We Talk About Sub Aftercare All the Time… But What About Aftercare for doms?

[Zi****]

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is how much we talk about aftercare for subs, and how important it is for us emotionally and mentally. We speak openly about drops, heavy feelings, vulnerability, shaking, crying, and those moments where we go quiet or numb after giving so much of ourselves.

But what about doms?

I rarely hear people talk about them needing aftercare at all. And that can’t be realistic. In deeper or more committed dynamics — especially 24/7 ones — doms carry a huge emotional load too. They’re guiding the energy, holding the space, managing the intensity, reading our emotional cues, protecting us, controlling the environment, and constantly making sure we’re safe.

That has to take something out of a person.

Doms break too.
Doms have lows.
Doms get drained.
Doms worry.
Doms can feel insecure or disconnected, even if they never show it.

But the lifestyle often teaches them to “take it,” “stay strong,” or “deal with it quietly,” so a lot of doms just swallow their own needs and carry on.

So now I’m genuinely curious about the other side — the side we never ask

Questions for doms (and subs who’ve supported a dom before):

• What does your version of aftercare look like?
• Do you experience “dom drop”? If so, how does it show up for you?
• What helps you recharge after a heavy scene or a demanding dynamic?
• Do you prefer physical closeness, words of reassurance, gratitude, space, routine, or something else entirely?
• Have you ever felt pressure to hide your own emotions because of your role?
• What’s one thing you wish subs understood about the emotional weight doms carry?
• And if you’re comfortable sharing — what’s the most meaningful aftercare a sub has ever given you?

[Ki****]

Great question. I'm a submissive leaning switch but I've spent most of my time in the scene as a pleasure Dom so I'll try to answer the relevant questions to the best of my abilities

I'd say for me, aftercare as a Dom is a lot less about being comforted and more about decompressing and comforting my Sub. I'm not (that) sadistic by nature but I enjoy vicarious pleasure which allows me to switch but also means if my sub at the time enjoys it very rough then that'll likely take a larger toll on me mentally.

First off I like to know that my Sub is okay so a conversation over a snack, drink or smoke about what went well and what can be improved is almost always ideal. Helps myself and said Sub understand one another which is still important post scene. I'd also say it's quite important for the Sub to then be able to make a decision for both parties in order to 'take back some power' so to speak. Be it deciding where to order food from, what to watch, organising the next scene etc. This helps me let go of the power that was present during the scene as shifting out of the Dom mindset is not as easy as flipping a switch (pun intended)

I have experienced Dom drop off a fair few times. When my mental health is at a low point there's a very low chance that I will feel dominant as my confidence and willingness to seize control is greatly diminished. This is normally met with my sub side stepping into the spotlight until I'm feeling better.

I have definitely felt pressure to hide my emotions before though I recognise there was a level of emotional immaturity on my part and emotional *** coming from my last LTR partner

I don't feel like I've ever been misunderstood when it comes to the emotional weight that a Dom carries but I think a lot of people don't properly communicate how they like their Doms to do specific things.one that comes to mind is choking. Different people like to be ***d in different ways and this is something that has caused a pause in a scene in the past

The most meaningful after care I've received from a sub would likely be when my partner just put on some B99 on the TV, ordered some milkshakes and rolled for both of us. I feel like the fact that I didn't have to ask went a long way

Hope I answered your questions to satisfaction

[Si****]

In my 24/7 relationship/lifestyle with some I loved deeply, there's this connection that happens when you no longer "play the role" but assume it. Our reassurance and aftercare comes from every successful engagement and I've learned to pour my built up tension into my subs by turning it to passion. And no matter what hardships I may be facing or internal conflict is raging, peaces comes swiftly knowing that no matter what I've done up unto this moment I'm still enough for this person that I love. Enough for them to trust, to give themselves to me without reservation. So truthfully as long as I care for her , weather it seems like onely one of us gets "aftercare" a true Dom gets his strength in knowing the true depth of what his role truly is and just how important he is to his sub.

[Ko****]

It's not talked about much because a Doms aftercare is knowing he took care of you and made you happy. Genuine gratitude is a Doms aftercare in my eyes. That can look like a simple Thank-you Daddy to a let me serve you your food, message you, lay on your lap while you play a game. Simple genuine gratitude.

