Joely, I would start off by asking to you read this thread - http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6759 about safety. I know it is jumping the gun at the moment, but it is better to forewarned for when the situation arises.

I concur with what lily and fantassy have said. To me the process is much the same as vanilla dating - get to know someone first, make friends, start to explore your kinks and other interests, and see what happens.

And above all, unless you want to be everyone's and anyone's slut, learn to say no. Not something which comes easily to subs - but you will need to, to keep the hordes of Doms at bay. You are no less of a sub for having self respect and wishing for what is right for you, and if any Dom ever tells you that you that as a sub you are not allowed to say that, run for the exit sign.

Having said that, there are some wonderful people on this site, Doms and subs and switches. I would advise you to forget about finding 'the' relationship and focus on just getting to know people and exchanging ideas, and who knows what might happen in the process...

Welcome to a wonderful world

cariad