My use of a safeword/action/signal applies when I play with someone I dont know well enough to judge their reactions to something. For instance, if I play with a submissive I have never played with before. Lets say just flogging is the activity. Well I employ a safeword, as well as a hand signal. This allows the submissive to feel as though they have a safety net, and are able to put forth the level of trust to be able to submit, so that they are able to achieve subspace. If they don't trust that they will be ok, they wont be able to achieve subspace. A safeword provides them that ability.

Safewords can also be used as a learning tool. I have come across submissives that even with a safeword, they will not say the safeword, they feel as though they have failed. Forcing them to say it by making the activity so intense that it becomes a need can be a scene all by its self.

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