are, what you want, what you need, and what you don’t.

You need to be honest with your sub: You need to accurately relay what you want and need from them, and what you are capable of giving to them in return. It is never okay to tell them what you think they want to hear, you need to tell them only the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.

You need to ensure your sub is honest with you: It’s not enough to hear your sub tell you something, and then go on your merry way. You need to be sure what they are telling you is the truth. Breaking a sub’s limits by doing only what they said they wanted will leave them as hurt and broken as if you did what they said they didn’t.

It’s up to you to ensure you are working with accurate information.
I am not trying to say that a sub will lie to you, sure some may, but more often than not the sub will simply be ignorant of their own limits, needs, and desires. This isn’t an insult, it’s often impossible to know how you will react to a situation until you are in it. It’s not their fault, but it is always up to you to get it correct, regardless of what they might believe or have said.

When something does go wrong, it’s on you to handle it like a man. It’s your job to make sure they are calm, safe, and healthy and to discuss what just happened. You need to accept and own up to any of your own faults, and you need to provide boundless support and compassion. You should not expect to continue having fun that night, or possibly longer, depending on what she needs. This is your penance for the mistake, and you are never allowed to forget what is most important in all of this:

Everything is about her

Have no illusions: a Dom man should always be a gentleman first. While it is you making all choices and holding all control, you need to understand that everything you do is for and about her. Every choice you make needs to be the best choice for her, often this requires you to be selfless if you can’t handle that this dynamic is not for you.

For a sub to give away all control and power, they need to trust you and your choices implicitly. To gain this level of trust you need to prove, with every choice you make, that she will be rewarded for putting her trust in you. Everything you do should be done for a reason, and that reason should always be positive for your pet.

Have pride and show no regrets

At the onset of this article, I claimed that your kinks can make you more attractive to women. The key in this is you first have to be a good man, and good at what you do. If you are a Dom you need to be confident you are a good Dom, you need to be proud of who you are and what you can do.

If this is true, you are capable of showing pride and confidence in your ability as a Dom, and through that gain inherit respect as a man and a lover. You should never hide from your perversions, you should always be proud. This doesn’t mean you should advertise it, but when the topic comes up, or the moment is correct to bring it up, you have the ability to ooze confidence along with intrigue and appeal.

Most men are too afraid to talk about sex, at all. By you saying, earnestly, “I am sexually dominant” you have created a line of conversation too appealing to ignore. By having the ability to answer any of her questions (when in doubt, be honest) you will become irresistible to a woman who shares your kinks.

If a woman can describe you as intriguing, exciting, and confident, you are doing very well. Obviously your kink will deter some women, but this shouldn’t bother you. Any woman who is turned off by your honest self is clearly not a fit for you. Be polite, do not attack or offend, and move on.

Final Random Toy Tips

If you start to take your kink seriously, you are going to end up with an assortment of toys, tools, and props. Treat this with respect, and follow these tips:

Know how to use your toys properly, their limits, and all applicable safety measures.

Clean all toys before and after every use.

Keep toys organized and stored properly, like a mechanic’s tools. They are not all thrown into a pile somewhere.

Keep all locks locked (including handcuffs) at all times. This way you will always be sure you have the keys before using the item.

Don’t hide your toys away. If you are proud of what you do, you will have no reason to hide your tools. At the same time, you don’t see a mechanic storing his wrenches on the mantle. Have pride, but don’t flaunt.

A final note: if you are doing anything kinky or even remotely dangerous, be sure to have a safe word. The majority of the kink community uses Yellow (for slow down, ease off) and Red (for stop right now, this is bad).
3 weeks ago. Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 8:21 PM

You're new to the lifestyle, which has many facets and directions. You post that you're a sub or slave, do you have any idea what you are asking for?

In the BDSM world, there are various dynamics of dominance and submission, with two prominent terms being Sub (Submissive) and Slave. While both roles involve submission within a BDSM relationship, there are significant differences in approach, the level of control given to the Dominant, and the nature of the relationship that develops between the parties.

What is a Sub?

The term Sub (short for Submissive) describes a person who finds pleasure in taking on a submissive role, but within an agreed-upon and flexible framework.

Characteristics of a Sub:

Partial control: Retains some level of control over their life outside of a session, and sometimes even within the relationship itself.

Clearly defined boundaries: Submission is defined through a contract or mutual expectations.

Negotiation ability: Can express their desires and discuss limits and preferences with the Dominant.

Temporary or partial submission: Some Subs submit only during specific sessions, while maintaining a more equal dynamic outside of them.

Examples:

A person who prefers to submit only in certain sessions but leads an independent life outside of them.

A partner who can stop the dynamic by using a safeword.

What is a Slave?

A Slave is a person who fully surrenders control to their Dominant over a long period, sometimes even permanently. Unlike a Sub, a Slave lives under complete submission and a total power exchange dynamic.

Characteristics of a Slave:

Absolute control: The Slave surrenders decision-making power to their Dominant, sometimes without the ability to resist, as long as it remains within agreed-upon limits.

Relinquishment of certain rights: In some cases, a Slave does not have a safeword and lives according to the rules dictated to them.

24/7 submission: The relationship is often not limited to sessions but is an ongoing lifestyle.

Service and dedication: A Slave may be required to perform daily tasks, serve their Dominant in various ways, and follow orders without question.

Examples:

A person living under a TPE (Total Power Exchange) framework, meaning complete surrender of independent control.

