DMFParadox
Posts: 1405
Joined: 9/11/2007 Status: offline
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Criticism is going to happen. We all do it. We all need to hear it. But the language we use to do so is paramount. It's not as easy as just telling someone that they're "Too critical" or "too sensitive." What is dessert to one person is poison to another. One important consideration for a Dom is to pick someone who can grok your style of leadership without feeling put down by it. If you notice warning signs that show your words and deeds are coming across as too critical, talk it out. Make sure--absolutely sure--that your sub understands the need to roll with the punches, and is willing and able to communicate with you on your level. Especially in a serious Master/slave relationship, because that cuts off a lot of the normal avenues of relief for a sub that's feeling put down. Make sure that they understand and accept your style of play, and take it slow. If that doesn't work, walk away fast, or disaster approaches. For example, let's say that weeks go by, and I never once criticize my submissive. Some--a lot--of submissives will love that, especially if I mix things up with humor and praise, and request service without putting them down for mistakes. But as wonderful as that sounds, it's not always the right idea, and I've been in situations where the sub had a meltdown because I wasn't 'talking' to them. (Made me tear my goddamned hair out, that did, but I adapted.) Some submissives might need a put-down or five. Sometimes the Dom needs to get some aggression out; and ripping your sub a new one is just the ticket. Sometimes there are other factors, like your sense of humor can come across as mean or thoughtless, or the sub's humor can. And with all these if's and maybe's, there's one very, very important rule that has to be established early. That is forgiveness. Shit happens, we do "risk-aware-play" and it's very important to make your partner aware of the risks. Even if you feel they should know just by common sense, talk it out. And when things go wrong, as they will--a poorly chosen word, a spanking the sub feels they don't deserve--make sure you've laid the groundwork already to work things out. The alternative is a fucking nightmare, as I can attest.
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bloody hell, get me some aspirin and a whiskey straight "The role of gender in society is the most complicated thing I’ve ever spent a lot of time learning about, and I’ve spent a lot of time learning about quantum mechanics." - Randall Munroe
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