1. I'm left-handed

2. I love housework so much that I lived in a flat for over fifteen years without ever cleaning the oven

3. I've walked across the old Severn Bridge bare footed

4. I am a certified faker and simulator(!)

5. Like Paddy, I hate seeing people brush their teeth

6. I love the 'Bat Out of Hell' album

7. Iwas born somewhere that translates from Welsh as Sunny Hill in Butter Hill

A recent noticeboard discussion on casual racism and sexism somehow went down path of BDSM activities.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbradio4/F2766779?thread=5051932&skip=40&show=20
I commented:

Somewhat sweeping generalisations about sadism and masochism - and I assume you also mean to include algolagnia as you mention 'consent to being hurt for pleasure'?

People who practice BDSM tend to be quite normal, have excellent boundaries and are more sensitive to issues of consent than most I have found.

I'd be more than happy to be tested for 'pathology' and am fairly confident of my mental health. I'm just a bit kinky. And the idea that my sensitive, animal-loving, affectionate partner could be a professional torturer because he has certain erotic fantasies and plays with power exchange and causes me physical pain for my pleasure is ridiculous.

I was told in no uncertain terms that there was no way was I normal nor it seems fit to share a dialogue with some!

I was asked about whether all who practice would be respectful of boundaries and commented:

It would be unrealistic to assume that everybody with a shared interest are going to be equally responsible and non-exploitative. Those who are part of groups and communities do tend to be protective and full of good advice - a bit like other communities. And groups like 'Informed Consent' and similar really emphasise issues of boundaries and consent as name implies.

You are not talking rubbish and it is good to have opportunity to discuss these issues.

Of course people will be exploited as in all sexual and emotional relationships.

But anybody wanting to explore can get good advice through sites and communities and hopefully not be more vulnerable than those of us who do not wish to push or play with power boundaries in our emotional and/or sexual lives.

As I tried to put over, those of us who do choose such relationships often have had far more conversations and negotiations of what is acceptable and desirable than those with more apparently conventional relationships.

And of course lots of people practice power-play and BDSM for fun and pleasure and see it as no big deal and do not consider themselves part of a community as such.

(or 'There's lovely!' as we say round here)to have such nice comments on my absence. Thank you so much.
I'm mulling over an idea re character reformation as blogging subject - More anon!
Suzee
xxxxx