Hmm, I can only give you my own experiences here...

I think sometimes it IS an indicator and sometimes it's just a fantasy. Usually it's quite obvious for me. There are some stories that I get all hot and bothered about, but they'd never be something I'd try as they overstep my hard limits. As an example - I only read a friggin hot story about K9 play just now, but I'd never ever want to be fucked by a dog in real life, lol. Period. End of story. It's a fantasy.

Like you, I've read stories before I ever got into toying with the matter in r/l. And still, most of my 'play' has been with myself. Sure, I've actually played out some of my fantasies, but I haven't had a dom to play with in r/l. I think that's still a huge step I'll take down the road.

Still, yeah...you can play out some stuff and get an initial feeling of what it's like for you. To spank yourself for someone else...feel what it's like to give up control...go through different scenarios. Some of my fantasies have proven to stand up to reality, some of the ones I've tried I'm still not sure about. Just play around - the academy is a great starting point and a safe environment to do just that - and find out what makes you hot, learn more about yourself, your body, your reactions, your comfort level, yourself. It'll only help you to get more familiar with your likes and dislikes when you finally meet someone special you want to submit to.

Not sure this helps in any way - I guess everyone must find their own way through this. But sharing here, asking questions, hearing other people's stories...all of this helped me to grow as a submissive. Hell, even to find out whether the whole submissive fantasies are just that or whether it's more. For me, it IS more. It's a part of myself that literally screamed to get out, and that I never heard until I chose to listen.

Good luck on your own path and I'm looking forward to seeing you at the academy as well.

Silke