Is BDSM suddenly mainstream, or is it still deliciously taboo?
- Jessica Lansdown
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 6

Is it kinky to want to be tied down, and what is kink anyway?
Six things about BDSM that every woman should know.
Since the stories of fifty shades hit the streets, BDSM has become much more mainstream, but do you still wonder what it’s all about?
If you have wondered about BDSM or you are into so called kinky sex, it’s not usually something that you would choose to discuss openly. You may discuss it with a few select acquaintances that have the same tastes as you, if you are lucky enough to meet such people, but, somehow, it just doesn’t seem to be a suitable subject for general conversation. Those amongst us that are possibly more prudish or even for the people that think that vanilla is best, discussing the basics of BDSM or kinky sex doesn’t appear to be an option either unless, perhaps it’s in a derogatory fashion and that of course is up to each individual. But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
In strict terms (if you’ll pardon the pun) BDSM stands for Bondage Domination Sadism and Masochism, although I believe that the S is for Submission and M can equally represent Ménage. There are various forms and levels of BDSM; I mean, honestly, who hasn’t been involved in a little light restraint here and there? But the whole BDSM scene can get a lot more tangled and dark than fur covered plastic handcuffs and single strand floggers. So if you are into submitting to your lovers whims, like the thought of being shackled to a stake, or maybe you'd like to be the one that's doing the whipping, there are still a few of things worth knowing.
Is it kinky? Maybe; is it hot? Probably; should you experience it? Absolutely! But only on consensual terms between you and your lover. If you want to explore, here are six things every woman and man should know about BDSM.
1. It’s a two-way street. A good place to start is to talk about fantasies with your lover, and if you like the idea of restraints either for you or your partner, say so. Likewise, if you want to experience pain, or indeed administer it in a sexual situation, explore that with your lover too. The best way to play in this league is to agree in advance what you both want to happen as well as what you are prepared to do and not do. This is called agreeing on your hard limits, limits that will not be broken. Talk about how far you would like to go with the fantasies that you have discussed and remember to say what things you won’t want to do.
2. It is important to have a get out a clause or a so called safe word. It may seem obvious but sometimes in these situations NO doesn’t actually mean NO, so for the absolute avoidance of doubt, agree on a word in advance that will mean everything stops immediately when your chosen word is uttered. You should never feel bad about using your safe word either – remember, this is why it’s there; to keep you safe.
3. BDSM doesn’t have to hurt. It can be simply about role play; playing at dominance and submission with traditional characters and predictable outcomes – naughty school girl, (or boy) spanked for naughtiness etc, although depending on your wants and desires there can be whole lot more to explore. You can go deeper and darker into any role play if you choose and there is a whole labyrinth of ideas and scenarios for you to explore, should you wish to do so. If you need inspiration, read some erotic books and short stories - there's few on this site.

4.It’s worth knowing that the reason that pain can be so arousing is that our bodies send extra blood to areas affected by pain and those areas become extra sensitive, so the pain and pleasure mix can be very intense yet still feel erotic. It can be a powerful feeling too, both ways as the giver or the receiver.
5. Talking about what you want to do, how you and your lover are actually going to achieve your BDSM fantasy aims along with what you will wear, and how you will set the scene, should all add to the excitement. It’s like foreplay and often in any sexual scenario it’s the build up that can cause extreme sexual tension and extreme and intense desire, so be sure to indulge in the build up and pre plan.
6. Clothes and toys tend to play a big part in BDSM and there are web sites that are dedicated to this genre of fun. Some people like the feel and visual appeal of uPVC and the fact that it can be very slippery can only add to the feeling. Thigh high boots, latex or leather gloves may well exude an air of power from the wearer and black Dominatrix costumes, along with whips and canes, clamps and gags can all be introduced to great effect if that is what helps to rock your sexual world.
Whatever you do in BDSM and whatever adventures that you might take part in make sure that it’s consensual on all sides and then challenge yourself to explore your inner kinky side, you might just like it.
If you are into BDSM for some hot and horny inspiration check out Lessons in Submission
For more blogs, books and writing of the BDS&M kind , look at the books section or check out the membership page here or subscribe to this site and get a free taster …..
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