What Should Newbies Look For in a Dom or Sub?

[Vi****]

Starting out in BDSM and D/s relationships can be exciting but also confusing, especially when it comes to finding genuine partners and understanding what a healthy dynamic looks like. Many people use the titles Dom or sub without really knowing what they mean, and it’s common to run into people who just want to skip important conversations or use the Dom title as an excuse for rough sex. Here are some practical tips and common practices to help you navigate this world safely and confidently.

Take time for open communication. Before anything physical, talk about interests, boundaries, and expectations. Both partners should feel comfortable discussing what they want, what they don’t, and what they’re curious about. Good communication is the foundation of any D/s relationship.

Define your limits and interests. Make a list of hard limits (things you never want to do) and soft limits (things you might try under the right circumstances). Knowing these helps you communicate clearly and avoid uncomfortable situations. Keeping a journal can help you clarify your thoughts.

Establish consent and safe words. Agree on a safe word before you start any scene. This word should be easy to remember and not likely to come up in play. Some people use the stoplight system: red for stop, yellow for slow down, green for go. If you’re doing anything that might make speaking difficult, agree on a nonverbal signal too.

Build trust and take your time. Don’t rush into anything. Spend time getting to know each other and building trust. A good Dom or sub will never pressure you to move faster than you’re comfortable with.

Practice SSC: Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Every activity should be as safe as possible, done with a clear mind, and fully agreed upon by everyone involved. Research safety tips for any new activity, and make sure you know how to use any equipment or toys before trying them.

Vet your potential partner. Meet in public first if you’re meeting someone new. Pay attention to how they respect your boundaries and how they treat others. Ask trusted friends for their opinions if you’re unsure. Don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off.

Look for qualities of a good Dom or sub. A true Dom is protective, nurturing, a good communicator, and respects your boundaries. They should be as concerned with your well-being after a scene as they are during it. A good sub is honest about their needs, communicates openly, and respects the limits of their Dom.

Debrief and practice aftercare. After a scene, check in with each other about how you’re feeling. Practice aftercare, which might include cuddling, talking, or anything else that helps both partners feel safe and cared for.

Educate yourself. Read guides, join online forums, and ask questions. The more you know, the safer and more enjoyable your experiences will be.

Hygiene and safety. Keep toys clean and check them before use. Don’t use *** or alcohol during scenes, as they can impair judgment and safety.

Questions for the community:
What qualities do you look for in a Dom or sub?
How do you spot red flags when talking to someone new?
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the D/s world?
Have you had positive or negative experiences that helped you learn what to look for?
How do you handle aftercare and check-ins after a scene?

The D/s dynamic is about connection, trust, and mutual respect. Take your time, ask questions, and remember that you deserve to feel safe and valued. What tips or stories would you share with newbies?

[Cy****]

Negotiations before play and negotiations for changes

[BD****]

Personally I disagree with CyberSilor: during the play you shouldn’t negotiate new plays, you can just revoke the consent if needed. The reason is pretty simple: how a sub can feel free to offer the consent while they are in their role?

Personally I prefer to leave something unexplored to leave that sense of a bit disappointment, that is a great start for planning a future session.

[BD****]

The best way to evaluate a new play partner is to partecipate to real life events, like munches. This because virtual world like this app is perfect to do networking and to get in contact with people like us, but if you really want to understand if a person is potentially the right one the best is a drink and to ask about that person to others.

[Cy****]

Might have phrased that wrong. What i meant was: when getting to now someone, negotiate before the first play. And then, negotiate for each time smth changes as well, obviously not during play as you are not able to consent then.

[Ha****]

I look for a no ego Doms. Someone who doesn’t need to perform power or be worshipped to feel in charge. A no ego Dom moves with care, holds space, stays steady, and doesn’t fall apart when questioned. They don’t chase control just to have it. When I met my Daddy, I told him I don’t kneel, not physically, not mentally. He didn’t flinch. He doesn’t need me to shrink to feel big. That’s what real dominance feels like to me. One thing I’ve noticed, some people try to start conversations already acting in a dominant role, already giving orders or trying to take control without knowing me. That’s a red flag. If you have to lead with *** instead of connection, you’re not leading. You’re performing.
For anyone new to this, take your time. Ask hard questions. If someone pushes your limits too soon or makes you feel like you need to prove your submission to earn their attention, walk away. Aftercare is for everyone. Dominants need care too. Check-ins, even days later, show you who’s real.
There’s no one right way to do this. Build what feels good for you.

[ey****]

they should look for people who do not make ChatGPT posts.

[Ha****]

2 minutes ago, eyemblacksheep said:

they should look for people who do not make ChatGPT posts.

Leave him be. Clearly the mods don’t mind… at least the posts are asking important questions

[ChocolateRopeBunny]

I agree with HappyLady^^. I would also say for new people you NEED (not should) to know what YOU want in a dynamic/relationship. You may not know what all kinks you're into and that's fine. But you need to know your limits and what you want. Don't let anyone tell you what you want. Once you have those together then vetting the person is next. My advice is if you want a relationship then you should vet compatibility for the person. If you want a part time play dynamic then vet for kink compatibility. Remember either side can say no and walk away. That's ok.

[Ma****]

Thank you for posting this as a newbie going into this for the first time it is super helpful

[Fi****]

One that asks the right questions. Not just about hard and soft limits. But about their wants, their needs, what they want to get out of it. Why do they want to kneel? Why do they want the impact, what does it do for them?

[Fi****]

Also, some who doesn't look to dictate the dynamic, but seeks to build with it you

[ey****]

I mean to entertain the bot and provide further learning for the LLM

Subs and Dominants (which are not the only two dynamics, but lets leave them as catch-all terms) aren't a hivemind - and that's true for both what they want, what they offer, and what they should look for.

Some potential red flags can vary.   Someone seeming too good to be true, or seeming to be overly happy to mould themselves to what you are looking for is a flag as much as someone who puts something down as "the one true way" - the former may be people pleasing or desperate for a relationship or lacking the confidence in what they want for *** of "Missing out" and ultimately leads to a fit which doesn't work.   (Scammers also offer that model - making it seem you've found the person of your dreams) on the flip - someone who is very "real Dominants/subs should..." may be stuck in a narrow idealogy and that isn't necessarily a bad thing, providing you share the same idealogy.  If they try to dictate to you (regardless of if they're Dominant or submissive) and hesitant to let you seek further learning - that's a flag.

Communication is certainly important, between being able to communicate what you are looking for, can offer, and so on - as well as being able to feedback what is and isn't working.  And not just going along with things.    

So, kinda - in a world where I am defensive of AI - if someone is overly reliant on it on communication and blogs and writings - it's not their words, views, or feedback and it's flawed.  Even if they agree with the words, it's still "passing off" 

You need to feel you can communicate freely, and that the other person is listening and taking it in.  Neither should be afraid to walk away from something which isn't going to work.

 

[DH****]

A connection, safety , mutual understanding , boundaries ,hygiene , attraction , care , enjoyment , fun in and out of the kink department , I’ve looked at your profile , but can’t message due to settings on your profile , but say hi if you’d like to chat . I like your profile and what you want out of a meeting / arrangement. Nothing too extreme , have fun and stay safe regards Derek 🌹