Way back when, in the early days with Dragon and myself (many moons pass over great water), He used exercises where his goal was to get me to use my safeword.

He said then that it was necessary for him to be able to trust that i would use them if i was feeling overwhelmed. It takes just as much trust to Dominate as it does to submit. Maybe that is what he needs to know, that you will use them if needed. We do have a tendency to be afraid of dissapointing our "Domly Ones".

Since you are just beginning, he may also want to get a general idea of where your limits are.

The best way to find out is to sit down with him, in a non-sexually charged environment, and talk about it. Ask directly why it is important for you to say them. Tell him how you feel about saying them and why it feels odd to you.

Good luck,

rose