Collarspace Discussion Forums


Home  Login  Search 

Exclusive relationships defined?


View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
 
All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> General BDSM Discussion >> Exclusive relationships defined? Page: [1] 2   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/7/2007 9:18:19 PM   
CatKnight


Posts: 37
Joined: 8/31/2007
Status: offline
Hi folks:
 
First, before we begin, I know the answer to my question is "whatever you two agree upon."  I suppose I'm asking what has worked or feels right to YOU.
 
A few months ago I began dating a woman and we rather quickly engaged.  She introduced me to BDSM and, as things currently stand, I tend to top her/Dom within play.  Outside of play I tend to take the lead, but there's no agreement to that effect - in other words it isn't a fully fledged lifestyle.
 
Before we met, she 'played' with another of sub males online.  (She and I are both switches as near as I can tell.)  Mostly out of respect for my feelings on the matter, she's curtailed most of her activities.
 
We both agree this is an exclusive relationship - that isn't the issue.  What might be is last night, while conducting our first real negotiations about what we wanted and needed out of this kind of arrangement, she asked me how I felt if these people wanted to meet.  It wouldn't be a sexual matter (intercourse, oral sex, etc.) but primarily play...which might theoretically include fondling or otherwise causing an orgasm.
 
Being relatively new to this, you can guess what my instinct and 37 years of adopting 'vanilla' culture says.  Exclusive means exclusive.  The idea of her being with these other people is...appalling.
 
And yet - am I wrong?  Local play parties seem to follow the above theory - you can play, but no exchange of bodily fluids/intercourse/etc.  Just relatively harmless fun, then go home with your S.O.   No harm done.  The only difference between that and this would be this is planned.
 
If I ignore instinct, cultural tradition, a part of me that wants to say "MINE!" - so long as certain safety measures are observed I see no reason to say no.  That and not wanting these sub 'toys' to be part of our life together.
 
Theoretically I doubt she'd be that worried if I chose to top or bottom elsewhere so long as she was fully informed.  The only concern she specifically mentioned was 'being replaced.'  And yet, my instinct tells me seeking this kind of play elsewhere constitutes betrayal. 
 
Again, I know the short answer to my question is 'talk to her and come to an understanding' - but I am very curious how other couples handle this.  Do you excise others completely?  Is 'play' acceptable?  Under what terms?
 
:sigh:

    
Profile   Post #: 1
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/7/2007 9:20:54 PM   
LuckyAlbatross


Posts: 19224
Joined: 10/25/2005
Status: offline
Lots of kinky people really are exclusive- that means nothing with no one other than your partner.

You feel how you feel- if this is what exclusivity means to you and what you need, then stick to it and communicate that.

_____________________________

Find stable partners, not a stable of partners.

"Sometimes my whore logic gets all fuzzy"- Californication

(in reply to CatKnight)
Profile   Post #: 2
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/7/2007 9:24:13 PM   
RRafe


Posts: 2060
Joined: 8/29/2007
Status: offline
My experience is if the other casual non- sexual play partners are ones you respect-or not. If someone wants me to be sexually exclusive with them- fuck me-but don't fuck with my head, by dissing me with who you play with.

(in reply to CatKnight)
Profile   Post #: 3
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/7/2007 9:43:54 PM   
RumpusParable


Posts: 1923
Joined: 7/7/2005
From: NYC now!
Status: offline
My spouse and I are a monogamous couple, but with some flexibility in vanilla settings.  For a rough outline, no sexual interactions with others, no sneaking about on anything, but snogging another person at a party when it means nothing but foolishness and ends there is no worry.

BDSM-wise, he only plays with me as that's his preference.  I am a switch and, while I only submit to him in scenes, I do bottom to others and top/dominate only outside of our relationship.

For us it's rather simple:  My interactions with others don't compromise my marriage agreements regarding monogamy as I do not have anything sexual in my play with others... by nature, I am a non-sexual player.  BDSM is not arousing to me unless I'm submitting and that only happens with my spouse.  All other play, be it bottoming, topping or dominating turns off my libido and is completely non-sexual.

Fondling of the genitals, kissing, sexual stimulation of any kind is not included in my play.  My interests are primarily focused on power exchange, so such things tend not to come up. 

The idea of interacting sexually with one of my submissives is repulsive to me, frankly.