[ri****]

I wouldn't say Ive had "dom drop", either during or immediately after play. But I do notice that sometimes the rest of the day and day after there's a greater sense of overall numbness and sometimes callousness to me. Getting into a flow and feeling great about your endurance, patience, even confidence of doing your scene or play well is a great feeling. But sometimes the transition to mundane chores, favors, or being near by an emotionally taxing conversation can make those feelings of pride and satisfaction turn into an unfulfilled expectation, drudgery. When the fun thing becomes yet another "thank-less" thing or worse, just a task on the to-do, that's when I need the recognition, touch, and awareness the most.

[Pr****]

Aftercare for doms is very important. The thing I've come to learn is if you and your sub have a healthy dynamic or relationship they will absolutely and very naturally tend to you without it being said, more so when the connection is deeper. If I'm off or having a hard time internally with my own issues she very much sees it and will do the little things like curling up on me like a cat. I realized how much she applied herself to do those things and asked her about it. It was an interesting conversation. It wasn't necessarily an aftercare approach, she just simply realized I needed those things in those moments. But the other end of the spectrum is I don't do the things for her as "aftercare" I do them because she needs and deserves it. Sometimes I feel like the entire category is geared towards reminding terrible doms to be less terrible.

[gr****]

Ive certainly experienced a level of fatigue from being a dom,

In the short term i would just need a moment to catch my breathe physically.


The real struggles come in the long term for me, i think its pretty common for doms to end up in the position of always being the one to initiate, which can eventually lead to a feeling of being undesired.

Doms want to feel wanted too, even the subbyest of subs can still ask their dom for small things, tell them you want a little picture to keep in your wallet, bug them for an updated one once in awhile.

[Do****]

In my personal experience, proper aftercare is mutual and simultaneous. I consider that any play takes a equal physical and psychological toll, both on the sub and on the Dom.
Putting it on mathematical terms, is always a zero bottomline, it is naturally balanced. So when I give aftercare, it is always in ways to balance back both the sub and myself.
And, on a side note, the few times I've had the occasional play without aftercare, I had a real Dom drop afterwards.

[au****]

After care is aftercare. Same for subs and doms. It's always the little things that make the whole better.

[Ma****]

Oh yes! What about us?!!

[Ma****]

It's so very important bcs we are human beings 1rst. So I take time to myself and I love cuddles too after a very good session. Whatever that means for each and every one of us

[Se****]

So nice to see this being talked about. I’ve brought it up a few times with Doms and it’s usually brushed off or ignored but I believe it’s important, likewise I believe safe words for Doms are important (even if the Dom doesn't feel they need one it allows the sub to understand a limit has been reached that they may not immediately be able to discuss). That said, as @Primalwind mentioned maybe it ought to just be about being attuned to one another’s needs and giving care, affection, attention etc as required, although I also see absolutely nothing wrong in Doms asking for specific aftercare or sharing vulnerabilities.

[ir****]

While I am certain it goes without saying that all D/s relationships are different, I have not ever experienced "Dom drop". Conversations I have had with other Doms in the area during munches and play parties generally have the consensus that scenes energize us. Domspace, as opposed to subspace. A level of satisfaction in ensuring your partner enjoyed the scene from start to finish and everything after, and in so doing enjoying it yourself. Cuddles I find are not only for the submissive it is an affirmation for the Dom as well. To the questions of hiding your emotions or emotional weight that would depend on the level of the D/s relationship. A long-term committed D/s relationship is much the same as any other essentially, and if healthy both the Dom and the sub would open up to each other, you are no less Dominant just because you need support from your submissive. For casual scenes, obviously, there would be a degree of withholding.

[ey****]

16 hours ago, Ziggyp said:

But what about doms?

I rarely hear people talk about them needing aftercare at all

I don't agree. It's often talked about within the community and there are multiple threads about it on here

16 hours ago, Ziggyp said:

But the lifestyle often teaches them to “take it,” “stay strong,” or “deal with it quietly,” so a lot of doms just swallow their own needs and carry on.

I think this is the kinda problem with having posts composed using chatgpt - it creates massive contradictions and, well, invents stuff.

 

Regardless. I'll humour it.

Aftercare and 'drop' for Dominants are a thing - but what is required can vary from person to person and dependent a lot on the play done also.   It also differs wildly from aftercare for subs, since there's unlikely to be physical ailments to take care of, mental ailments to come back from, and the endorphin release is somewhat different since they haven't been in the fight-or-flight situation of a sub during impact play.     This doesn't mean it's not important, nor shouldn't be considered.

