Can I be Vanilla? Do I NEED this BDSM stuff?

Can I be a girlfriend in a 'normal' relationship and still have this happy full cupboard feeling? Do I really “need” spankings and pain and tears and subspace to be content? Do I truly require the foundation of a power exchange dynamic to thrive in a long term relationship? Is this just a dopamine addiction?
I recently had a long hard look at my relationship dynamic, my beliefs, my motives, my needs and my kink filled world. I picked at every aspect of my life, realizing for the first time that BDSM is a main part off my day to day existence. My friends are part of my BDSM community. What family I have left are all aware and supportive of my lifestyle. My partner is my Sir, we share a home. We host a local group and try to promote safe BDSM play and encourage discussions on all sorts of BDSM topics. My finances include a budget for traveling to events, my education has a BDSM bent as well. Part of my income is from BDSM items.
I tried to picture my world vanilla.
I tried to remember when it was vanilla.
Was I every really 'vanilla'?
Even when I found my first husband, I was not vanilla. I had these desires and cravings that no one else seemed to have (mostly spankings, lots and lots of spankings). I wanted a power exchange (I didn't call it that then, of course). I wanted a relationship with defined parameters, in which I could defer to him and rely upon him to respect my deference. I wanted rules and fun spankings and punishment. I wanted him to be the sort of person who has enough integrity and maturity that I could respect and follow him. I did not have the terminology, nor the understanding of how to get from point A to point B, but lack of knowledge does not a Muggle make.
Even as we divorced, each lost in our non power exchange cycle of abuse and martyrdom, I was not vanilla. In our division of goods we fought not over toasters and golf clubs, but over floggers and paddles. We both mourned not just the loss of our relationship, but the loss of our kinky playmate. Our decisions to settle division of assets without overly involving lawyers was based on fear of repercussions due to our spanking activities. The little we had learned over the years regarding BDSM communication at our one event (Lupercalia) came in handy during our divorce. Being exposed to people who communicate civilly with past partners in the BDSM community helped us to stay civil.
While in my second marriage I was not vanilla, although I tried so very hard to be. I hated the lack of power structure. I resented the lack of open discussion and the lack of fun play. I resented that I could not pack away my desire for spanking fun with the seeming nonchalance that my then husband did. I felt repressed, and disdained for the needs that he once found attractive and now found 'odd' and 'unhealthy'. I spent a great part of this marriage feeling ashamed and alone.
It was within this marriage, however, that I began to really examine my self, to realize and then come to terms with my own needs and desires. It was in this sexless and loveless marriage that I realized that vanilla relationships are not meeting my needs, and I am not meeting my partner's needs. It was in those last months that I determined that with two marriages falling to the way side-each with me as the common denominator, that I needed to look to myself. What I found, at the crux of these failed relationships, is that I am a terrible girlfriend. That without clear and agreed upon parameters I give without feeling that I get. That I simply do not enjoy non BDSM typical relationships-by nature most people seem to choose polite over honest, ambiguity over blunt statements, sneaking and self sacrificing and assumptions and miscommunication. I hated it all. I hated that I felt as if I could not share my honest thoughts and feelings. The passive aggressive mannerisms and words created a burning pit of wrongness in my belly.
And so I came to terms with my own lack of ability to navigate the politics that come with vanilla relationships. And with that I began to really examine what I did want, what does make me thrive.
I looked at my need for spankings-really looked. I thought about my non spanking parents and wondered why, even as a youngster spanking was an erotic wonderful thing for me. I picked apart my spanking fetish, looking for a cause. I never found a cause.
Then I looked at what I am like before during and after. I considered how I am full of energy after, happy and content and how I feel so damned safe after. I faced my before spanking self with a bit of a cringe, noting that I am irritable, tired, depressed even.. That I feel shame and discouragement.
(Keep in mind I am talking about there being nearly a year between one spanking and the next).
I poked at that. I wondered if it was because without the beating I feel guilty.
I don't believe that to be true, at least not for me.
I wondered if this was some sort of Daddy/daughter issue, if I was just wanting to be cared about in that way that a parent cares for their child. I don't believe this is true of me either. That kind of age play actually leaves me cold. Teacher student? hellz yes. Daddy or uncle?? eeeeekkk!!! Not for me.
What I do know, is that I love the physical part of spanking. The sensations often cause me to orgasm. I know that I love the emotional aspects-from feeling accepted (my weird spanko parts and all) by my playmate, the freedom to revel in the sensation and just enjoy it without worry about their opinion of me is amazing, liberating as hell. The emotional part.... I do feel cared for and nurtured; someone is taking the time to meet my needs which in my mind is caring and nurturing. The mind fuck of it. I feel so helpless and vulnerable. I know that I have safe words, but the trust that needs to be given (will he stop?? really??). That moment of trepidation, the awkwardness of being tugged over a lap or bent over a bench (or whatever)... Hot hot hot. Being treated in such an undignified manner... oh my fucking gawd hot.
I poked at what I want in the relationship itself. That I want someone who takes charge; but only if they are worth following. Someone who won't boss me for the fuck of it, but with purpose. Someone who wants to grow with me, not help me grow then feel left out.
I wanted rules.
