BunnyMuffins(sub female)
A question
"I do know that a lot of Doms test high in the predator category. " (No you don't know this. And it isn't a useful assumption.)
(I find it useful to clear up some things before discussing since too often we aren't really talking about the same things.)
(Often when people come to a new concept or complex idea, they tend to latch onto what seems like a simple part of it. In this arena, here and all the online sites, the simple concept is - if you want to control you are Dominant and if you want to be controlled your are submissive- this is exasperated by the fact that people do not research or read to educate themselves. If they do research they often stop at the point where they are most interested. So when they see the above concept, presto chango "I'm a sub or I'm a Dom.")
(Dominance, submission, power exchange, control, Mastery and slavery are not simple. It's complex stuff. It's demanding stuff and where people fall on that continuum is often surprising. It's advanced living. As with any other advanced level of functioning and knowledge you never stop learning, you are sure to make mistakes and there is no way to sidestep your personal growth, healing and development AND be in these types of relationships. This was true when I began in the late 90's and had mentors. I thought it harsh then but it is still true.)
(So lets unpack this. The majority of people you will meet virtually - and this is true pre covid- are not what you or they are calling Dominant. (or any other title)
(Many like to Top or bottom in the bedroom. So while they may 'dominate' the scene/sex the control factor ends with the activity or shortly there after. Some do this and switch who is controlling from time to time. If it is continued it is distilled down stuff, like fetching coffee and a little slap and tickle. Not a thing wrong with this. I repeat... NOT a thing wrong with it. But Dominance and Submission, Mastery and slavery are more about relationships and longer than an afternoon. The error is in calling yourself a Dom and offering more and knowing you can't or won't really give it.)
(Control, be it Mastery or Dominance is a huge responsibility. In these roles your ass is on the line. You are literally in charge of another human being. It's work, it's sometimes emotionally draining and painful. And even for those who do control 'lite' if you are the boss, you are the boss. If things go south it is on your head. So the first part of my answer to you is these people who play games and blow off the other person are NOT Dominants but they aren't automatically predators either. Many are playing. As Tranquil said, "A low level comparison is travel. It can be exciting to find new places, the thrill is in the potential.")
(Knowing how to talk the talk, use caps (which frankly I always laugh at) and playing mind games on a willing person (take off your panties for me RIGHT NOW!!!!!) is just that. Some need to do this because who they are in real life is not exciting, nor are they in control of themselves etc. Some are unhappily married so they bipity bop between online dalliances as distraction and excitement. At best they are insincere and unethical. At worst they are selfish and cruel. Always they are weak.)
"I'd also be interested to hear from Doms who score high as predators."
(LOL you seriously asked this? The bread and butter of predatory behavior is to NOT act like a predator. And honestly I don't think you should even use this word unless you are sure.)
(There is a difference between predatory behavior or opportunism and being an actual predator. We do have predators here. Men who like to break/damage women because they are misogynists or sociopaths. Yep we get those too. Sadly when old farts like me try to warn newbies about them, we get dismissed. But they aren't Doms. They are whatever fools the prey. Like hunters who spray pheromones to attract animals they want to kill. Predators don't get bored and go away unless they find out you have a strong support system of experienced real time people to ask questions of. Then they try to bully you off of that or they move on to cull a weaker person out of the herd.)
(I know this all sounds harsh, but the thing is predators are in the game to win. They are not looking for distraction. They are looking to do real harm.
Here is an example I have used for years:
https://criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/John_Edward_Robinson#:~:text=John%20Edward%20Robinson%2C%20Sr.%2C,many%20of%20his%20victims%20online.)
(This guy had many names and trolled the internet luring women to their death. There was a documentary about him and they interviewed one woman who was due to visit him - to the farm where the bodies were buried literally- but had to change her plans at the last minute. Watching that interview gave me chills. She was very smart. Very competent. I kept thinking, she was someone I would have been friends with and he bamboozled her and several others. One woman even took her disabled daughter with her to meet him. He killed them both.)
(I learned early on to improve MY screening process. And although I got fooled and played a few times, many others didn't get the chance. I didn't need to label them predators. I just had to tell myself that I would not engage a guy who wanted me to prove my submission. Drop the panties or call him any special name before we had met as equals and had coffee. I still had a massive number of first dates and honestly most were not anything near what I now know to be what I seek in a Dominant.)
(Please read some real info. Searching BDSM on amazon will give you pages of resources. Just avoid the fantasy and dig into the real details.)
(Please stop running people through the assumption of predators. It's only hurting you and the smart ones will use even that against you.)
"Also: if I should change the category of this forum please let me know. I was a little unsure."
(Absolutely. I think your real question is how do you know someone is authentic since so many seem to prefer the chase but aren't sincere?"
(I'll answer now. You improve your questions, learn to listen to your gut, ask more experienced 'older' submissives (we have time in) and when in doubt, don't. You'll be alone and lonely more. But if that is where this too good to be true guy is taking you, at least you can reduce the roller coaster that ends in hurt feelings.)
I wish you well with it.
H*