What should I tell my girlfriend (Full Version)

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mownedbyYou -> What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 5:55:11 PM)

Thank you all for your advice in advance.

I've been a submissive male for longer than I knew there was a bdsm lifestyle.  It's been a large part of me.

It has been a struggle to meet people to date and have a relationship with who can understand that part of me, mainly because I'm so uncomfortable bringing it up to begin with, but also because bdsm is not the only thing I care about and it's hard for me to meet people who click on other levels too.

Around 4 months ago I met a girl who is 100% vanilla.  She is, without a doubt, the best thing that's happened to me for as far back as I can remember.  If you had asked me 4 months ago if I could ever function in a vanilla relationship, I would have said no chance-that I'm not comfortable in that type of dynamic.  But for whatever reason, we have been seeing each other nonstop in a totally "regular" kind of way, and I am so happy.  Happier than I ever have been with anyone I previously served or was in a relationship with.  I feel it's important to say that my desire to serve is not superficial, I am a very sincere submissive and it is where I've felt the most comfortable since I was 5 or 6 years old.

I told this current girlfriend when we first met that I was submissive, but I never went into depth about what that means and she never really said anything about it since.

The issue I'm struggling with is presented here: 

I am so happy right now and if things stayed the way they were currently, I'd be happy, honestly.  However, I would be lying if I said I didn't still think about the lifestyle regularly and want to serve still.  I don't want to keep something this important from someone I care about, but I know that some people get weirded out about things like this, and as sad as it is to say, I'd rather keep this from her and be with her than fill her in and risk losing her.  It's almost like I have my cake with her and I'm so happy with it, but the icing would be if I could open up to her about who I am as a submissive, but I don't want to lose the cake and the icing.  Hope that makes some sense.

I guess I just want to know if anyone has any words of wisdom for me.  I am feeling kind of lost because I'm questioning my future involvement in something that at one point was one of the things I'd say made me who I am.

Thank you all again.




littlewonder -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 5:57:44 PM)

I personally wouldn't say anything to her but would still "serve" her....you know, make coffee, breakfast, dinner, clean the house, run errands for her, wash the laundry, etc....let her lead the relationship.

You'd still be serving, just without the sexual innuendos...a reverse traditional relationship.





searching4mysir -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 6:06:17 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: mownedbyYou

I'd be happy, honestly.  However, I would be lying if I said I didn't still think about the lifestyle regularly and want to serve still.


What does serving mean to you, specifically? Is it sexual or non-sexual? Is it in regards to SM or more domestic and power exchange?

Service is very personal. To me, it is far more than sexual service. I love to take care of Master: prepare his meals, make sure he checks his sugar and takes his insulin, bring him his tea, etc. This being said, service doesn't mean that to everyone.




mownedbyYou -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 6:15:54 PM)

Thank you both so much for the help thus far. 

LittleWonder:  I think that makes a lot of sense.  I try to do things like that as often as possible and I love when she lets me take care of her in those ways.  I'd like for her to know just how much I enjoy doing those things for her, but that again is something I struggle with.

Searching: To answer your question, service does not imply anything sexual to me.  It is mainly a power exchange and could be domestic.  I enjoy, more than anything, doing things for the person I serve.  I enjoy making them happy and more than anything else, pleased with me.  There is almost no part of me that wants to be hurt or put down by someone I'm in a relationship with.  I just want to devote as much of myself as I can to making them happy.




littlewonder -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 6:22:32 PM)

So you say to her "you know I love doing things for you. It's my way of showing you just how much I love you and want you to be happy".

You don't have to say anything about bdsm or lifestyle or anything kinky.

I do things for Master not because he's the Master, not because we're into bdsm, not because he orders them, but because I love him and doing things for him is the least I can do for the man in my life to show him my appreciation and gratefulness for having him in my life.





Casteele -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 6:25:35 PM)

Given the fact that it is a significant enough issue that it is on your mind and you are posting here seeking advice.. My advice is to talk to her about it. If she does not know what it means for you to be submissive, then explain it to her. How that goes will help guide you with how to proceed next. Perhaps she might find the idea intriguing and want to explore with you, or repulsive and something she feels she doesn't want in the relationship. It's that unknown which is scary.. But at the same time, are you willing to settle? Is hiding some part of you in shame or fear of acceptance going to help the relationship blossom and grow? Are you and her being fair to each other if you're only giving her half of who you are? If you cannot be yourself, then she isn't the right one for you.

