Monday 23 January 2012

Mistakes Subs Make: Not following through

I've done this myself more times than I am comfortable confessing to.

The nice thing about the Internet is that I now know I am not alone. Blogs and fetish forums are sprinkled with similar stories.

It goes like this.
Sub to vanilla partner: "I've got this fantasy etc etc."

Vanilla partner: "Odd. But not entirely off putting."

Sub to vanilla partner: "Would you like to try it some day?"

Vanilla partner: "Sure. (Changes the subject.)"
The sub thinks, Phew. That went well. Thank god that's done. And then they wait for their fantasies to come true.

Of course, nothing happens. Vanilla sex and live continues as before.

Now the sub is stuck. The sexuality he (or she craves) is one in which the partner has the control. Being demanding doesn't seem to fit. Plus there's the dread of topping from the bottom. Sub thinks back to the conversation. His partner seemed a little offhand about the whole thing.

Perhaps she needs reminding.

Later in bed.

Sub to vanilla partner: Remember that fantasy etc etc.
Vanilla partner:Sure. Tell me about it if it turns you on.
Sub to vanilla partner: Would you like to try it some day?

Vanilla partner: Sure. (Changes the subject.)
And repeat, until she's bored or irritated.

Years later she'll close down all mention of the subject and perhaps   - in an odd form of rejection - tell him to "Sut the fuck up and go see a pro dominatrix!"

It's sad really because the first response was so positive: affectionate engagement  in his fantasy followed by unfussed agreement to experiment. She wasn't actually offhand, it's just that it's No Big Thing to her; just a kinky bedroom game, not an all consuming mental world.

The sub confused the boundary between the vanilla relationship and the Femdom space he was trying to build. Yes, inside the Femdom space, she's in charge. However, inviting her inside is like any other visit to somewhere that was his idea...
"Fancy trying Thai food?"
"Sure."
Later.
"Let's eat out tonight. There's this Thai place that's supposed to be good. Shall I book it?"
Now, perhaps over time she'll grow to enjoy Thai cuisine so much that she'll be the one to suggest visits. For now, however, it's his idea, he has the expertise, it's up to him to set the thing up!

Within  a vanilla relationship, Femdom - and any sort of BDSM - seems to work the same way. Granted , if you do it right, your partner will start initiating sessions. (That's what my Femdom how to book is all about.) Up until then, the kink is your responsibility.


So, here's how to do it with at least a reasonable chance of success:
  1. Float the subject at the right time, e.g. when sharing fantasies in bed.
  2. If she is up for experimenting, prepare a session. This means in private, pick one limited activity she might enjoy, secure the props (don't break the joint bank account to do this!), do any safety research, consider privacy issues etc.
  3. FOLLOW THROUGH. Pick a good moment, produce the props and suggest a session. Be clear about if and how you get to come (hint: her energy levels will be lower at the end of the session).
  4. Enjoy the session without breaking role unless necessary for safety reasons.
  5. Smooth return to normal. Afterwards, say thanks. Resist the urge to debrief or rant. Get back to vanilla as quickly as possible. Clear away props. Don't expect aftercare!
Of course, there's a lot that can go wrong. You can even damage your relationship. It's up to you to use good common sense, and your everyday relationship skills.

Let me know how it works out!

2 comments:

  1. You know, this is very good advice.

    If it's your fantasy, and you're the kinky one, then you have to do the legwork to get it done. Even if you're the submissive or "passive" partner.

    In my experience, vanilla people are not going to be able to actualize your fantasies on their own. They just won't. And they're not going to shop for kinky shit, either. If they do, you're going to get Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie and fuzzy cuffs.

    Do the legwork, hopefully suggest (withough PRESSURING them) how they can fulfill the fantasy, and then express approval and gratitude and get back to 'normal,' as Giles says.

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  2. "
    In my experience, vanilla people are not going to be able to actualize your fantasies on their own. They just won't. And they're not going to shop for kinky shit, either. If they do, you're going to get Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie and fuzzy cuffs. "

    Well said! It depresses me how many times I have to repeat this advice.

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