So, my spouse and I have our vanilla agreements and my "lifestyle" relationships fall within those... more than within those haha.
-----
As to my thoughts on your situation:  I'd strongly urge taking that time to figure out whether you're having a kneejerk, ingrained reaction or if you are actually uncomfortable with each specific thing/possibility.

(in reply to CatKnight)
Profile   Post #: 4
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/7/2007 9:49:18 PM   
sub4hire


Posts: 6775
Joined: 1/1/2004
Status: offline
Doug and I are about 98% monogamous.  We don't date others.  However there are a few people we do play with from time to time.  Rare but it does happen about once a year.
Nothing sexual about it, just play. 
The relationship is how you define it.  If you want it monogamous, communicate that.


(in reply to CatKnight)
Profile   Post #: 5
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/7/2007 10:01:44 PM   
chellekitty


Posts: 3923
Joined: 3/27/2005
Status: offline
for the sake of this post i am only going to address the self-defined exclusive or monogamous relationships i have seen...

senario 1 - anything goes but i am only committed to one person...an open monogamous relationship..

senario 2 - no fluid bonding - pretty much the same as 1, but with condoms and dental dams..

senario 3 - no sexual contact - this would be the BDSM play only arena
   senario 3.5 - no sexual contact - BDSM play only for the non-bisexuals, i make a special note on this...playing with the opposite gender than normal...this is done for pure power exchange and/or sadistic/masochistic pleasure...ie a gay Top beating on a female bottom

senario 4 - no sex or BDSM with anyone else

and 1 thru 3 having an a) private and b) public option

and what works for you is what works for you, if you can think of another option, it can work for you and then there is polyamory...lol...there are 3 key tools to make every relationship work...communication, communication, and communication...

good luck
chelle

(in reply to sub4hire)
Profile   Post #: 6
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 12:23:45 AM   
exogenous


Posts: 57
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: CatKnight

We both agree this is an exclusive relationship - that isn't the issue. (Are you sure about that?)   What might be is last night, while conducting our first real negotiations about what we wanted and needed out of this kind of arrangement, she asked me how I felt if these people wanted to meet.  It wouldn't be a sexual matter (intercourse, oral sex, etc.) but primarily play...which might theoretically include fondling or otherwise causing an orgasm.
 
Being relatively new to this, you can guess what my instinct and 37 years of adopting 'vanilla' culture says.  Exclusive means exclusive.  The idea of her being with these other people is...appalling. (Being exclusive is not solely related to “vanilla” relationships. Nothing wrong with being exclusive in a D/s relationship.)
 
And yet - am I wrong? (How can it be wrong if it is your instinct to be exclusive?)  Local play parties seem to follow the above theory - you can play, but no exchange of bodily fluids/intercourse/etc.  Just relatively harmless fun, then go home with your S.O.   No harm done.  The only difference between that and this would be this is planned.
 
If I ignore instinct (Why would you do that?), cultural tradition, a part of me that wants to say "MINE!" (never mind the cultural tradition…it’s all about your personal make up and preferences, and your instinct)  - so long as certain safety measures are observed I see no reason to say no.  That and not wanting these sub 'toys' to be part of our life together.
 
Theoretically I doubt she'd be that worried if I chose to top or bottom elsewhere so long as she was fully informed.  The only concern she specifically mentioned was 'being replaced.'  And yet, my instinct tells me seeking this kind of play elsewhere constitutes betrayal. 
 
Again, I know the short answer to my question is 'talk to her and come to an understanding' - but I am very curious how other couples handle this.  Do you excise others completely?  Is 'play' acceptable?  Under what terms?
 
:sigh:

   


It all comes down to what your mind and heart tell you. As for me, I would regret play with others, whether it’s my Dom or me doing the playing. For me, exclusive really does mean exclusive. No matter how much I “clicked” with someone, knowing that I prefer and need complete exclusivity, I would regret going along with playing with others, just to "keep the peace". Eventually, that sense of peace and acceptance would unravel, for me, anyway.
 
It all comes down to what can you live with. It’s not a bad thing to not accept your Dom or sub playing with others. Not everyone is wired to do that, and that’s perfectly fine. No harm, no foul.

(in reply to CatKnight)
Profile   Post #: 7
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 1:49:35 AM   
xoxi


Posts: 1066
Status: offline
For me? Exclusive = Exclusive.

It takes quite a bit for me to commit to someone.  If I'm casually dating them, I can also be casually dating other people.  However I'm open about that fact, I say we're just dating and there is no commitment or exclusivity on either of our parts.  I won't even accept exclusivity from them, because then they'll start expecting it from me - I make it clear by telling them "you aren't exclusive to me, you just don't currently know anyone else you want to date."

