What does BDSM stand for?

·       B – Bondage: The consensual use of restraints (ropes, cuffs, etc.) to limit movement for power play, control, or sensory enhancement.

·       D – Discipline: Rules, structure, and correction — often centered around obedience, training, or ritual to deepen trust and erotic tension.

·       D – Dominance: The consensual act of one partner taking control in a scene or dynamic, often with psychological or physical authority.

·       S – Submission: The choice to give up control to a trusted partner, allowing for surrender, service, or exploration of vulnerability.

·       S – Sadism: Pleasure derived from giving consensual pain or humiliation, always within safe and agreed boundaries.

·       M – Masochism: Pleasure from receiving consensual pain, pressure, or psychological intensity — often used to achieve erotic release or deep connection.

BDSM Myth or Truth:
·       Myth: BDSM is abusive.

Truth: BDSM is based on communication, trust, and consent. Safe words, boundaries, and aftercare are essential.

·       Myth: Only damaged or kinky people enjoy BDSM.

Truth: People from all walks of life enjoy BDSM. It’s about exploration, not brokenness.

·       Myth: Submissives are weak.

Truth: Submission is a powerful choice. Many submissives are confident, strong, and emotionally grounded.

·       Myth: Dominants want to hurt people.

Truth: Dominants take responsibility seriously. Their goal is to create a sense of safety, excitement, and connection.

·       Myth: BDSM always involves pain.

Truth: BDSM can include soft power dynamics, sensory play, teasing, restraint, and more — not just pain.

What are some examples of Kink?

·       Kink: Any erotic interest, activity, or dynamic that falls outside of conventional or 'vanilla' sex. ·       Impact Play Includes spanking, paddling, flogging, and other consensual physical sensations using tools or hands.

·       Role Play: Engaging in scripted or improvised scenarios like teacher/student, boss/employee, or stranger play.

·       Sensory Play: Exploring touch, temperature, sounds, or deprivation to enhance pleasure (e.g., blindfolds, ice, feathers).

·       Dom/Sub Dynamics: Consensual exchange of power, where one partner leads (Dominant) and the other follows (Submissive).

·       Aftercare: Emotional or physical support provided after a kink scene to help partners reconnect and recover.

Kink Myth or Truth:
·       Myth: Kink is just about pain.

Truth: Kink includes a wide variety of experiences like sensory play, emotional control, and roleplay — not just physical intensity.

·       Myth: Only 'freaky' people are into kink.

Truth: Kink is incredibly diverse. People from all lifestyles explore kink for connection, curiosity, and intimacy.

·       Myth: If you’re kinky, something must be wrong with you.

Truth: Kink is a healthy, consensual way to explore desire — and doesn’t mean there’s trauma or dysfunction.

·       Myth: Kink scenes are always dangerous.

Truth: The best kink experiences are negotiated, safe, and built on communication and consent.

·       Myth: Once you try kink, you can't go back.

Truth: Kink is flexible — you can explore as much or as little as you like, whenever you like.

What are some examples of Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM)?

·       Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM): A relationship style that involves having more than one romantic or sexual connection — with the full knowledge and consent of all people involved.

·       Swinging: Couples consensually engage in sexual activities with other people, often socially or recreationally.

·       Polyamory: The practice of having, or being open to having, multiple loving relationships simultaneously, with everyone's consent.

·       Open Relationship: Partners agree that each person may have other sexual (and sometimes romantic) partners outside the core relationship.

·       Solo Poly: An approach where an individual maintains multiple relationships but prefers not to have a primary or nesting partner.

·       Compersion: The feeling of joy one experiences when their partner finds pleasure or connection with someone else.

·       Kitchen Table Poly: A style of polyamory where all partners are comfortable and familiar enough to sit at the same table metaphorically (or literally).


ENM Myth or Truth?
·       Myth: ENM is just an excuse to cheat.

Truth: Cheating involves lies and betrayal. ENM is based on transparency, agreements, and mutual respect.

·       Myth: ENM relationships are less meaningful.

Truth: Many ENM relationships are deeply committed, emotionally bonded, and long-lasting.

·       Myth: People in ENM don’t get jealous.

Truth: Jealousy can happen in any relationship style. ENM folks manage it through open communication and emotional awareness.

·       Myth: ENM is just about sex.

Truth: While sex can be part of ENM, many people build emotional, romantic, and even family-style connections.

·      Myth: ENM never works long-term.

Truth: Many people thrive in non-monogamous relationships for decades — with honesty, effort, and aligned values.