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FieryOpal -> RE: Slave or Sub (4/10/2014 8:36:41 PM)
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I would define it like this: submissive is the overall category, just as Dominant is. Within this classification system is that of slave and Master-Mistress, respectively.
There is also a distinction between bottom and Top modalities. Similar, but not synonymous with the above terminology.
Typically a slave belongs to a Master or Mistress, which entails ownership. Therefore, they define one another.
You could call yourself a slave, but who are you a slave to? You could call yourself a Master, but who or what are you the Master of?
By the same token, you can be a submissive but not be collared by a Dominant. You're still a free agent.
When my uncle retired from the military, I still addressed him as "Colonel." Once a Colonel, always a Colonel.
In my way of thinking, once a slave, you are entitled to refer to yourself as a slave between Masters, if you elect to do so.
I have heard some slaves say that the distinction to them is one of (negotiated) consent, that they give their consent once and for all. I've noticed that they tend to take 24/7 TPE-Total Power Exchange dynamics more literally.
This doesn't mean they can't withdraw their consent because they most assuredly can and either party can always redefine their limits/deal breakers; however, this usually means the end of the D/s-M/s relationship.
A submissive has more latitude with regard to consent, given this distinction, and continually affirms or reaffirms consensuality with his/her Dominant. They may choose to be a bedroom submissive or a bedroom Dominant. Ordinarily, a slave wouldn't be a part-time slave, although a service slave may get shared between more than one Master.
Pay close attention to what Sylvere advised about making certain you and your partner are on the same page.
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