When I began my Domme journey years ago, I wrote a how-to story about dominating a man. Since then, I've discovered I specifically prefer sensual domination while inflicting little to no pain. That isn't always what people think of with D/s, so I wanted to write another how-to about this type of dominance. I've explored my dominant side through reading, writing, conversations, and playing with subs. The most repeated feedback on my stories is an appreciation for showing domination can be sexy without pain. I have absolutely nothing against domination with pain and cruelty, but it's just not for me.
This isn't a short how-to because it covers a lot of things, including responsibilities, communication, clothing, anticipation, sexy talk, teasing, orgasm control, putting him on display, toys, rewards, punishments, and aftercare. This isn't about negotiating scenes or playtime with new acquaintances, and it does not address D/s as a lifestyle. This is written for a Domme who already shares a connection with her sub. Personally, I need to know my sub and feel a connection with him in order to enjoy dominating him. This is also written from the perspective of a woman dominating a man. However, I hope that anyone, regardless of gender, orientation, or partnership status, can find some helpful and sexy ideas from this story.
A few basics
There is a physical side and a psychological side to dominance. Physically, sensual dominance means dominating with activities that revolve around sexual pleasure. Sexual pleasure is a broad term for all erotic physical sensations and not just oral sex or intercourse. It may include kissing, dry humping, spooning, massaging, etc. Rewards consist of sexual pleasure given by the Domme and received by the sub. Punishment means sexual pleasure is denied or taken away from the sub. Light pain is often part of the fun, but the more substantial pain is more commonly used with other types of dominance. Psychologically, sensual dominance may make a Domme feel worshipped, sexually satisfied, powerful, controlling, and loving. Subs may also feel sexually satisfied as well as vulnerable, cherished, controlled, and loved. The brain plays a vital role in domination, and the physical and psychological elements are incredibly interconnected. Ideally, your D/s interactions fulfill both the physical and psychological needs of you and your sub. Many people enjoy mixing sensual dominance with other types of dominance, while others prefer to stick to one kind. There's no right or wrong way to dominate as long as all parties involved are consenting and enjoying themselves.
Some people wonder if sensual dominance has much of a power exchange when it's all about pleasure. Absolutely! The extent of the power exchange depends on what level you and your sub desire. For example, you could climb on top of your sub to make him feel like he doesn't have a choice, and then fuck him senseless until you cum. There isn't a ton of power exchange in that scenario, but there's no rule that says you need to incorporate more. If you wanted more, you could tie him down and straddle his face while making it very clear that his pleasure has to wait until you're satisfied. Then you climb on top and ride him really slow until he's going crazy and begging for release, but he's not allowed to cum until you let him. When you make a sub get permission before he can cum, there's a lot of power exchange there even though you're focusing on pleasure. You can make your playtime more severe because you and your sub find a hard, unforgiving Domme sexier. Or you could play in a lighthearted, whimsical way by being a fairy who casts a spell to control him. Sensual domination can be intense, light, or anywhere in the middle.
When it comes to dominance in general, Dommes typically enjoy being in control because the sense of power is heady. It can also help a woman feel confident, sexy, desired, brave, and like an erotic badass. In addition to these reasons, I love the trust, honesty, and connection that come with dominating a sub. People often think that Dommes are controlling in all aspects of their lives. However, I have known very good Dommes who had a more passive personality outside of playtime. Additionally, not all bossy women make good Dommes.
On the other hand, many people believe subs want to submit because they have strong personalities but need a break from being in control. That can certainly be the case, as was true for one of my subs who was a cop. However, I also have met men who have a more laid back or mild personality but still love submitting to a woman. Subs can enjoy being controlled for several reasons. The most popular reason I hear is they love the feeling of submission and helplessness and find it extremely erotic. Another very common explanation subs give me is that they love pleasing a woman and making her happy.
Why Dommes and subs want dominance without pain can vary widely. I prefer sensual dominance because I like being in control of pleasure and orgasms. I love to tease and ramp up the anticipation to make both our orgasms better. I'm also a nurturing and giving Mistress and want to take care of my sub and his pleasure. I love making him happy because a happy sub is a devoted sub. I've heard from subs about why they want to be dominated sensually, and many explain that they get off by being at the mercy of a woman yet still want intimacy and pleasure. Additionally, many subs don't have an interest in pain, but they do have a strong desire to serve a woman sexually. They are hesitant to explore their submissive side because they don't find the pain aspect sexy. However, there's a world of sensual dominance waiting for them if they find the right Domme to match their desires.
The Domme's responsibilities
During playtime, you're in charge of a lot as the Domme. However, your most important responsibility is looking out for your sub. You need to make sure he's comfortable, happy, and safe throughout the entire experience, from discussions to playtime to aftercare. It's a lot of responsibility to be open and honest, understand his needs, plan activities, choose his rewards and punishments, take care of him, know when to push or back off, adjust things on the fly, and provide aftercare. Whew! It takes a lot of mental energy but is extremely rewarding. Be sure you recognize the effort it takes, and please don't half-ass it. It's impossible to be a perfect Domme all the time, and that's okay. But a desire to be an excellent one goes a long way toward great sensual playtime. It takes a lot of trust to submit to someone, so make sure you appreciate your sub's trust by doing your best. I always say my number one job as a Mistress is to take care of my sub. How I take care of him varies depending on who he is, what he needs, and what we're doing. No matter what, I always want him to feel safe, secure, and cherished.