That's not to say that she has to become your domme or anything. She may have zero interest in that part of you, but as long as she knows it's there, understands it, and accepts it, then she's accepting you as a whole. From there, you have a stable foundation to decide what's next, and/or how you'll feed your submissive needs. On the other hand, she might become more interested as she finds out more about what it really means, rather than some preconceived notion that it's all about "begging for sex," or some other silly notion vanilla's often come up with.




searching4mysir -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 6:31:22 PM)

In that case, then just serve (as littlewonder suggested). One thing that will probably be greatly appreciated is making sure her car is maintained and always has 3/4 to full tank of gas, in addition to the typical food/beverage/laundry/housecleaning duties.




hlen5 -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 9:47:11 PM)

What woman wouldn't like a surprise breakfast in bed? You don't have to announce your intentions. Just do those service oriented things and see how she likes them. Once she gets comfortable with that, or if she brings up the subject you can begin to talk. Maybe at that point you could give her that book "When Someone You Love is Kinky (or something like that)".




FrostedFlake -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 10:51:46 PM)

I admire and often agree with Casteel. But not this time.

Your profile was no help, so, based on what is on this page, I have to say, "You lucky, lucky bastard!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EI7p2p1QJI

Unless there is something you are not saying, there is nothing to talk about. Nothing to ask. Instead do it.

There is no way I could be in the position you are in because what I want is not the sort of thing that I could 'get past' a ladyfriend. It's, kinda weird. You, on the other hand, are just incredibly helpful and polite. It sounds to me like what you want to do is become the consummate gentleman, and butler. It seems to me there is nothing but yourself stopping you. There is no way your Lady is not going to like it.

Don't talk, do. Here is a little help.

http://www.askmen.com/money/successful/41_success.html
http://www.askmen.com/money/successful_60/66b_success.html
http://www.askmen.com/money/successful_100/117_success.html

Edit: left a word out.




moonspirit43 -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/1/2012 11:27:43 PM)

I normally simply lurk around the message boards from time to time, so please excuse my butting in when I have actually found an opinion to share.

I would like to add something to what littlewonder said:

quote:

ORIGINAL: littlewonder

So you say to her "you know I love doing things for you. It's my way of showing you just how much I love you and want you to be happy".

You don't have to say anything about bdsm or lifestyle or anything kinky.


Have a look into The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. (This is his commercial link - you can find lots of information about the love languages elsewhere without purchasing the book.) Basically, he puts forward that people feel love and share their own love in different ways. He goes onto say if people's love languages are not understood, then sometimes one can feel unloved but the other in the relationship thinks and feels as if they are showing their love which can lead to conflict. And that can be because their love languages are simply different.

One of the love languages is acts of service. It sounds very much to me that this is your primary love language. You show those you love just how much you love them by providing them with service, whether that be cleaning or cooking, helping them dress, doing errands or any number of other things.

I don't want to comment on what I think you should do in regards to telling your partner about your kinky/submissive side or not. But this very well could be a way to explain to her how you feel without bringing kink into it if you choose not to go down that road.

Good luck.




Casteele -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 1:02:34 AM)

FTR, I do agree that the OP should just do if all he really wants is to please his girl, treat her like the special lady she is, et cetera. I know many men who do just that, although the term "submissive" never gets thrown out there, more usually just "old fashioned gentleman." So it really boils down to what the OP feels he needs in defining/being submissive. If it can translate well to vanilla and the girl is happy with it, he is indeed one very lucky boy and I wish him and her the very best!

But if not, if his needs cross in to more BDSM/kink.. I've seen too many great people in what appears great relationships lose it all because one or both tried to deny their basic needs and natures. Quite a few have declared that in retrospect that if they had at least addressed them during the relationship, the relationship would have probably worked out in the end. That the cause of the fall was that in suppressing a part of who you are just because you do not believe the other would accept that part of yourself leads to resentment against that person for "holding you back from being you." And the other person often ends up feeling angry and hurt because you didn't trust them enough to be honest and forthcoming about your needs and feelings, about who you really are. It's a lose-lose situation that cannot be rectified once it reaches that point; Integrity and trust are already destroyed.

It's also something I know very well because something similar was the cause of my last couple of relationships failing. I tried to be something I wasn't, and suppress something I was. But I got lucky this last time in that me and my partner both recognized that something was wrong with "us" early before it became bad and ended up having this very discussion. Unfortunately, while it didn't become bad, it had gone on long enough that the relationship was not salvageable and have since parted amicably and remain good friends. I just don't want to see the OP make the same mistakes when they can be avoided.




fragilepieces -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 3:08:11 AM)

quote:

I love when she lets me take care of her in those ways. I'd like for her to know just how much I enjoy doing those things for her
So say that....I love it that you let me do special things for you it makes me so happy.




Ninebelowzero -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 3:26:51 AM)

hey OP. Not sure if this helps.

When I'm in the sack with a nilla partner the lovemaking (on my part) is still service oriented. It isn't about me it's about her, looking for those signals to see what's right at the moment. making it her pleasure, mine is secondary. OK you aren't hog tied & battered but it still has a pleasure to be enjoyed.