Any post-play discussions is for the benefit of both parties and is, in itself, aftercare for both.  That if the Dominant feels guilt about something or wants reassurance (did they feel they took something verbally or physically too far?  Did they do something out of normal charecter they enjoyed more than they thought and feel bad about it?) this is a time to also go through it.     

If the Dominant has their own aftercare needs, it is on them also to communicate it to make sure both are onboard. This could include alone time to decompress, doing something relaxing together, or whatever.   Like the sub, stuff like sweet treats or a hot drink can help with unwind and deal with any crash.

[Ci****]

I'm not sure it's quite what you're after, but I've recently been thinking about something similar.

I'm a switch rather than Dom (probably 60/40 sub/dom), and have enjoyed it when a partner brought out my primal side with a kind of consensual non-consent play. It was always hugely cathartic to lose myself in the moment, but as soon as the endorphin high began to fade, an uneasiness at having let myself go so completely would set in, with doubts, questions and self judgement filling my head.

Did she *really* want that?
Did I go too far?
What kind of person am I to have enjoyed that?
If I can lose myself like that now, does that mean I might do it when it's not wanted?

Thankfully we were able to talk about it, and though the intrusive thoughts and feelings never completely went away (and if I'm honest I'm not sure I'd want them to), they were quietened and eventually pushed to the back of my mind by physical closeness and gentle words of reassurance that all was okay.

[bo****]

Doms definitely are expected to hide or keep their emotions in check. Ive heard from many subs that an emotional dom is a turn off...but these are generally the type that are turned off by switches and/or bisexuals as well.

I definitely get dom drop, generally only after intense or emotional scenes.

I rarely get any form of aftercare so not really sure, but cuddling would probably be enough.

Subs should keep in mind that everything that they let go of to get into subspace, someone else is taking care of. Also that a dom can only have as much fun as the sub is, so a large portion of there concentration is going into reading the subs body language rather then enjoying their body which can cause stress, especially in higher risk scenes.
That level of focus is draining.

[Co****]

8 hours ago, Primalwind said:

Aftercare for doms is very important. The thing I've come to learn is if you and your sub have a healthy dynamic or relationship they will absolutely and very naturally tend to you without it being said, more so when the connection is deeper. If I'm off or having a hard time internally with my own issues she very much sees it and will do the little things like curling up on me like a cat. I realized how much she applied herself to do those things and asked her about it. It was an interesting conversation. It wasn't necessarily an aftercare approach, she just simply realized I needed those things in those moments. But the other end of the spectrum is I don't do the things for her as "aftercare" I do them because she needs and deserves it. Sometimes I feel like the entire category is geared towards reminding terrible doms to be less terrible.

In my opinion, ‘aftercare’ as such is only a concept in short term ‘play’ sessions where you meet for some intense activity and then go your separate ways for awhile. In this context, the sub in particular may need special care, consideration and reassurance to transition back to normal life. This particular transition isn’t usually an issue for the Dom.

In a relationship, ‘aftercare’ is simply synonymous with ‘care’. As Primalwind suggests, you do it because she deserves to be taken care of and because you take care of each other. That is a fundamental part of the relationship.

[Zi****]

5 hours ago, eyemblacksheep said:

I think this is the kinda problem with having posts composed using chatgpt - it creates massive contradictions and, well, invents stuff.

 

Regardless. I'll humour it.

Aftercare and 'drop' for Dominants are a thing - but what is required can vary from person to person and dependent a lot on the play done also.   It also differs wildly from aftercare for subs, since there's unlikely to be physical ailments to take care of, mental ailments to come back from, and the endorphin release is somewhat different since they haven't been in the fight-or-flight situation of a sub during impact play.     This doesn't mean it's not important, nor shouldn't be considered.

Any post-play discussions is for the benefit of both parties and is, in itself, aftercare for both.  That if the Dominant feels guilt about something or wants reassurance (did they feel they took something verbally or physically too far?  Did they do something out of normal charecter they enjoyed more than they thought and feel bad about it?) this is a time to also go through it.     

If the Dominant has their own aftercare needs, it is on them also to communicate it to make sure both are onboard. This could include alone time to decompress, doing something relaxing together, or whatever.   Like the sub, stuff like sweet treats or a hot drink can help with unwind and deal with any crash.

