Wow....this thread is awesome...thank you Psynymph. I know we've had a little of this discussion, but I figured I'd throw my 2 pennies in as a newbie. When humiliation was first mentioned to me... I was like "oh hell no". And this is still a very confusing subject for me. For example...I view a collar as very rewarding. It to me is close to the symbolism of a wedding band. I think it would even be a little more intense for me...because a collar would be the ultimate symbol of my submission, whereas a wedding band to me is more of a symbol of a partnership. So no, a collar is no where near humiliation for me. But get this....yall are going to think I'm nuts.....I can't stand leashes. The idea of someone using one on me was mentioned the other night by my Trainer. I hated the idea. To me it insulted my intelligence, which seems to be a common no no among subs judging by the thread comments. I use a leash when I'm training shelter dogs, basic obedience to help them get adopted. I use it because my ultimate goal would be to be able to control them in almost any situation without the leash. But you've got to start somewhere. So why can't I make the same association with a leash being used to train me? Because to me, I'm way more intelligent than a dog, and if you force me to do something, well that's not much of an accomplishment at all, you're using your strength to overpower my will. However, if you tell me to do something that you know I might hesitate to do....and I do it anyway, you've conquered my mind, which is a true accomplishment. So to me, using a leash to control me is an insult to my intelligence, and therefore humiliation.
As far as words go...I'm unusual in that respect to I suppose. Girl is fine, pet is great (although I've been told all these terms are different, and being a pet is difficult, etc), but do not call me a cunt. To me, that word is just insulting. It's like calling me fat and ugly, just don't do it. I have no idea why, maybe it's society's connotation of it's meaning, I dunno, but calling me a cunt would make the hairs stand up on my neck and you're liable to see claws. I've been told that "Sometimes you need to see beyond the words....understand the meaning" But call me weird, sometimes there are just words that make me defensive.
I could get into my view on spanking as well...but I'm hoping that will change once I experience it in real life...so I'll shut up now.
Thank you to all that have contributed so far...this is a very thought provoking subject for me now...I'll be watching this thread so feel free to respond to my quirkiness....
Take care all...