I can see how 'play' isn't considered cheating IF it's strictly non sexual activities.  Whipping someone else? Sure.  Being fondled or fondling someone else?  Um.  No.

It sounds like the two of you might have different expectations, and to be honest if I were in your situation I would break off the 'exclusivity' part of the relationship.  Either she will realize she does want to be exclusive, and actually follow through on it, or you will realize you like playing with other people too and be comfortable with less than strict monogamy. 

Although hopefully only one of the above happens and you don't end up in the same situation but from the other side

(in reply to exogenous)
Profile   Post #: 8
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 5:00:11 AM   
BDsbabygirl


Posts: 115
Joined: 7/9/2007
Status: offline
Hi, CatKnight, welcome aboard. 
 
I too am somewhat new to this world, but I'll answer as to my own relationship as you requested...Big Daddy and I are completely exclusive to each other, as in NO others, be it for sex, sexual play, non-sexual play, or even just casually 'chatting' online. In fact, he tells me that when we started off as "just friends" in the vanilla world, he really wanted more (told me last night he wanted me so badly he thought he would go mad!) and to that end, when he began to see that he really might have a chance with me, he immediately released an LDR slave that he had because he wanted to be exclusive even though we weren't actually anything beyond friends at that point.
 
But. My Dom also knows that I am very much interested in exploring the side of me that's interested in women. I would never ever do so outside of his knowledge and without his permission, though, since we are monogamous. Still, with this knowledge in mind, alot of our fantasy talk (like during phone sex) centers around our bringing in another woman, mostly for me, though he would be included a little if I was comforable with it and I am in fact still sorting out my feelings on that; sometimes the idea of him being given a blowjob or having anal - activites I've never been too wild about but engage in the former for him and am actually interested in the latter because it's with him, but I digress - with another female makes me incredibly horny and other times it makes be so jealous I want to start throwing stuff. I asked him if this was all talk or if he'd bring it in R/L. He said that eventually he'd like to bring it to R/L, not because he wants it (he's already been there, done that, as with much of our activity  *sigh* but that's a whole other story) but because I do and he wants me to be happy and fulfilled, not ignoring a desire of mine because we are together. However, something like this is a long ways off, I imagine, as we've only been together, romantically, for just over three months now, which means we're still getting established. Also, when this does happen, it would not be a permanent thing, i.e. she would not be added in, making us polyamorous, for neither of us is interested in that; the activity would be more like a one-night stand kind of thing or perhaps even two times but not ongoing or in the context of a relationship with this female, even though full precautions would be taken for health purposes.

Also, while I did mention that we don't engage in chatting online, there is one thing my Dom does that I'm mostly fine with (I says "mostly" because I do sometimes feel a miniscule pang of jealousy): long before we got together, he became a co-Administator at a Gorean Role-Play site and he still engages in that but only rarely. In that world, he does have a few Gorean slaves but this is all role-play. Neither he, nor anyone else there, is at all interested in meeting in real life, it's just an online game for them. Still, since it is something, I thought I'd include it, as well.
 
As you yourself and the others above me have already mentioned, in your case, the best thing to do is communicate and establish guidelines NOW, before you're too deeply in, if your're not already. When I realized I was falling in love with my Master, I made absolutely certain of his intentions, figuring I'd break it off before it was too late if he wanted to see others because I knew it was something I couldn't handle; I figured better a little pain then than a whole lot of heartache later.
 
Whatever happens, I wish you the best. Good Luck.  

_____________________________

~ Captured by My Dominance, enslaved by My love ~ -- Big Daddy
Collared by Master Big Daddy on Monday, 7/23/07 at 2:35pm


Into scat play? Boycott shampoo; demand the real poo!

(in reply to xoxi)
Profile   Post #: 9
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 5:28:31 AM   
InkedMaster


Posts: 342
Joined: 7/14/2007
Status: offline
What's Mine is Mine

_____________________________

TOURETTE SYNDROME: It's no mother f*cking joke, you God d*mn c*ck sucking f*ck!

"I need this parade like I need a fucking hole in my head." - John F. Kennedy

-Owner of eyesopened- and damn PROUD of her!


