Greetings nk_8950
In our D/s relationship, my slave cleo has given me the right (among other things) to control her, and therefore our lives. This includes such things as finances, what she wears, where we go, how and when we do things etc. etc.
In return for that trust I assure her that EVERYTHING I do, I will always do in her best interests. That doesn't mean sometimes, that means always. Now, of course "in her best interest" may not always mean giving in to her wants and desires, and she is very aware of that too. The trust which we share cannot be created overnight, it has to grow, and be proven over time. In our case so far that is nearly five years 24/7, and just over one year as husband and wife (we married on the 14th February last year, just 3 months after cleo suffered a very dense stroke and she is now partially paralysed). The fact that she is physically challenged in a sense enhances her reliance upon me, and in many ways it has strengthened this aspect of our relationship.
Perhaps at this point it is worth looking at what is the difference between D/s and BDSM: in a very simple nutshell (in our D/s at least) , D/s is WHO we are, and BDSM is WHAT we do. So the sexual side of our relationship as well as the play and scening would for us come within our BDSM. The D/s side (although we prefer the term M/s now, referring to Master and slave) is about how we work together on a mental level. Now, in all that we do, I discuss things with cleo, we have no secrets. So in family finances for example, although I have the final choice, I would rarely make that choice without talking to, and getting cleo's input.
Cleo never carries money, and even if we are out shopping, if she wants something specific, she must ask, and I will either agree or not to the purchase. If I say "No", then while she may be upset she will accept the decision as she has given me the right to make that choice on her behalf. (This of course fulfills her need to be controlled, which is a basic submissive trait)
Now, she is also a 52 year old mother of 2 children who live with us, and who are more or less aware of our lifestyle choice. They are not my children, and therefore who am I to tell her how to look after her kids? There are two things to note here: first that we never force our lifestyle on the children, and second that they see their mum happy and fulfilled, and know that we are good for each other. Children are often the best test of a relationship of this nature because they KNOW when their parent is happy or not. I have worked hard to build a relationship with the children because they are not mine, and because cleo has trusted me with their wellbeing too. That is a massive responsibility, and one which has weighed heavy on me many times, but which I have accepted, and along with the welfare of my cleo I do my utmost to maintain each and every day.
Sex is the icing on our cake, but is not the cake itself: the cake is the fundamental knowledge of who we are and how we interact together. You cannot make beautiful icing if you have no cake.
Finally I would add that too many people enter into relationships expecting D/s and BDSM to happen from Day 1. That is impossible in my view. Before any kind of D/s or BDSM happens we must ask ourselves the question: Do I like this person, as a PERSON? Only then, and if the compatibility is there, can a real 24/7 Dominant/submissive relationship begin to be built. Even then it takes time, a great deal of effort, much patience, and many upsets along the way. If you come out the other end you will be both stronger and more fulfilled than you have ever been before.
Regards
Be well, and above all, Be Safe