Quote Originally Posted by Eternalstudent View Post
The crux: I feel that my submissive gf is looking for more of a 24/7 relationship than I am able to provide at my current level of understanding. She also appears to be fragile and internalizes aspects of our play which is affecting our vanilla relationship.
This is worth noticing for all newbies. BDSM in general and D/s in particular can be emotionally life-changing, and you need to be prepared for the risk that a play relationship may suddenly turn very serious indeed.

As they say in the poly community, you can't put a condom on your heart.
It is very important to me that she is not harmed by me hurting her (if you get my drift).

Control is a funny thing... when you have it responsibility makes the decisions.
Well done for having the maturity to see that. With great power comes great responsiblity, and sometimes, like the originator of that saying, one has the power and responsibility thrust on one unexpectedly.

If you thought you had a playmate and suddenly find you have a slave when you aren't ready for one, you are going to have to deal with it. Maybe you will have to find someone who can own her 24/7.