Of course from a totally selfish point of view after a while of doing it on a casual ish basis you get a reputation for being a fucking good lay.

Win win situation or what? :-)




DarkSteven -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 6:01:16 AM)

I agree with the others about serving her nonsexually.

BUT

is being Dominated sexually something you have experienced?  I expect that there is no way you could live without it.  Right now, you say you can while you're in the honeymoon phase.  See if she'd be comfortable spanking you, holding you accountable for things, etc.  Just ease into them - she could be a natural if you're lucky.

I'm sorry, but I've read so many subs of both genders posting that they married a vanilla and can't deny that part of themselves, that I'd be worried about you being in that same position.




Kana -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 7:04:28 AM)

Be straight up.
Shoot from the hip. Tell her who and what are are, what you like, what you need.
Life is fucking short. Why waste time dicking around in relationships that don't, or only partially, fulfill? That's not fair to either you or her. She deserves someone who can be 100% in the relationship. So do you. If you can't give all, or get all, then you are robbing the both of you of the chance for true happiness.
If she can't fit your needs, then that's too bad. But it's better than wasting years of your life settling, always wondering, never knowing what may have been, always vaguely dissatisfied and never fully content.
And if she can-terrific.
But if not, someone out there can. It's on you to find em.

Call me crazy, but I like to be in relationships where I can bring all of me into them, share completely who and what I am, have no secrets and live free and unencumbered by guilt and/or shame.
And while I didn't always live up to those standards as a young man, over the years I've come to realize that my failure to do so harmed me more than any one else.

edited cuz I can't spell




mnottertail -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 7:07:56 AM)

First and foremost....get comfortable in your own skin.

No matter how uncomfortable that is.    You owe it to the world.




sheisreeds -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 7:33:27 AM)

You need to tell her.

Intimacy and relationships are based around sharing who you are with someone else. Secrets are bad, no matter how big or small. Given how you have discussed your interest in submission this is a pretty big secret. It is a disservice to her to not know that about you. It's hard to really love someone when missing a critical piece like that. She may not understand, but for things to work she needs to at least appreciate this part of you.

I bet too you're always going to wonder if she'll ever be able to meet your needs, you will never know unless you tell her.

You'll never know if your doing things for her will meet your need to serve unless you let her know that is part of what is important to you in a relationship.

You don't have to put this in super kinky terms but rather, "I don't like, and don't do well being in charge in a relationship", "I like the woman to be in the lead", "It makes me feel fulfilled to do things for the woman I care about."

At some point I would let her know some of the kinky context, the world is smaller than we think. At some point she may run across your past, it shouldn't be a surprise.

Also, unfortunately lack of kink could be a make or break for the relationship down the road. Don't leave her in the dark, if she's in the dark she can't be apart of the problem solving process, and she won't be prepared if things fall apart.




njlauren -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 7:41:01 AM)

Having been in the position you are in now, maybe I can offer some perspective (though my story is a bit different). It really depends on who you are and what you are looking for in how you approach this. As others have pointed out, if you can feel good about the relationship as a one way sub i.e where you serve and your sweetie isn't aware, then by all means do what people have suggested, be her loyal servant/protector, play it to the hilt, I don't know too many women or men who would hate to have an attentive mate, who puts their pleasure before their own, etc.

However, it could be you would have a lot better relationship if it was more in the open, if she in some ways could embrace the domme role, to whatever level you feel comfortable with. If you really love this girl, then you could be denying her something very special, and almost fairy-tale like relationship, "The Queen and her servant", etc.

One way to handle this is educate her on what this is all about. Maybe find reference to a news article, and use that as a wedge opening the door to start talking about it. If it comes up and then she asks something like "is this something you have ever thought about" you could admit that the idea of serving the one you love, of making her the focus and finding ways to express that is important to you. Depending on her reaction, there is a lot of information out there, greenery press has some books that are desgined to help this journey (the Mistress manual is one that comes to mind), and you never know what will happen. If she seems to not be interested, then tell her it is just a fantasy of yours, NBD and leave it at that (though don't be surprised if mysteriously she talks about it again). It often takes people time to process things, women IMO seem wired that way, whereas guys tend to be either "fuck, yeah" or "you have to fucking be kidding me, no"":).

Couple of points with this:

-If you are going to talk about it, go slow, talk about the emotional points, about what this means, and especially that you aren't some wimp or 'lowly worm' looking to be humiliated (even if you are, don't talk about it), but rather someone who loves and respects their partner enough to want to shift the power dynamic. Give her an idea of what you mean, for example, that you would be honored that when you go out on a date, for her to decide most of the time where to go out, or what to have for dinner, or if she has drycleaning you would be only too glad to do it (you get the drift)..it is about love and sharing.

