There are different types of submissives in D/s (Dominant/submissive) relationships. Submissives may differ in terms of the duration of submission, level of submission, and types of BDSM acts performed. Understanding the different submissive roles and needs is important for establishing consent, trust, and fulfillment.
Defining Types of Submissives in D/s Relationships
Duration of Submission
Some submissives only submit during intimate encounters or scenes. Others take on a submissive role for longer durations such as certain hours in a day or certain days in a week. Total power exchange relationships involve a 24/7 dynamic between the dominant and submissive.
Level of Submission
The level of submission can range from light sensations of domination to complete immobilization and objectification. Submissives have varying comfort levels and hard limits. Negotiating boundaries is key.
Types of BDSM Acts Performed
Submissives may enjoy certain BDSM activities over others or have hard limits on specific acts. For example, a submissive may enjoy bondage and impact play but not humiliation or degradation.
Different Types of Submissives
Here are some common submissive archetypes:
Service Sub
A service sub enjoys domestic servitude and attending to the dominant’s needs. They may enjoy tasks like cooking, cleaning, and running errands. Pleasing their dominance with acts of service provides satisfaction.
Slave
Slaves desire high levels of structure and rigidity in the power dynamic. They aim to follow the dominant’s commands and please them. Slavery can involve consensual ownership and collaring.
Masochist
Masochists derive pleasure from receiving pain and humiliation. They enjoy corporal punishments like spanking, whipping, and clamping. Verbal abuse and degradation may also appeal to them.
Brat
A brat provokes their dominant and “misbehaves” in order to incur “punishments”. They like to be put in their place through structure and discipline. Playful power struggles characterize this dynamic.
Little
Littles roleplay child-like tendencies including high vulnerability and dependence. Dominants provide nurturing in the form of caregiving, affection, and protection. This creates deep bonding.
Pet
Pets embody animal personas like pups, kittens, or ponies. Related play includes collars, leashes, pet bowls, and living in kennels. Dominants give commands and training while pets obey.
Understanding the Role of a Submissive
Being a submissive is complex and nuanced. Some key considerations include:
Importance of consent and safety in BDSM
Submissives ultimately hold power over their limits. Dominants must respect limits and ensure consent for any activities or “punishments”. Negotiation and mutual understanding are vital.
Role of communication and boundaries
Clear ongoing communication allows both parties to express their needs and adjust the dynamic accordingly. Hard and soft limits must be mutually understood. Safe words are essential.
In summary, submissives have diverse desires, limits, and motivations for submitting. Finding alignment with a compatible dominant through discussion of each person’s expectations, boundaries, and consent practices allows for an ethical, satisfying experience for all involved.
