isabeau - it completely makes sense. I know I'm very blessed that my husband is willing to travel this path with me. What would I do if he decided "well, that's enough of that"? I don't know. I guess I would have an even more active fantasy life than I do now. I hope I never have to find out. Truthfully, his willingness to listen to me and try this out surprised me. We've had a couple of hiccups along the way, but are learning how to communicate openly and honestly, so even those have been learning, growing experiences for us. I guess my only concern at this point is that he may not want to go as far with all of this as I might, but we are moving very slowly, which as I understand will help us keep from "freaking ourselves out". In the meantime, I'm learning more and more about what my submissive/masochist leanings mean to my life on a daily basis, and he is growing his "Dom energy" - letting himself enjoy dominance and delivering pain and getting past his social programming. Because, truly, he's just a really nice, laid back guy with an open mind. I love him so much more today than I ever have before.

Keep the faith, isabeau. You know who you are - be smart, giving, open and thoughtful in your search. I wish you all the best and am sending my most ardent wishes and prayers that you find the fulfillment you seek.