How did you find out about the BDSM lifestyle?

I will not claim that it was brought about religion or fantasy tie up games as a child. Like many in my generation, I discovered BDSM through television. I was up late one night and caught a show on HBO called Real Sex when I was 16. I didn't think much about it, I suspect because I didn't know much about sex let alone BDSM at that point. It wasn't until later that I was playing around with a boy friend and he pretended to tie me up. I got a thrill out of it though was disappointed when I found out he wasn't serious. Not long after that relationship (which ended very poorly) I moved to the internet. I stumbled on an adult chat site (Adult Friend Finder). I visited a while and eventually got up the courage to go into the Basement, a BDSM oriented chat. There I met a lot of other people and realised that that was where I belonged.

What was its appeal to you?

That's hard to say. I guess it is that I like to have certain choices made for me. Not because I am weak or don't have a mind of my own, but because it gives pleasure to those I care about to do as they like. I enjoy pleasing people, making them happy and will go that extra mile, given the chance, for that extra special someone.

What misconceptions did you have of BDSM before you began that have been changed now?

I thought that it was all chains and pains. I know now that it was a wrong idea. I also thought that anyone who would give up their actions to another was weak and those who would dominate over someone was nothing but a tyrant. Again, I found I was mistaken. I also thought that they all walked around in leather pants with spiked collars etc but I saw that they were just normal people. They weren't deviants or bad people... which came as a big relief to me since I was interested in all of this.

What do you hope to learn/teach/pass on to others about BDSM?

Be tolerant of each others little desires. While it may not be your preference, just remember, to people who aren't into BDSM, you're a freak. lol

Do you consider yourself a "lifestyler" or just an occasional player?

Right now I cannot honestly say. I am in a kind of transitional stage.

What do you enjoy about being dominant/submissive?

**See what appeals to me.**

What do you like about your dominant/submissive(s), if you have one (them)?

Patience. He has been very patient and understanding while I sturggle to find my balance.