(in reply to BDsbabygirl)
Profile   Post #: 10
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 8:33:59 AM   
Celeste43


Posts: 3066
Joined: 2/4/2006
From: NYS
Status: offline
For us exclusive means in everything. No play only, no cyber with others, no writing racy emails, no phone, no nothing. Hell he's even vetoed me volunteering to be a bottom at a workshop. I'm to tell him if I want to try something and if he's interested he'll learn how to do it while I wait several months until he feels sufficiently competent to try it. And if he doesn't want to do it, then it doesn't get done.

(in reply to InkedMaster)
Profile   Post #: 11
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 8:38:55 AM   
LATEXBABY64


Posts: 2107
Joined: 4/8/2004
Status: offline
another thread  I think we are talking about this same thing on another thread about monogamy

(in reply to Celeste43)
Profile   Post #: 12
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 8:42:54 AM   
rmanrr


Posts: 358
Joined: 7/25/2006
Status: offline
Greetings
My Woman and I are committed to each other, period. That being said, if we find someone we might wish to play with then the whole thing comes down to communication. You have started that process, continue it. Let her know exactly how you feel about things and I mean all things. If there comes a time when I can not provide what My Woman wants ( and I know that might be indeed a reality since she is bi) then after discussion I see no reason to not agree to her wants. After all, why would I feel threatened by something when I know that at the end she will place her shoes under our bed and snuggle in with Me. I wish you well in this as to Me, from reading various threads, communication of the gut wrenching honest core type, is what is often lacking in relationships. Be honest, be yourself. The rest falls into place once that is accomplished.


_____________________________

Be Well, Be Careful

Jarl Rmanrr

"the road untravelled is the loneliest." Me
Courage...the ability to overcome obstacles during the course.
"to be insane is to be original!"...Me

(in reply to Celeste43)
Profile   Post #: 13
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 8:53:34 AM   
AquaticSub


Posts: 14867
Joined: 12/27/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: CatKnight

Again, I know the short answer to my question is 'talk to her and come to an understanding' - but I am very curious how other couples handle this.  Do you excise others completely?  Is 'play' acceptable?  Under what terms?
 


I love to play scenes. I love the endorphines, the stings... everything. While Valyraen enjoys it, it's not as much his thing. So when we go to play parties, I play with other dominants. They ask permission and he watches the scene. I often catch him smiling whenever I start to babble or moan. There is never any vaginal, anal or oral sex. But my neck does get chewed on a lot.

I highly doubt I would have any issue with Valyraen playing with another as long as I got to be there and watch as well.



_____________________________

Without my dominance you cannot submit. Without your submission I cannot dominate. You are my equal in this, though our roles are different.-Val

It was ok for him to beat me but then he tried to cuddle me! - Me

Member:Clan of the Scarlet O'Hair

(in reply to CatKnight)
Profile   Post #: 14
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 10:56:14 AM   
pleasureforck


Posts: 95
Joined: 7/2/2007
Status: offline
Sounds like you and your partner look at exclusive as meaning different things. You have to decide if you can live with it how she wants it or if not tell her this and decide what is best. I can't imagine ever being with anyone other than my SO or him being with another in any way. I belong to him only. If he wanted it any different I would not be with him and the same if I wanted it different he would not be with me.

_____________________________

I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not

(in reply to AquaticSub)
Profile   Post #: 15
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 2:28:41 PM   
Joseff


Posts: 505
Joined: 6/2/2007
Status: offline
I could tell you what works for me and mine, and so could any of the others posting here, but the truth is, it really does come down to what works for you and yours. If you take a sampling of what others tell you here, and try to adapt it to your situation, it will eventually destroy your relationship. Why? Resentfulness, if you try to "learn to accept it", it will lay in the back of your mind and grow like a cancer. If her playing with others feels like betrayal to you, it always will. Be honest in your relationship, most importantly, be honest to yourself. Not wanting to seem unreasonable is a nice concept, but in reality, its how you are. I'm not trying to berate you, but lying to yourself is just as destructive as lying to your partner. Talk to her, lay it all out, then work from there, its the only thing that will work.
Joseff

(in reply to pleasureforck)
Profile   Post #: 16
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/8/2007 9:44:29 PM   
slaverosebeauty


Posts: 1941
Joined: 12/12/2004
From: Cali
Status: offline
MJ doesn't share me, He doesn't want too, I don't want to be shared, its against our personal beliefs and how our relationship works and what it is based on. We are 'exclusive' if that is what you want to call it. We don't have sex with, play with, or have an [adult] relationship with anyone else. We are monagumous, simple enough.
 
