I was going to put this into the Questions for a sub Forum, but decided that I am very interested in Dom/me perspectives as well.

Now that we truly live in the computer age, it appears that most newbies enter the world of BDSM via the Internet. For some, it never goes beyond the virtual life for an infinite number of reasons. But for many others, o/l discovery is only the beginning, and will eventually move into the real world.

My questions are for those who started out online, and then moved into real life relationships, either with the same person, or someone new.

How was the transition for you? What aspects are better? Worse? Is it what you expected? Did you feel better prepared for r/l encounters due to any online experiences?

I have been taking my very first steps into the world of reality, and I have to admit that there have been moments where it is harder than I ever imagined. But when you come out the other side slightly bruised (*ahem*) but stronger because of it, it is extremely rewarding.

Overall the ups are higher, and the downs are lower. It is like someone turned the intensity up to "eleven" without telling me. I am also having to unlearn some vanilla relationship behaviours, which wasn't necessary while online.

I have also learned that it is a whole lot easier being bratty when you are not within the Dom's reach.

Thoughts? Experiences? Comments?

-lily