This is a very old thread - if it had been any earlier than July or so of 2007 I might not have answered at ALL - but I registered here mostly for the sole purpose of replying to this thread. (I'd been Googling two old articles; one I wrote and one I refer people to often, and this came up in my results.)
The fact that I keep seeing things like this
really upsets me.
Seriously, what the hell.
I mean, I'm VERY open, and I do not really get offended by these sorts of opinions - pfft, if I did, I wouldn't last five minutes in the 'real world" - but I've come here to make you guys an offer. I've noticed that absolutely NO ONE ON THIS THREAD currently discussing the issue has any or much experience WITH it.
I, on the other hand, have been a submissive for fifteen years, am currently IN a relationship in which I receive... a "firm hand" in several formats, and am a "lifestyler"; I'm not someone's "slave" 24/7, I don't go grocery shopping on a leash, you ken - but if this thread still interests you, or ANYONE, I could give you a unique and first-hand perspective from the inside. It might be a LOT different from what you expect. I'd be happy to answer your questions.... IF, that is, people can at least TRY to be polite? Hopefully?
I also pass this article around to new friends of mine or people to whom I have difficulty explaining it to - it helps some of them a LOT.
http://health.yahoo.com/relationships-overview/an-inside-look-at-s-m/pt--Psychology_Today_articles_pto-19951101-000036.html
Let me know! I SHOULD get e-mail replies if someone answers this, so feel free. I'd be happy to discuss it; when it comes to that, I am not shy in the least. Proud OF it.
drowning_jedi@livejournal.com : Personal e-mail
Rising Sith on AIM
thechosensithapprentice on Y! Messenger. (My "spare time" aliases.)
Cheers!