i've been in the bdsm lifestyle for more than a year. i was very fortunate to find a loving couple to introduce my various aspects of the lifestyle. i think, for those into it, BDSM is an amazing!!! way to live. ironically, though many think the lifestyle is an illness itself, the intense communication necessary to develop D/s relationships or partake in BDSM activities is INTENSE and can have very positive ramifications in a person's life. i'm submissive and no self-respecting Dom wants to harm a submissive. thus communication is a MUST. Trust is essential! i learned i can be loved. i learned i can accept love. i learned i can trust someone.

having said so many wonderful things about the lifestyle, it's also EXTREMELY important to stay safe. there are TONS and TONS of people in the lifestyle who don't have a clue what they are doing. this can cause SEVERE physical and emotional pain!!!! be careful. join a local group. go to a local munch. search BDSM resources online...not just porn!! educate yourself.

best of luck to you!