A Slave who signs a contract accepting assigned duties for their Dominant.

Key Differences Between Slave and Sub


Feature

Sub (Submissive)

Slave

Level of Dominant's Control

Partial, limited to specific sessions or defined aspects

Absolute, often includes control outside of sessions

Independence

Retains independence outside of sessions

Relinquishes independence based on contract or dynamic

Negotiation and Limit Adjustment

Can adjust terms through discussion and communication

In some cases, one cannot object unless for critical reasons

Use of Safeword

Almost always present

Not always present (depends on the agreement)

Daily Life

Usually maintains an equal life outside of sessions

Can involve a full-time submission lifestyle

Subcategories of Submissives in BDSM

Professional Sub

A professional Sub is someone who engages in submission as part of the sex industry or the professional fetish world. This type of Sub provides services such as paid sessions, performances, or interactions within clubs and events. The submission here is structured and controlled, not necessarily stemming from personal preference but rather as a profession.

Alpha Sub

An Alpha Sub is a Submissive who holds a position of power within a polyamorous or hierarchical BDSM structure. They are often the "lead Sub" within a dynamic involving multiple submissives and may have authority to give orders to lower-ranking submissives while still being subordinate to the primary Dominant.

Brat Sub

A Brat Sub is a submissive who enjoys challenging and playfully teasing their Dominant through cheeky behavior, defiance, or mischief to create a more dynamic interaction. A Brat Sub does not necessarily undermine the Dominant's authority but uses playful resistance to create sexual tension or an engaging power play.

Which Role is Right for You?

If you enjoy the feeling of submission but want to maintain some independence, you are likely more of a Sub.

If you seek to live under complete control and find fulfillment in surrendering decision-making power, you may be a Slave.

If you enjoy playful and flirtatious power struggles, you might be a Brat Sub.

If you operate within a hierarchical polyamorous dynamic, you could be an Alpha Sub.

If you view submission as a profession rather than just a personal preference, you may be a Professional Sub.

Conclusion:

While Subs enjoy submission within a defined and flexible framework, Slaves give up a greater degree of control, incorporating submission into their daily lives. There are also various subcategories of Subs, such as Professional Subs, Alpha Subs, and Brat Subs, each bringing a unique dynamic. Regardless of the role chosen, everything must be based on full consent, honest communication, and a mutual understanding of expectations and boundaries.

I have seen so many young female subs ruined by so-called Doms, most are self-proclaimed, never had a day of training in their lives. In my day, I trained under a Master Dom for four years before I was considered a Dom. Let the potential Dom know if you are open to a lifepartner or just a playpartner.

Whether you'd classify yourself as a sub, slave, boy, bottom, or another term entirely, one thing is fairly true across the board: finding the right Dom/Master/Sir/top for you isn't always a straightforward process. Let's face it, one man's ideal Dom might not be Dom enough for another.

In an effort to help out any newbies, I thought I would lay out a few basic tips.

For these purposes, I'll refer to active and passive roles as Dom and sub

Consider what makes a good Dom

It's not just about giving orders; a truly good Dom has self-control, good communication skills, and is respectful. These may sound like characteristics listed on a job ad, but here's why they matter:

Self-control is vital as a Dom must be able to exercise self-restraint before they can control you. They need to communicate and listen well, so both of you can share any anxieties or concerns, and so you can feel confident in both expressing your desires and being able to slow things down if you need to.

Ideally, they should respect you and your level of experience. Any concerns that you might have before going to a meet are perfectly valid, so bear them in mind when looking.

Decide whether you are compatible

There's no standard Dom/sub pairing. If he's into bikers but you prefer puppy play, he might not be the guy for you. Search for someone who shares the same kinks. Equally, being upfront about what you like can help you attract a good match. You don't need to be 100% into the same things – sometimes the most fun can be found when you or a good Dom pushes you to try something new – but usually it's a good indicator.

It's always a good idea to keep your Recon profile updated when you discover a taste for new things. This way, potential Doms can get a sense of whether you guys would play well together in advance.

Ensure you can trust him:

Trust is a major contributing factor towards a healthy Dom/sub partnership. As the one who could be chained/flogged/etc, you need to trust the other guy. A healthy bet is to find someone who's as bothered about you after the play as they are about you during it.

Take your time

Finding the perfect fit takes time. You need to do some research, weigh up your options, and make sure you're comfortable with any steps you take. You could go out tonight and find a willing Dom, but who's to say whether you'd be compatible?

A good idea is talking to other subs on Recon who are into the same things as you, asking them what to look for in a Dom, and asking for recommendations in your area. You should also have a good look at the Dom's profile. Things such as how many friends they've got and how many photos of actual play they have will help you gauge their experience and "reputation". Read his blogs.

Use Recon

Identifying a good Dom isn't going to happen in the supermarket (though…it has been known), and not everyone can get to fetish and kink clubs regularly. Recon exists so that you can master your fetish evolution, meet guys, and try out the things you crave – so use it.

On our site and apps, you can freely read profiles and message Doms – sizing them up in the comfort of your own home. What's more, by stating your own preferences, you'll increase your chances of being approached by a Dom looking for a sub like you. In which case, don't be shy, get it all out there, and get yourself started.

These tips are fairly standard, but they're not necessarily universal. Every guy has different needs and wants, and these points might not all apply to you. They are a good basis, though, so keep them in mind when you're on your hunt.

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