Session Start: Mon Feb 08 20:03:04 1999 *** Now talking in #Subs_discuss *** ChanOP (service@austnet.org) has joined #Subs_discuss *** ChanOP sets mode: +o ChanOP *** ChanOP changes topic to 'Next discussion TONIGHT Monday, 8 Feb. 9pm AEST...subs and switches only...Topic: COMMUNICATION presented by destinyBP and vidette{CL}. Please adhere to channel rules and enjoy :))' *** ChanOP sets mode: +nt ok we ready to post the rules? * barak{Ras} nods nods Questions can be asked at any time during the discussion however due to time constraints it would be appreciated if personal experiences were not discussed, there will be time afterwards to do this . Also the sub play that we all love so much should be kept to a minimum or preferably not displayed at all in channel once the discussion starts . If you have a question please indicate so by typing a ? and when you are asked to proceed please do so :) [20:54] Hopefully we can limit the discussion to an hour to an hour and a half, as we know many of you have Master's or Mistress to attend to *grin* oops heheh lol ? dont ask * barak{Ras} is jus filling in for SirRon *grin* ok...can you give me a wee minute please ? yes vidette shit i better reboot, brb ok...will wait for kitten * destinyBP smiles at vidette... * vidette{CL} winks at destiny..thanks First of all...welcome everyone...good to see you here again this week :)) Tonight's topic is communication as you know There are various aspects of communication that i'll raise. At the end of each segment, discussion is encouraged. I'll indicate when we get to those points. One other thing before we begin... I felt there was a little confusion at the end of last week's discussion as to who was interested in taking the next discussion... i think maybe one idea as to how to avoid this would be for those who are interested in taking a discussion to put forward an outline to either totty, sara or myself and we can then plan it in advance How do people feel about this? * belara nods in agreement * barak{Ras} is laready planning his outline * destinyBP thinks it is a great idea :) anyone else got any objections? good idea vidette ok...i think that's the way we'll go then :) let's begin :) . Trust and communication are the keys to a successful relationship. I believe much more communication is required in a D/s relationship than in a normal vanilla relationship....there's more to take into consideration. The health of the relationship hinges on both side's ability to communicate effectively, not only their dissatisfaction and disappointments, but also their pleasure and satisfaction. It's also important to communicate things that may be an issue for you - either past abuse, fears, phobias and uncertainties. Never expect your Dom/me to be a mind-reader, although *grins* some will tell you they know you better than you know yourself. The only way to get your needs met, is to communicate them. Communicating effectively is more than just talking. You have to be able to voice your concerns, hopes, needs, dreams, disappointments, and hurts as well as all the positive emotions you so willingly share. Remember it's also *listening* to what is said and the way it's said. Gestures, facial expressions and body language often say more than words. Listen to what is behind the words. Don't judge or ridicule. Just listen. * vidette{CL} smiles at kitten..wb :) Communication can be difficult for some, but it can be done little by little if that works better for you. You give a little...build a little more trust...give a little more...build more trust...brick by brick. Trust = Respect = Communication = Trust and so it goes on and on. * lilly bounces in If your partner isn't prepared to listen to what you have to say...your questions, your concerns, your wants and needs... perhaps it's time to reconsider the relationship. . Any questions or comments at this point? ? yep barak? ? just wanted to say that i have found that the more you talk and listen..the better it gets :)) * vidette{CL} smiles...i second that barak * sara{X^L} smiles to barak yes belara? For me the incread neccessary communication of a BDSM relationship is one of the joys of the relationship i live the exploration that comes with increased communciation :-) yes...it's something i always found lacking in previous relationships love thanks anyone else? ok... Another key communications and safety tool is a contract (also known as a slave contract), which bears a vague resemblance to a prenuptial agreement. D/s'ers often prepare formal written agreements that specify the nature of the prospective D/s relationship and delineate the guidelines partners will observe. These agreements are meticulously negotiated by both partners in a nonerotic context, so that power roles do not bias judgment. Contracts typically stipulate limits and give concrete expression to each partner's expectations and commitments. . Does anyone here have any experience of contracts that they'd like to share? ? yes barak{Ras} :) gee i am talking alot tonight.... good on you :) ? but i have just come through the whole negotiation thing with a contract... can you share some of that with us barak{Ras}? and i found that the more we talked about it and discussed what we both wanted, the more we got to know each other what we liked, and didn't like... and what we would be willing to go through to make the relationship work... so you think it's helped open the pathways of communication between you both then? i think it helped to cement alot of the things we felt about both each other and the relationship *nods* yes, most definately vidette{CL} * vidette{CL} nods at sara :) sara? ok...have had a relationship under a contract....yes it worked at the start..just wanted to say...just because both parties have sat down and worked this thing out...it still might fail..they work for some but not all yes...i've heard similar stories ? yes barak{Ras} it is possible that it wont work out, but we have tried to look at that sort of thing by putting in the contract that we will reveiw it regularly...so we can encompass changes in the both of us that's a good idea bara barak even can i ask you a question barak? *nods* sure :) do you think it's necessary to *sign* the contract or is the process itself enough? well, i think the process in and of itself is enough sure you can sign the contract...but i think that the actual process is the important part * vidette{CL} nods * destinyBP never signed her contract with Bp...it is written on her heart..the paper copy is just "process" * vidette{CL} nods...i can understand that :) Does anyone else have anything to say about contracts? * vidette{CL} smiles and welcomes totty no, my contract is verbal, that it well..moving along then... Another good method of communication is the keeping of a journal. It's can be a good way of keeping a record of your journey, of expressing thoughts that either concern you or excite you as they come to mind, of recording the answers and solutions to your questions, of expressing desires and fantasies that perhaps you're too shy to express verbally to your partner. This journal should be shared by your Dom/me regularly. ! destinyBP :)...yes? just for the record...I find a journal (as well as email sent to Master, even tho we live together)..is an excellent way to say things that are embarassing or difficult to say face to face.....particularly useful if there is something you REALLY need to say, but can't do it irl.. oh yes...i agree...i often send epic sagas to CL...i find it easier to put down in writing my deepest feelings...perhaps it gives me time to think them out clearly How do others feel about journals? * cheekybren sits down quietly they are an exellent tool of expression vidette i do a journal and when Master and i meet he reads it journals are a great idea... if i was *made* to do it... i'm quite hopeless otherwise * totty writes thesis type things to Master too :) i'm supposed to keep one...and i do write in it occasionally...and he reads it occasionally *grins* i think that a journal is a great idea...tho mine usually end up being of novel size proportions i'm more of an email girl myself lol i do emails also vidette{CL} :) yes... emails are better for me what on earth did we do before the net??? lol talk ??? :-) have a life? hehehe wrote letters..lol got divorced lol be right back lol oh well.... Body language is vital to good communication as well and quite often says more than the words we speak. Also the way you hold yourself...present yourself...communicates quite clearly who you are. CrimsonLord often reminisces of the day we first met. His view of that day is quite remarkable and not something that i was at all aware of at the time. He says he saw me sitting on a wall, legs crossed but open. He says this was me showing him what i had to offer, but not giving it away freely *grins*. heheheh He says my back was straight and my head held high which showed him that i was strong and confident. When i talked to him, i spoke with confidence and looked him in the eye. He knew from this that my self-esteem was high and that he had met someone he could communicate with equally. That's just one example of body language. Other examples could be body language in a scene...body language if you're in an uncomfortable situation...upset about something etc. Any questions or comments here? yes vidette.... yes sara? * sea_urchin will be back soon usually if you are being completely honest to your Dom/me your body language will more often than not give you away... are not even * destinyBP nods..yeah..that is true...BP can tell if I'm not feeling well, just by the way I stand or move.. yes destiny * vidette{CL} nods ok... Safewords are essential in good communication in a play situation. Actually, they are not only useful in a play situation, but also if you are discussing a painful or difficult issue that you really need some time out on. Safeword!! Some will say they don't need or use safewords. I am one of those. I don't advocate that this is how it should be for everyone. I believe strongly in safewords when just starting out with a partner. I don't use them because my partner knows me well. He has a clear understanding of my limits and is very aware of my body language and the sounds i make when i can't verbalise. I trust him to the point where i don't need a safeword. But that trust has been developed over a period of time and experience. You can't know someone that intimately to begin with. So always have a safeword negotiated. Some may disagree with my thoughts on this. ! yes destinyBP? I just wanted to add....that a safeword is a very valuable communication tool in new relationships...because until you know each other well enough to read your Dom/me's body language, or them to read yours, it can be the easiest way to say "Hold up...this is going wrong" * vidette{CL} nod nods...so important Any other thoughts on this? i agree with you both *kiss* lol totty ? yes treasure{ROC}? :) do you believe it is better for new relationships to start off with one safeword, ot to have a couple, one to slow it down and another to