MaamJay
Posts: 2101
Joined: 9/2/2005 Status: offline
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I do empathise with you OP, that is a rather awkward situation. When I was new and actively learning, the local group ran special Wednesday night workshops called "Crash Test Dummies" which were just great. Only about 6 people there, 3 subs and 3 Dom/mes, plus the experienced hosts. The first evening of a new intake was largely social, plus a demo from the hosts. Everyone got to know each other, so they weren't strangers by the time it came to try something out. Sessions went from about 7.30-9.30pm followed by supper, so it wasn't a late night. I was usually paired with an adorable boy and he and I continued to play for the next 2 years until his job took him interstate (even then, we managed a session at a hired Dungeon when I attended a conference there). There was plenty of opportunity for negotiation so D and s were able to establish some trust, and supervision meant the subs were safe. I would encourage other clubs to take up this idea, it was brilliant. However at a regular play party, for a "casual" encounter, I would still pull a sub aside and have a 10-15 minute conversation with them before engaging in any play at all. That helped it all feel a little less strange. Good on You for getting out there anyway, so many don't! Maam Jay aka violet[A]
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Life is a song ... and I love singing it! (By me!)
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