Clearly defined rules.
Rules without impeding on my ability to be who I am. I don't need someone to tell me how to eat, dress, be a mom or a student. No thanks.
My dear friend held my hand throughout, encouraging me to not only accept my kinky nature but to cherish it as well. Just as I began to accept who I was my husband left.
Then I was single. After a period of man-hating anger (sorry guys, but I oh so did go through a short but intense period of really hating men.. so much easier to blame the penis than to look at my own approach and relationship blunders and self delusions. Once I moved past the blaming stage and was ready to explore this BDSM playground, I placed adds in the kinky personals (not POF).
My add clearly stated that I was seeking a male playmate who was firm, yet generous spirited; who would spank me thoroughly and explore other BDSM interests with me. Rather than seek sex (and believe me I wanted to seek sex) I bartered for play, with no expectations or pressure for sex.
I went to Lupercalia, took every class, got my first dungeon spanking ever. Enjoyed it so much I was begging for another the next day. I even did some topping, reselling in the feel of doing so, near as much as I did being ass up on the bench.
I met some amazing people (you know who you are) and had some amazing times. More importantly I was really beginning to believe that I could play like this, with sessions of power exchange fun, and have my needs met without the abuse that I was finding in vanilla dating.
Hurrah!!
Then I met Firm-Hand-Buddha
A student, like me, just beginning on his career path. A fellow pervert. A patient but firm man. A communicator... oh my I love his words... we connected quickly, that spark was just there..
We built what we have now, our 'non relationship' as 'non boyfriend' and 'non girlfriend', upon the power exchange dynamic. And I fought the forming of this non relationship every step of the way.
I was terrified.
He calmed my fears by behaving with integrity, by being consistent and bearing no malice to any.
He smiled patiently.
He teased gently.
He held me when I needed holding.
He hurt me when I needed pain.
He took responsibility for his own shit.
He showed me that being honest with each other was a beautiful thing, not a trick to find ammunition to hurt me later.
He trusted me and showed himself to be trustworthy.
He is my Sir. I take care of him.
He takes care of me.
I give him the use of my body.
He cherishes that use and nurtures my body.
I nurture him with my care of the home.
He rewards that nurturing by acknowledging it for what it is.
I submit.
He dominates.
I yield.
He hurts me just right.
I suggest, ask, comment, communicate, acknowledge and defer.
He suggests, asks, comments, communicates, orders and directs.
We engage in BDSM style activities all day.
In the order in which we are served our dinner, in the manner we make choices when we do not agree, in our speech and in our body language we are in our power exchange.
He casually uses pressure points regardless of where we are.
If we remove all that... well I will be honest.
I am not sure what there is left.
Love, certainly.
Caring.
But the power exchange IS our relationship framework.
I lean on that framework.
I count on it to be there.
Yanking away that framework would wound the trust I have for him. It would leave me shaken, unsure and scared.
Our every day is BDSM... every damned day. This is a lifestyle, not a hobby, at least in our relationship.
When we can't fuck due to kids in the house (we can quietly make out still, but not the way we like otherwise) the rest of the power exchange is there to carry us through. I know I can ask respectfully for play, and that he can agree, decline or negotiate a different time. We have written and agreed upon protocols to remind us of our commitment to one another, and those protocols help me to feel safe and cherished, and to know that what I do reminds him he is safe and cherished (and absolutely adored and respected).
When there are opportunities to bicker, the power exchange is there to restore peace.
When I am cranky and he points this out, the power exchange framework is there to do so safely-and I am able to hear his words without merely reacting defensively.
When he is cranky and just needs to be sexually spoiled, the framework is there for him to take what he needs, and because of that framework this taking is actually giving-it makes me feel good.
That comes down and you have two people with their most common link removed.
Can I be a girlfriend in a 'normal' relationship and still have this happy full cupboard feeling?
No, I don't think I can. I am not 'normal' I am a card carrying pervert. Being in this power exchange with an amazing partner gives me that full cupboard feeling. That D/s that I like to call 'play' is actually our whole world.
Do I really “need” spankings and pain and tears and subspace to be content?
Yes... I really do. Those spankings and pain and tears and subspace are part of my sexuality. I do need them to be content. Just like I need touch and kisses and hair pulling and hugs and nibbles.
Do I truly require the foundation of a power exchange dynamic to thrive in a long term relationship?
Yes. Fucking yes. If long term is what is going on, for me it needs to be a power exchange. It works for me. It works for us. That framework cradles us, challenges us and connects us. I require that framework in order to blossom within the relationship, rather than being just another woman sacrificing her self to be with someone. I have never felt this good with another person in my space. I have never felt this connected to another. I have never felt so valued, nor valued another in this way.
Is this just a dopamine addiction?
I really do not believe it is. Don't get me wrong, I like the dopamine, yum yum..
But kneeling on the floor waiting for an hour, making dinner and knowing I am doing what I am directed and pleasing him, feeling him posses every inch of my body, knowing that his words are honest and his intent is pure.. these things are just as amazing as the impact play and the pain play.
So no... I don't think I can be happy in a strictly vanilla relationship. I think my spirit flies in the framework I have now-a 24/7 P/E with FHB, who earns every bit of respect and cherishes me dearly.