stop it completely? maybe there are some more experienced people here that could comment on that?? ! yep totty? * destinyBP found that starting out..it was easier to have several words for difference situations.. * totty has back and red, back for change or slow down and red for stop it makes sense to have several i don't have any...so it's hard for me to comment and so far Master has always been able to read my body language and i havent used them but they are there for me if i need them I was just curious about what others have, I have 3, but have never had the cause to use them :) That's a valid point that you've both brought up... * destinyBP has two...China for slow down..and Japan for stop :) * vidette{CL} makes notes to discuss with CL :) it's good to have them there, even if you don't need to use them * destinyBP chuckles..Bp just reminded her of her safewords.... I haven't known what they were for AGES..cause it just never came up :) This next part is purely dependent on the individuals and the structure of their relationships... There are other aspects of D/s communication that take on a deeper level of the D/s dynamic. This purely depends on the nature of your relationship. Some of them are: Always maintaining eye contact with your Dom/me when they are speaking to you. At other times, your eyes must be lowered. You should never *close* your body to them. This means no arms crossed in front of you, legs never crossed etc. and i'm sure there are many others...thinking back to my original training stuff In some instances, your right to speech may be taken away. If your Dom/me is going to take this right away from you, you must negotiate a sign that you need to speak freely to ask a question or request some urgent attention... whatever. If your relationship is strict in this manner, or if you are in a training situation, you should always have free speech time at the end of your day or session or whatever the case may be. Others may have more to add here....anyone? ummmmmm my basic rule just do as you are told :)) hehehe * totty chuckles * cheekybren swats totty Communication within the community is important as well. While communication is essential between partners - communication with others in your community is vital to growth and understanding in relation to your submission. Life is about feedback and we all turn to friends, family and even acquaintances to get a better idea of what our alternatives are in *any* situation. Being in this lifestyle is no different. And being able to speak freely and enjoy others face-to-face or screen-to-screen has altered the structure of the bdsm community completely. Get to know others... listen, learn and exchange. How do we feel about the level of communication in this community? Or this type of forum for example? What works best for you? The channel? Lists? Discussions? Face-to-face contact? face to face for me :) depends on the relationship :) * destinyBP likes them all....*smiles* but doesn't care much for lists...*shrugs* i feel a bit the same about lists atm destiny :\ in general...i find knowing that i have friends in the community i can turn to or just talk with is the greatest feeling I find that here works best for me... I tend not to worry so much about what people think of me... face to face I tend to clam up, afraid that people will think what I have to say is not of any use... but am working on it but i worry that the people who would benefit most from this type of communication, don't tend to participate at all * cheekybren nods * destinyBP smiles at vidette..and nods in agreement with treasure..yes..there is something to be said for the annonimity factor that online interaction gives.. * totty grumbles well treas..I for one can tell you..TALK AWAY irl... I love to hear what you have to say :)) although i admit to not even saying much during discussions too :) thanks destinyBP :) * vidette{CL} smiles...well you've done well tonight then treasure{ROC} treasure{ROC} from what i have read on your posts you have much to contribute oops there goes destiny lol i agree maybe that's just a self-confidence thing treasure{ROC} :) wb destinyBP :) rehi's all :) greetings * treasure{ROC} nods... "I know it is vidette{CL}... something I have a lot of problem overcoming in that case be well :) wb destinyBP *huggles* be well Brinlarr :) * destinyBP huggles tres.... i think being aware that it is a problem is a huge step in overcoming it then...good for you :) Well....in conclusion... Communication is a learning process and it's a never ending process. To master the art of good communication and to encourage communication, will hopefully lead to a rich and fulfilling relationship with your partner, that will thrive in your knowledge of each other's deepest fears, dreams, hopes and desires. * vidette{CL} bows and throws open the floor for discussion :) * destinyBP applauds vidette... Thank you for your time everyone...does anyone have anything to add? i think we all need to communicate more, with most of us, it is a lack of self confidence * destinyBP agrees with kitten.. yes...agreed kitten...it takes some skill to communicate well i know i sit on things for weeks and weeks because i'm afraid of what kind of reaction i'll get ummmmmm.... could someone send me a complete log of this later please... sorry i was late and missed the first part yes and also to get the exact message across that you want put, instead of some garbled message that nobody not even yourself can understand of course treasure :) but as a communication major..I'd like to