Restraints
Bondage means tying the partner’s limbs together while using restraints. This can include use of handcuffs, ropes or chains. Discipline, on the other hand, refers to psychological restraint or use of physical punishment such as whipping.
Dominance
It involves giving or receiving control of one partner over another. There are often contracts laid out in these types of relationships, such as with Christian and Ana. Contracts outline formal consent and the aspects of how their relationship is to be laid out. These contracts, however, are not legally binding.
Submission
Sadism and masochism, sometimes shortened to sadomasochism, refers to the exchange of physical or emotional pain. Sadism is the pleasure someone derives from inflicting pain upon a partner. On the other hand, in masochism the partner gains pleasure from being hurt.
Role-play
BDSM is practiced by all kinds of partners of varying sexualities and arrangements. The important thing to remember is to be open to your partner about any kind of kink you want to try out, and to be safe about it.
What Is BDSM?
A Sex Expert Reveals Exactly What It Means
BDSM is broken into three subcategories: Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, and Sadism/Masochism. This is the overall umbrella where most kinks fall. It can contain all elements or only one, BDSM holds no judgment.
Now, if associating words like "submission," "sadism," and "masochism" with sex is new to you — the practice sounds like a warped power dynamic or even abuse. But it is possible to combine sex, power, and even pain in a healthy fashion, as long as two adults are communicative and have explicitly given their consent.