Are we doing this D/s thing wrong?

Sir,
I think we must be doing this wrong.
More to the point, either You are doing this wrong or I am not a twu submissive.
I read so many of the forums, I belonged to several groups, I asked questions, I had (and still have) mentors. In these groups we often would talk about the struggles that can come with full time power exchanges and I would find myself remaining very silent. Not because I myself don't struggle, but because their struggles seem.... well downplayed to say the least. Sometimes they even seem trivial.
"How do you cope when He/She asks you to do a chore you hate?" is a common theme. To me this is a no brainer. I do the same thing when I have a chore to do that I hate and You don't tell me to do it. I do it. This is part of life, right? Doing things that are not fun? I mean, chores are called that because they are chores.
And I will go a step further... the only time You ever have to 'tell' me to do a chore it is because I have been slacking, behind, or whatever. In those cases I feel bad immediately because I SHIRKED SOMETHING. I feel I let myself down, and thus by extension YOU. I don't struggle with this. There is nothing to struggle against. I recognize, make a note to improve it and move on.
"How do you manage your dissapointment/distress/discomfort when He demands you to wear something you don't like." Um... depends on why I don't like it I suppose. If I have a valid concern or objection I voice it. We discuss it. Otherwise I assume you have your reasons. I mean... if choosing what I wear (be this a protocol for day to day or just for during a scene) is part of our power exchange then I actually made that choice, right?
"How do you deal with Him/Her asking you for sexual service that you don't want to do" What? I talk about it. If I don't want to do some sort of sexual act with You it is either outside of my limits (which You would of course not expect nor ask for), or I have a reason (I am sick as hell, for example) and need to share this reason. Are there secret crazy sex things that these other subs get asked to do that I don't know about? If so my feelings are hurt that You, my Sir, have not asked me for such naughty things.
Again, taking this a step further, perhaps some of the posters are referring to that lack of desire that can occur when a relationship is not being maintained. This is not a power exchange problem though, in my opinion, but more of a relationship problem. Such things should be discussed well before the resentment and not attracted don't wanna touch you stage, right? Right Sir?
Seriously though, they never seem to really struggle with submission. They don't seem to ever wake up and feel non compliant, to really struggle with the fundamental aspect. They don't seem to wonder if they submit too much, or struggle to accept their need to submit.
I don't see posts on that moment of "FUCK YOU" when their Sir/Ma'am orders them to do something that pricks their pride. I have not read of anyone who blushes over certain indignities and has yet found a way to gracefully submit to some aspects of being a toy to play with, clean, poke at and inspect.
No one seems to be talking about how to deal with those hurt feelings when play does not happen, or hurt feelings when one is corrected by their Sir/Ma'am, or hurt feelings when You don't seem interested and I need NEED YOUR attention.
Certainly I seem to be the only one that struggles with the balance of submitting to You while still being able to ask for my needs to be met too. The line between communicating and overstepping. I also seem to be the only one who struggles with the idea of trusting you to not ask of me what is not good for me, but not also not expecting you to mind read.
Is submitting 24/7 really that easy for everyone else? That their biggest problem is not being 'in the mood' once in awhile, or having to do chores they don't like? Does no one else ever have selfish moments when they want the type of play they want, or the type of sex they want, or the flipping food they want? Days or moments when they feel obstinate, stubborn or resentful? Moments when they wonder if they are really doing what is right for them? For their partner?
NEVER?
Perhaps we are doing this wrong.. Or more to the point Sir, You must be doing this wrong. Or perhaps I am not a twu sub... that having my own wants and desires that sometimes feel larger than my ability to obey makes me a non sub.
Or perhaps no one likes to admit they struggle with these things, in case someone points at them and accuses them of also not being a twu submissive.