point out that one MAJOR factor in how well we communicate, depends on how well we LISTEN.. good evening lovely people * vidette{CL} nods i think often some ppl should 'hold back' from making comments to 'allow' those shyer ppl some input hi ya fritz{M^L i sit on things for weeks and weeks too vidette{CL}, but mostly because i don't know how to communicate well, never sure of how to discuss feelings hi fritz{M^L :) You've come in on the tail end thanks vidette{CL} :)) hy, kitten ask CL...i'm a ponderer...and he knows when i'm pondering on something lol hello vidette, Milady sends her regards * vidette{CL} smiles and to her as well fritz{M^L thank you, i'll pass on the messsage yes cheekybren...from your comment before...it would be nice to hear from the shier people...it's amazing how far one positive reaction can go to something you've said... and then...how damaging one negative reaction can be also * belara has been working at keeping her mouth shut ! lol..belara * belara grins thats when its up to those others to realise when someone has 'delurked' and support them :) easier said than done this is the place to open it belara...go for it !! yes...i guess it depends on the environment tho cheekybren i think you need to find the forum for communication that works best for you for example...i love talking this way...discussing intelligently with likeminded people...listening to what others have to say i don't find that on the list tho just my own opinion there :) * gypsyrose{N} has to agree with vidette{CL} on that one because people have more time to read what they see i tend to find that by the time i get around to looking at the list, it's days old :) i like this forum far better yes me too, i like throwing my thoughts bit by bit opening other avenues and expanding on that that was the same with sara treas but than again everyone communicates different i still suffer from the problem though, of tossing my 2c worth into the ring even in a place like this some visual some audio yes...that's right...i think just find the right way for *you* i feel more confident expressing myself here than on the list well as far as i'm concerned...it's good to toss your 2c worth in...and one would hope that those listening would respect your opinion * treasure{ROC} nods in agreement with belara oh yes...agreed * cheekybren nods with belara i think the lists are far too hierachial - thats my 2c worth! not all cheekybren don't worry about flames or super intelligent people writing amzing responses belittling everyhting i have said :-) i recently joined the Latches list...and so far i have found it supportive, encouraging, enlightening...all good things :) i sent 5 min with Milady on ausbdsm channel yesterday and we left in discussed Latches list? geezus i am too scared to write to a list, i would be totally demoralised by recieving a flame realy fritz{M^L}???/ well that's how i felt about the ausbdsm list... but that's another story lol only three people were communicating and the rest where lurking it's an American list treasure...for fem subs only oh..and fem subs in r/l relationships :) that happens in the channel sometimes fritz... depends on the time of day and who's in there do they have restrictions on who can join vidette{CL}? they do treasure...it's quite an ordeal to join actually lol but a lot of small talk about nothing and a lot of brats i can give you the details if you like...i think it's well worth the effort :) thanks would like that vidette{CL} :) np :) fritz{M^L}, i was there at the time and i think i am one of the brats by the way is the disscussion about communication ? lol kitten{Ozzie^} thank you, i noticed * vidette{CL} chuckles...that'd be right kitten{Ozzie^} i am not always like that, but it is also a room for laying round, what else can one do when nobody talks? i could believe that kitten{Ozzie^} :)) different strokes for different foks ooops playing around that's why i like these spin off channels for discussion...SirB's on a sunday night and now this one which came about from SirB's :) i am not backward in owning up fritz{M^L} i think You had it right the first time kitten :| well...my Master is sick and sitting up waiting for some TLC... excuse me ppl but i am leaving do we have any offers for next week? :) bye kitten give him my regards please vidette thank you again vidette{CL} ;) you're all quite welcome :) thanks vidette{CL} :)) will do fritz{M^L} :) maybe something along the lines of medical care and how to deal with doctors???????? that kind of stuff will be off now... take care all :)) * wee_foot{Y} thros in a sugestion treasure...i may not get this to you tonight, but will send it tomorrow, ok? are you offering wee_foot{Y}? :) its just an idea, i wouldn't know how to go about it tho good night all.. love youse all ! well...research...talk to people...would you like to give it a go? i have agood doc, but that's just me, he knows i'm into D/s, but it can be hard for others to ask or enquire about stuff let me think about it ok ? :0 night belara *hugs* :) lol even ok...but we've only a got a week between drinks i'll hound ppl in the channel during the week :))) * totty smiles and puts on her ear muffs lol * vidette{CL} taps her crop against her leg oooooerrrrrrrr oooo...that's why too dommy lol mmmmm way too even ok...hopefully we'll sort something out during the week do you mind if i dash off now...sick Master to attend to :( bye vidette nini vidette{CL} *hugs* thanks again everyone for your participation...it's been great :)) Session Close: Mon Feb 08 22:25:05 1999