I talk with my Mistress a lot, I think communication is very important. I like the idea of using degrees of safe words, like green, yellow, red. Might try that next time!
Thanks everyone for the input, Polaris in particular for the insight. I think it helps posting things on this site, if only to confirm suspicions and give myself confidence.

Haha, in response to orangeblossoms, I kinda like the bruises and marks that I am left with after a bit of play. Every time I sit down, for the next week or so, I think of my Mistress. Awww, Love!