Silke, thanks for this thread. I was thinking about this topic yesterday prior to seeing your post and the frustration I sometimes feel due to the secrecy. I have confided my interests in 2 friends, but I also withheld 90% of it. Their reactions were very similar. While they accepted (possibly were turned on) by the idea of spanking and playing, they both clarified "That's all good and fine as long as you aren't into that bondage/whipping stuff". So that put the brakes on any more indepth discussion with them. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed by my interests, but I also recognize that most people I know would develop a very negative opinion if they knew the details. I think what has gotten me freshly riled about it is having to introduce angel to my friends and family as my girlfriend. We get a kick out of pretending to be vanilla around them and laugh about it when we are driving home, but I'd also like to say "she isnt my girlfriend, she's my submissive bitch." At least you all know the truth, lol.