-Stress the fact that it isn't one way, that you get as much out of this as she will, that it isn't, to quote a common expression, somehow "her doing you" or in effect her having to totally take charge of you, which is not what a lot of women may want to hear when being introduced to it. One of the nice parts about any kind of d/s-ey relationship is it can play out with that below the covers, so to speak, to the outside world when they see an attentive spouse, one who opens doors, seats the partner, listens to them, etc, etc, others look and see 'what a nice thing to see' (and if in a fully blown d/s, it can be a kind of trip to have people react like that IME, it is pretty hot to sit and think "if they only knew my mistress is busy torturing my cock with a shocker right this moment" or whatever).

-If you decide to talk about more bd/sm stuff (and that may not be your scene), then take it very, very slow, explain this isn't some 'sadist' ripping a bottom apart who they hate, it isn't contemptful dommes and doms ripping their partners apart..and that the play is really about sensations, that pain is stubbing your toe at 2am going to the bathroom, that play is about sensations and so forth, and it doesn't necessarily mean whips and chains. My thought and experience is it takes a lot more talking and learning before getting anywhere near any kind of exploration.

And yes, it can happen, it happened in my own life, someone I thought was as vanilla as they come turned out to take to it like a duck to water (before then all my play experience had been with pro dommes).....I had a lot of learning to do as well, it is very different playing with a pro domme or de facto pretending to submit then really doing it (I am not blasting pro dommes or their skills here, simply saying when you have a paid session it has a lot of the 'pay to play' to it, I.E most customers are in one way or the other 'topping from the bottom'.


There are also some good documentaries out there on bd/sm, wouldn't be surprised if Netflix has stuff like that.

The big thing here is communicating what you are looking for, it is finding your needs and seeing how compatible your sweetie is and it is also about dispelling myths that freak people out. Jerry Springer and the like have done more damage to bd/sm then the religious right, they frankly have on scary people who fit every stereotype of twisted losers so it takes a lot to make sure someone realizes this is people expressing relationships in a different way.




Higuysitsme -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 7:48:02 AM)

Hmm; sorry sheisreeds; I don't agree. The guy says he's happy. Just coming out a telling her could well be the worst thing her ever did! I agree with hlen5 and ninebelow, and a lot of the other advice given. Serve her in ways she can accept; and if/when it comes to a point when its a suitable topic, then discuss with her why she's go this really nice guy who does things for her in which she always comes first, unlike the pr***s her girlfriends go out with! Kink isn't as important as being with someone you love and with whom you're happy.




mownedbyYou -> RE: What should I tell my girlfriend (1/2/2012 8:17:48 AM)

Again, thank you all so much.  I can't tell you how appreciated off of this discourse is to me.

I am really glad to have reassurance from many that serving in a nonsexual way, or even a sexual way at times, is a way to bring this dynamic forward in my relationship.  I do tend to look at it from that angle.  When we're together, I always get up to get her what she needs.  I open doors for her, cook for her, and do whatever else I can.  Not to get to graphic, but when we have sex I also make sure to put her first as well.

I also appreciate everyone who says I should be honest with her.  Above any desires I may have to serve, it is a feeling that she deserves to know that would be my biggest reason to fill her in.  To be completely honest, my own pleasure is something that I put second in any relationship I have, just because I want my partner pleased with me more than anything.  That's how I've always been. I'm pretty sure she's happy, which makes me happy in turn.  I just don't want to keep something that is on my mind, and in a large way on my mind from her.

I didn't want to write too much in my original post, so I didn't include some of the information that I am going to now.  I was very ready to hear everyone tell me not to settle, that I should not be compromising who I am for someone.  I think that is very true, but in this case I don't feel I'm compromising who I am at all.  I put all of my energy on her as I would with someone I serve, and I keep her as my first priority.  I act like myself around her.  Also, I'm not a very "kinky" guy.  While I have certain kinks, I just enjoy the act of service in general.  If my Domme told me to flick a string for 2 hours, if it made her happy, that would be the most important thing in the world for me and what I wanted to do more than anything in the world.  My point is that I'm not craving to be tied up, or slapped, or anything like that as much as I crave devoting myself toward someone else's happiness, which isn't as far off from what I have now.

I also wanted to say that the idea of not settling does not stop at a bdsm level for me.  I have served 3 women seriously in my life and, even in the best of all those situations where I had exactly what I wanted as a submissive, there were connections in other areas of life that would have made it a compromise as well.  Maybe I'm too much of a pessimist, but I don't believe that any couple has everything each partner needs, but a good couple can still find a way to be happy.  As I said in my initial post, I am more happy now than I have been before even without being open about my sexuality.

Thanks to everyone again.  I appreciate your help.




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