Stingray Paddle... oh my oh my

Our package arrived Friday (already open!! Darn postal system!) Our StingRay Paddle from Thorgeir. I continued my day, but my thoughts kept straying back to our new goodie with anticipation. (I know, I know...in all the stories the girl is upset, scared and hates whatever implement her Stern Sir has received. Not me..sorry)
Much later... when Sir and I were alone, we popped on an episode of True Blood (I don't care!! I like It!) and I gleefully crawled over FHB's lap. The devious man decided to use the wood side for warm up, in his typical brisk fashion... Oh. My. Freaking. Gawd. That paddle has a bit of an impact. For the next few minutes I was seriously reconsidering my long time fetish of being spanked. That thing hurts. It is polished to a smooth, non sticky finish. I am assuming that it feels as if you are not swinging it, because it seemed to be landing excessively firmly.
Once Sir figured my skin was warm sigh he flipped that devil paddle over. For the rest of our 45 minutes and 52 second of "test the paddle" time, I was treated to the amazing sensation of stingray leather upon leather butt.
I am in love.
Truly.
The first swat stings, like any paddle. Then just as the next one is landing there is this interesting as hell sensation. EVERY BIT of texture on that leather does a stingy tingle. So.. you get that sting that leaves those amazing sensations on the skin's surface AND you get the THUD of the wood and all the erogenous stimulation from that.
BLISS.
Sir tends to have a rather... uh... rhythmic style of paddling. He was not swinging hard, mind you... but due to the tempo I was wriggling and gasping, squeaking and whimpering. That was challenging, but could have continued for a good long while. When (at my request, because I am a glutton for real) Sir moved to harder thwacks with longer pauses, the skin danced with sensation. The thud from that paddle is so amazing. The stingray.. well it is sexy as heck. I am sure that it was only ten minutes of heavier strikes before I was begging.... done.
Sir posted under that pic that I am 'sensitive to touch' which does not cover it. the next morning (and that is AFTER amazing aftercare) I went to roll over and my whole body tensed in shock as the mere flexing of leg muscles created an intense sensation of skin being too tight and... well... it felt as if my skin had pebbles of welts upon it, over every inch of my ass and thighs.
Although as I went through my day the tightness wore off rather quickly (walking is amazingly good for that) the pebbly welted sensation remained. At 1030 last night when I sat on my stairs (which are textured stoned coated) I squealed. This morning, wrapped in a towel, the feeling of the towel across my skin is very... unusual.
I love my new paddle. I highly recommend this paddle-seriously-it was worth every penny.

Struggling

I am struggling.

For the last year (or nearly a year) I have had the great luck to be living with an amazing gent who shares in my pervy interests.  It has been the most blissful and joyous period of my life.

