BDSM 101: Common Misconceptions Of Those Who Visit Tumblr's BDSM Community
Many who first come to view and explore the community of BDSM on Tumblr, enter with the incorrect assumption that they are entering a world with very informal relationships, as well as making certain assumptions about D/s types. What follows is a list of common misconceptions, and the truth behind them.
1. Submissive girls are up for grabs.
Submissive girls are either in a relationship, or they are not. If they are, they belong to no one but their own Dominant. No others have rights over them. If they are single, Submissives may choose to pursue relationships with their choice of Dominants. During this time, they belong to no one but themselves. No others have rights over them.
2. An existing relationship is no impediment for pursuing a submissive girl.
Most in the D/s community are monogamous. While some couples choose to find playmates, and some individuals are polyamorous, the law of the land is, if you see someone is already in a relationship, look for your next one elsewhere.
3. Submissive girls like to be called terms such as “princess”, “kitten”, “pet”, and “slave”.
These are terms of affection that are earned by a Dominant. Submissives do not want to be called these names by anyone they have not submitted to.
4. Submissive girls like to be referred to as “whore”, “slut”, and “cunt”.
Wrong again. Submissive girls who are into degradation like to be called these names by partners they choose, or by their Dominant. When a stranger uses one of these titles, it just feels like disrespect.
5. I can treat submissive girls any way I wish.
Just because they like to give up control, does not make them unworthy of your respect. In fact, they are due respect in spades for enabling Dominants the ability to explore their half of the power dynamic.
6. Dominant men expect others to hit on their submissive.
While some might enjoy being shown they have something that others want, the vast majority of Dominants prefer that their relationship be respected, and you keep your desires to yourself. Not sure is a submissive girl has a Dominant? Try asking.
7. There is nothing wrong with asking any submissive I meet to be my submissive.
D/s relationships require a high level of trust, which takes time to earn. Asking someone you just met to be your Submissive, is like asking that girl who you talked to a few times, that sits behind you in math class, to be your wife.
8. There is nothing wrong with asking any Dominant I meet to be my Dominant.
Again, it is entirely inappropriate to ask someone you just met to be your Dominant. Why would you give a near stranger such a high level of control over your day to day life?
9. Submissives are all alike.
Every submissive wants to do BDSM the way it works best for them. While many hold common traits, each is unique.
10. Dominants are all alike.
This is also incorrect. Not only do they each have their own appetites, but they adapt from relationship to relationship to provide the care and fill the needs of their current submissive.
While these guidelines are the general rule of the land, each person and relationship in the universe of BDSM is different. If you aren’t sure about something, sit back to observe and learn, or err on the side of caution and respect. Please enjoy visiting our community.
