I had to say EXACTLY!
In everything I do, I act as though Master were there... because anyway He will find out everything... I spill my own beans... lol... but that's not the point...
I know He wants His slave to be the best she can be, and He's given me specifics on how He wants me to be- nailpolish color, style of dress, etc... - and so I am not "doing D/s 24-7", more simply, I am Master's slave. That is not a vacillating state of being. So I have to agree with Tom...
Now, I don't yet live with Master- so maybe some would think me naive yet, but I have been there every weekend in full, with and without my two-year-old... and nothing in any second ever changed...
Because it's not something we "do" 24-7 or just on the weekends or whatever, it is just who we are, who we are meant to be to and for each other. Period.
I never even fully understood the term "24-7" in respect to D/s... not judging anyone, but I just don't understand its being described that way.
Even when in past vanilla relationships, I was still a slave inside (albeit non-practicing lol)... just waiting and hoping for that Master (who I had begun to believe was a pipe dream) who could bring her out.
And lastly... this relationship would not be possible for me without the love. Being owned and collared to me equals being loved. I know how much Master loves me and will and does take care of me. I'm His. Not His toy or part-time pet, but just His.
Hope it made sense to you, and was possibly insightful, phantasy_seeker.
And- RUBY- I loved the article- I found it very accurate on the concept of being a slave- the details don't matter- they will vary... but the entire sentiment was very fitting for me. Thank you for sharing!