Over the last few weeks things have changed.  Be it me, be it him, we are not connecting on that power exchange level that fills me with self acceptance, joy, and that 'full cupboard' feeling.  We instead are more like room mates, passing in the hallway but yet not connected.  Play as decreased rapidly to its current state of non existence.

Have I once again broken a man?  I have taken a man who loved sex, loved to play laugh and cause me the most exquisite pain, and I have broken him.. I have turned him into (prepare yourself...)...


A muggle.


A muggle who wants a vanilla relationship with me (for now? forever? till I freak? not...sure...)
Once again, I have improved my personal self, only to find myself alone in a house with the person I am with.

First time (first marriage) I lost 55 lbs and started school.  My marriage went from rocky but passionate, to hellacious and empty.

Second time I gained my degree, found personal growth and my marriage disintegrated.

Now I am sitting here... after being so damned determined to NEVER do this again (this being share space, be in a hearts and flowers relationship) finding that as my life comes together even more (I am getting in shape, starting to make a bit more money, nearly done my BA) that his interest may have faded.

Sigh...

No clue where I am going from here... so many things to think about, so much to consider.

Can I be in a vanilla relationship?

Do I want to?

I really don't think I can.

I will tell you one thing that will be different this time.  This time I will be taking this to my Sir.  I will be sharing my hurt, my fear and my burden with him.

Being a Rope Top/Rigger and Sexism?

I am very aware that sexism exists, inside and out of the BDSM community. Such is the way of the world, although things are changing and improving (slowly), sexism is alive and well, and up here in Northern BC it is thriving.
As a RWV (Rigger With Vagina) I really expected to be on the receiving end of sexist remarks and attitude. I started a local rope group, expecting offers to be tied up, rather than volunteers to let me tie them. I went to Ropegasm with my Sir as my practice bunny, I did not advertise for a bunny for the event because I assumed that no one would agree to go with a RWV with little experience. In my defense we went with another couple and my Sir did volunteer to let me practice on him. What good little submissive doesn't jump on that?
Seriously though.
As a Rope Top/Rigger who happens to have a Vagina, sexism can work in my favor though. I am NEVER short bunnies. I get to not only tie my bunnies, but make them squeal, squeak and purr. I have male and female bunnies. Some very shy ladies have let me tie them. I have tied gals who are homophobic (to varying degrees). I have done sexy dirty ties and very sterile ties. I tie myself, my friends, my teddies, my pillow, my jacket, my Sir, and once tried to tie the cat (he IS a sexist jerk and won't let me)
The only sexism I run across is stray pm's from men who assume that because I have a vagina my rigging is just a way for me to get some dick. Surely I use rope so that I can have some man I never met hump my leg, right? Or as one guy put it, "At least be naked when you tie me, or what's the point?"
No one asks me what Man Taught Me to use rope. No one assumes that my very non rope Sir is in charge of my rope scenes. No one has messaged me asking what REAL Rigger did the work in this pic or that. No one has made me feel unwelcome when I rig in the dungeon.
Not saying that sexism in all things Rigging is not out there-just that I have not run across the things I have heard other RWV (Riggers with Vaginas) talk about.

Muggles are perverts too!

i spent five hours last night as the presenter for a group of non kink women (a.k.a. "Muggles") as part of a local Women's Group. Having never presented for Muggles I was a bit nervous. I live in a smallish community. Said community is also fairly uneducated and overflowing with sexism, racism, general bigotry and of course all sorts of homophobia and conservatism.
I dressed the part, in fake leather bustier, skirt, and cap; each item decorated with the required chains of course. I brought all kinds of goodies-rope bags, toy bags, books, pressure points tools and sensation toys. I had a top end sex swing frame to suspend off of and a volunteer 'bunny'.
We chatted and laughed, and then I had everyone blindfold themselves. Then we played the "If you have done this, raise your hand" and the "If you would like to do this raise your hand" game, as I read off one of the fetish lists.
Aside from activities that are quite edgey, someone raised their hand for every fetish. Every single one, aside from, like I said, the more brazen types of activities that even some in 'the lifestyle' draw a line at.
Muggles are perverts too!
It was a great night, and a learning experience for me as well.

