Humiliation vs. Degradation

[Euryleia]

Humiliation versus degradation
© Dark Whisper from adarkwhisper.com

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If there is any question in the submissive’s mind that the dominant might really see the submissive as worthless or stupid – it can cause real emotional damage, and should be stopped immediately if it is determined that the submissive is truly feeling the words/activities in a negative manner.

Degradation play (versus humiliation play) is considered a form of edge play, and if it is undertaken, PLEASE make sure that: a) both parties are aware that it is play, and b) that there is a huge amount of trust going on between the top/bottom.

Humiliation play, on the other hand can be such a turn on for both parties, and is used, to some degree, by quite a good percentage of Dominants and submissives. I, personally, enjoy being called nasty names – but ONLY by One I trust enough to know that he really doesn’t believe that about me, but knows that it excites us both. Anyone else dares to call me nasty names is very likely to find themselves either alone, or limping quite badly for the next few days.

Dark Whisper
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I'm highlighting the paragraphs from the Dark Whisper article that I find especially on point. Trust is the key.