We have talked about me possibly getting a local M/ser to talk too and to possibly engage in some training or mild play with on occassion [with very specific permeters and understandings laid out], their are a few reasons for that, yet, that idea has been placed on the back burner until further notice. I do photoshoots where I get bound by someone who is NOT MJ, He knows this, its acceptable because I don't get that 'glassy eyed' look on my face, its staged. I get that 'look' when MJ an I talk, are around eachother or when I think about Him. My photoshoots are professional and NOT personal, so that doesn't interfer with our 'exclusive' relationship. Its work. Its business. If it bothered MJ or if it ever looked like it might cross the line, I would stop and we would DEFIANTLY talk.
 
To the OP.. TALK to your partner, if looks like you did that before, it may be time to sit down and actually 'define' if you will 'exclusive.' It may just mean no sex with someone else, or it might be something else.    

_____________________________

http://slaverosebeauty.livejournal.com/

"Friends live on in our hearts, regardless if they are here or not."

(in reply to Joseff)
Profile   Post #: 17
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/9/2007 2:28:14 AM   
MasterFireMaam


Posts: 5587
Joined: 3/1/2006
From: Charleston, WV
Status: offline
Tossing around new ideas and mindsets can be a hard thing. You might find that, if you want to allow her to explore, you would be more comfortable if she either did it in a public play space or with you in attendence. Or, perhaps, the two of you could Top together.

A lot of this is trial and error...and, even though it might end a bit poorly, a lot of time, you simply have to try something out before you really know.

How's that for a clear cut answer? LOL

Master Fire


_____________________________

The power of who we are can be intoxicating. The power of who we could be is humbling.
-----
Ms Relationship Books
-----
BDSM How-To Books

(in reply to CatKnight)
Profile   Post #: 18
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/9/2007 4:37:31 AM   
BeachMystress


Posts: 2156
Joined: 4/3/2004
From: Naples Island- Long Beach CA - Southern California
Status: offline
My husband and I are in a 24/7/365 TPE sexually monogamous relationship. I reserve the right to play with other people, but will not do so in a sexual way. My subhub does not have that same right. I will say that since I met him, I've done very little playing with anyone other than him, and most of that as a peripheral part of someone else's scene, I do want a serious masochist to hurt on a semi-regular basis but that is hard to find considering the level of pain I like to dish out. If I do find someone who can take the amount of pain I give and beg for more, the relationship would end up being a friendship, rather than them ever being considered MY submissive. I also seek a domestic, who would be a friend-of-the-family submissive. Neither of them will every get anything sexual from me or my husband and I will never touch them in any sexual area. Hubby isn't wild about the idea of either sub, but bows to my needs and wishes.

I also have the right to cuckold him.  I am not likely to do so because I know it would hurt him deeply, but do remind him every so often that it IS my right if I so choose.  He is my property. I own him. Even so, other males paying me too much attention can make him jealous. He has something he feels is worth protecting. It is a normal reaction. BUT, he doesn't let that reaction guide him.  At a munch about a year ago, some guy tried to kiss me with him standing right behind me.  (
toy's blog about the incident )  I could feel him tense behind me, but he let me deal with it. 


_____________________________

Beach Mystress
*Do not threaten the weak. Intimidate the strong. ~ Stevenson*
http://beachmystress.jigsy.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachmystress/

(in reply to MasterFireMaam)
Profile   Post #: 19
RE: Exclusive relationships defined? - 9/9/2007 4:51:30 AM   
Rayne58


Posts: 746
Joined: 2/22/2005
From: Sydney Australia
Status: offline
*fast reply*
Master and I are married.  There are no other men involved sexually with us.  However I have been caned once at a play party by another Dom and although we haven't repeated the experience we haven't ruled it out as not going to happen again.

I am Bi and I have a female play partner I see once or twice a month by myself (with Master's blessing).  This is purely vanilla play.  We have played sexually with other women together on three occasions (all vanilla, although our latest one has just expressed interest in bottoming with us).  Master does not have intercourse with these women, although He does do kissing, oral and touching.  The kissing bothered me a bit the first time I saw it, but I am very secure in His love and now I enjoy watching Him do that as much as He likes watching me  

(in reply to MasterFireMaam)
Profile   Post #: 20
Page:   [1] 2   next >   >>
All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> General BDSM Discussion >> Exclusive relationships defined? Page: [1] 2   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy

0.109