Her ASS.... Oh ... My....About that Anal Sex Demonstration

The moment I laid eyes on her incredibly sexy body as she settled, belly down onto the padded table, my worry and nervousness melted away as if they never were.
I let my eyes drink in her stocking clad legs, her oh so pale skin seeming to glow in the exposed stripes between her lacy briefs and just as lacy brassiere. Oh My.... What a gift!!
To someone like me, who adores bums, her ass was a picture of perfection. perfectly round globes raised upwards (due to a strategically placed cushion), framed by the black silk of her panties and stockings...
In that moment I forgot that this was a demonstration. I forgot that there was a crowd watching. I forgot that I had never touched a woman in this manner. In that moment all I could think of is, "wow....!!!!! For me????!!!!!"
I grabbed the massage cream and rubbed her back, While FHB ran the power point for our group on making anal an erotic experience. I massaged and chatted softly with this amazing lady, soothing her skin. I reminded her that nothing was going to happen until she asked, and only what she asked for.
I laid all the toys out by her slightly flushed face, teasing her mercilessly with the idea of what could be used on her... she giggled and I grabbed some gloves, condoms and silicone lubricant.
I massaged her back, her buttocks and the very tops of her thighs... Concentrating on being slow, letting her get comfy.
When she indicated she was feeling relaxed I let my lubricated and gloved fingers massage around her anus, pressing and almost entering but never quite actually doing so... she would start to lift her hips and wiggle, and I would go back to massaging her hips, thighs, buttocks and back, then again, lubrication, and massaging, letting the fingers explore her amazing body.
I pretended not to understand when she hinted, loving that sexy flush she does when she has to be blunt. (oh sexy lady, you are amazing). As she wiggled, and cooed I was overcome with an urge to sink my teeth slowly into her ass cheeks.. I faltered for a moment, the image was so strong, then told her I wanted to.
"You can bite my ass" she said demurely, and my bodies reaction to those words was intense... Still rubbing and lightly prodding, I slowly gathered a mouthful of buttocks and pressed my teeth into her skin, my fingers pressing more firmly. Her noises were lovely and I had to take a breath and concentrate... I was a bit unsteady and glanced up at our little crowd, and finding the reassurance I needed in the happy smiles and lack of condemnation on anyone's faces, I turned my focus back to the vixen in front of me.
I continued to rub and touch, focusing on what made her tense up and what seemed to help her relax more....Touch, press, nibble, hug, talk, reassure. All the time my fingers learning her curves, exploring the lovely pucker of her anus...
The sweet gal indicated that she would like to try to small vibrator against the opening, so I happily obliged. The nifty little toy has ten settings, and we tried each of them, and from the feedback and squirming I would hazard a guess that she was beginning to enjoy herself a bit.
FHB got to the part of the presentation in which rimming was discussed. I pulled out the dental damn and demonstrated... Due to the corset and table height I was unable to for long, which saddened me greatly, as the "oh!!" was wonderful indeed.
After a bit more playing and stroking she grinned at me and said, "This is very relaxing, not erotic though." And I laughed, hoping that I wasn't wet to my knees... "more?" I queried, knowing damned well that was what she was trying to say without saying. "Yes" she answered, all flushed and giggly...
So I let one fingertip enter, to the first knuckle. I added the vibration to the anus with the nifty toy... and after she stopped clenching my finger i let the finger move up and down, the vibration, more lube, more tapping... my other hand rubbing her lovely cheeks and grinning, I am sure, like a kid let loose in a toy store.
"More" she asked. and I happily obliged, loving how her butt was raising to meet my hand as I added a second fingertip and then just explored leisurely.
There is an amazing texture to asses... So soft, so clingy. Each fold is like a mystery and the clenching and releasing of those muscles was magic. I had my bottom lip between my teeth as she began to writhe under my hand. I am certain I had a glow on...
The room had gone silent, the only sound the vibrator buzzing and her lovely coos and my indrawn breaths when her reactions were particularity yummy.
She buried her face in her arms and said, laughing breathlessly, "I'm done"
I leaned forward and was floored and flattered when she said, "You have to stop, or I am going to finish, and I don't want to in front of everyone."
So there you have it...
My first lesbian sex experience. And oh yes, I oh so did like it.
I liked it very much.