I really appreciate your response, and I genuinely respect that you took the time to message me about it. I’m new to this website, even though I’ve been around the wider community for three to four years. From what I’ve seen, this topic doesn’t get discussed enough, so if I misspoke, that’s fair and thank you for offering clarity.
I do want to gently point out, though, that diminishing me for using ChatGPT isn’t necessary. I have dyslexia, and I also deal with a bit of anxiety around how my writing is interpreted by others. Because people here come from different countries, languages, and backgrounds, I try to make sure what I’m saying is as clear and easy to understand as possible. I always write my own drafts the thoughts, questions, and curiosity are entirely mine I just use ChatGPT to help with readability so the message itself isn’t lost.
Still, I truly appreciate you adding your perspective to the thread and taking a moment to engage with me. Thank you again.

Edit: I wasn't going to state this publicly but just in case anyone else was wondering or agreed with Mr Blacksheep I thought it would have made more sense to say this, where everyone can see. I think it's important for everybody to be able to express what their inner thoughts are no matter what tools you need to use to help voice that opinion xx
Take care all x

[he****]

I think a sub should also be offering care to their dom. It can be in little ways like a back massage, cooking a meal and anticipating their needs without asking. A Dom may command the environment but a sub can offer quiet support to truly round out the dynamic.

[Irish0406]

This is honestly something I’ve never really seen talked about, but I’m glad it’s being brought up. I’ve always believed that any dynamic—no matter how light or how deep—should involve being tuned in to each other, not just one person doing all the emotional carrying.

I know subs can drop hard, but I imagine doms can too, especially with how much energy and focus they put into reading us, staying grounded, and keeping the space safe. It makes sense that would take something out of them, even if they don’t say it.

I think aftercare should be mutual. Maybe not the same type of aftercare, but both people checking in, being honest, and making sure the other is okay. Nobody should have to swallow their needs just because of their role.

I’m really glad this conversation is happening.”

[ba****]

Aftercare is for both parties.

[JackJonesHull]

I don't recall any offer of aftercare, ever.

I have never made a secret of, personally, a level of consideration (read an inference of aftercare) but in the moments staying strong and providing sub care has always been priority.

In all honesty perhaps I've grown a certain vague detachment, on occasion, because of that.

[We****]

I am just embarking on my first Dom/Sub dynamic and this is a topic I’m very keen to explore as I also have anxiety thrown in. I’ve found that very clear communication with my sub always works and we know what works for each other. I let her take a lead with my aftercare every time as I do with hers.

[ey****]

11 hours ago, Ziggyp said:

I think it's important for everybody to be able to express what their inner thoughts are no matter what tools you need to use to help voice that opinion xx

I know we chatted privately - but - I think it's also appropriate for me to state this publicly that I would like to apologise if I was a bit short or bitty about it.  Because, actually I agree that GPT can be a really good way to help people communicate (tone check, vibe check, spelling, grammar, flow, etc) and is the type of use I would encourage.    The flip of course is to sometimes double check it's outputs are accurate and what you'd like to say and matches your perspective.  It's also funny (not haha) that while humans are often flawed and make mistakes (as I feel I did) it sometimes feels different when something like GPT does similar.  

I also feel I was being a little unfair as there have been some folk (here and elsewhere) that use GPT for topics and not necessarily for "Help with comms" reasons and while sites like them for engagement, some of them really are just slop.  So, that may have been in my mind a little.  I'll try to, ahem,  take a step back a bit more often before going in clumsily. 

[au****]

My experience is more play based/scenes than a lifestyle dynamic but as a bottom (not really a sub) I’m on cloud 9 after a scene but will sometimes experience drop a few days later. I enjoy offering and providing aftercare for my top/Dom and I’ve gotten feedback from several people that it was surprising to them for a bottom or sub to offer aftercare and not really expect or need that additional energy from them. Caveat to this is I’m a service-oriented switch with Mommy/nurturing energy and being an impact bottom is incredibly grounding and regulating for me and IS basically aftercare for just dealing with normal life and emotions, stress, etc. I tend to play with other switches most often and I’m aware of what it can take out of you both physically and emotionally to be the Top/Dom. I need aftercare more often as a top than as a bottom so I tend to offer others what *I* need when I am in their role.