Talking about stigma that one is experiencing because of a non-traditional relationship and lifestyle choice. No matter if your relationship is labeled based on sexual orientation and identity, triad, polyamorous, D/S, S/M, swinger, open relationship etc., everyone faces different kind of judgements that may or may not sometime intersect within each type, but there are vast stigma bullets shot towards each of these categories.
Depending on where all these negative influences and misunderstandings come from, that we allowed or couldn’t avoid but to process within our own understanding, affected us or shadowed our best potential in growing and expressing whom we are.
Most of times negative emotional reactions within partners are triggered internally and it affects that dynamic.
So there are always two ends of the sword: External forces and internal forces and they operate different.
Many external unfair beliefs are coming from different cultures, languages, different dominancy predominant society, education, race, ethnicity, religion, ideology or even personal judgement.
External forces will always have as many more opinions as many people are there, but the most Important part is how you process those withing yourself to allow yourself to flourish and love freely.
A very important question may be this: who are you and which forces affect the most your relationship? External or internal?
I have always believed that one should be where one is celebrated and one important step in the battle with external forces is to seek a community where common factors are shared in a positive environment.
There’s nothing more damaging than keeping circling without a trajectory wondering if it is you that’s at fault. Find people that share the same ideologies and hand in hand help each other flourish and grow stronger wiping any personal insecurity away.
Every relationship has its own love language but love languages are often misunderstood in many aspects of life and dynamics.
We simply must understand our loved ones language and how they operate in order to coexist in harmony in a constant growing institution.
Building this love language has a few fundamental foundation rules that absolutely any and I mean ANY RELASHIONSHIP can become successful if followed.
There’s a fluidity in the love language that excludes any label such as gender, race, age, body shape, etc.
So if your intention is to love, you will only see that spirit and it’s connecting webs.
Understanding that every relationship has a SHARE and a RECEIVE button and they both operate differently but together.
In order to keep the harmony, the integrity and the continuity of that circle we must learn the others ability to receive our love and how we can express our love for their understanding and vice versa. This is an aspect that takes a lot of communication and training, self-reflection and self-knowledge, although as the wheels keep on turning and we learn so much about ourselves, all that has to be shared and expressed for that connection to grow along together and not separate.
Stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that exist in a society towards a particular group or behavior. In the case of alternative non-traditional relationships, such as polyamory, open relationships, and consensual non-monogamy, stigma often takes the form of judgment, discrimination, and exclusion.
One common stigma associated with non-traditional relationships is the idea that they are immoral or unethical.
This stems from the societal norm of monogamy, where a person is expected to have only one romantic partner at a time. Those who practice non-monogamy are often seen as promiscuous, deviant, or unfaithful, which can lead to social ostracism and discrimination.
Another form of stigma in alternative relationships is the assumption that they are unhealthy or dysfunctional. Many people believe that non-monogamous relationships are more prone to jealousy, insecurity, and conflict than monogamous relationships, which can lead to a lack of understanding and support for those in non-traditional relationships.
Furthermore, there is often a lack of representation and visibility of alternative non-traditional relationships in mainstream media and culture, which can contribute to the marginalization of these relationships and perpetuate negative stereotypes.
Overall, stigma in alternative non-traditional relationships can have significant negative impacts on individuals and their relationships, including feelings of shame, anxiety, and isolation. It is important to recognize and challenge these stigmas in order to create a more inclusive and accepting society for all forms of consensual relationships.
Stigma surrounding dominant-submissive (D/s) relationships often arises from a lack of understanding and misconceptions about what these relationships entail. D/s relationships are based on consensual power exchange between two adults, where one partner takes on a dominant role and the other a submissive role.
One common stigma surrounding D/s relationships is that they are abusive or non-consensual.
This can lead to the assumption that the submissive partner is being coerced or forced into the relationship, when in reality, the relationship is based on mutual consent and trust.
In a healthy D/s relationship, the submissive partner has the power to set their own boundaries and safe words, which the dominant partner must respect.
Another form of stigma around D/s relationships is that they are always sexually motivated.
While sexuality can be a part of a D/s relationship, it is not the only or even the primary aspect of the relationship for many couples. For some, the dominant and submissive roles can be expressed in non-sexual contexts, such as in everyday life and decision-making.
Additionally, stigma surrounding D/s relationships can arise from the misconception that they are deviant or abnormal. Many people may view D/s relationships as immoral or taboo, which can lead to judgment and exclusion from mainstream society.
In a healthy S/M relationship, both partners engage in negotiations to establish clear boundaries, limits, and safe words.
The submissive partner consents to submit to the dominant partner's control, while the dominant partner takes responsibility for providing a safe and controlled environment for the submissive partner to explore their desires.
The submissive partner may be expected to perform tasks or follow rules set by the dominant partner, and they may be punished for any disobedience or failure to comply.
Punishment can take various forms, ranging from physical pain to verbal humiliation.
The goal of punishment is to reinforce the dominant and submissive roles and to provide a pleasurable experience for both partners.
It is important to note that S/M relationships require a high degree of communication, trust, and respect between partners. Both partners must feel comfortable expressing their desires and limits, and they must be willing to listen to each other's needs and concerns.
It is also essential that both partners understand the risks involved in S/M play and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This can involve using safe words, having a safe word system in place, and using safe and consensual practices for any physical play.
Overall, a healthy S/M relationship dynamic involves consensual power exchange, clear communication, and respect for each partner's boundaries and limits. It can be a fulfilling and pleasurable experience for those who engage in it, but it requires trust, communication, and mutual respect.
Negotiating the terms of a BDSM scene is a critical step in establishing clear boundaries and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all parties involved.
Here are some examples of what might be discussed during the negotiation process:
Limits and Boundaries: The dominant and submissive partners may discuss what activities they are comfortable with, as well as any activities that are off-limits or that may trigger negative reactions. These could include specific acts such as spanking, bondage, or sensory deprivation, or more general categories like pain or humiliation.
Safe words: The partners may establish a system of safe words that the submissive partner can use to indicate when they have reached their limits or when the scene needs to stop. These may include common safe words like "red" for stop and "yellow" for slow down or check-in.
Health and Safety Concerns: The partners may discuss any physical or mental health concerns that may impact the scene, such as allergies, asthma, or claustrophobia. They may also discuss any injuries or sensitivities that need to be taken into account during play.
Roles and Expectations: The partners may discuss the dominant and submissive roles, including what each partner expects from the other during the scene. This might include expectations around obedience, service, or specific tasks or behaviors.
Aftercare: The partners may discuss what kind of aftercare will be necessary after the scene is complete. This could involve physical care, such as applying lotion or administering first aid, or emotional care, such as holding and comforting the submissive partner.
Time Frame: The partners may discuss the duration of the scene, including any breaks or check-ins that may be needed. They may also discuss what will happen if one partner needs to end the scene early.
When trying to experience something new, it is important to remember that consent is an essential aspect of respectful and safe interactions. Here are a few ways to encourage the importance of consent when exploring new experiences:
Communicate openly and clearly: Before engaging in any new activity or experience, it is important to communicate openly and clearly with others involved.
This means discussing boundaries, desires, and expectations, and making sure that everyone involved is on the same page.
Respect each other's boundaries: It is important to respect each other's boundaries and to never pressure or coerce someone into doing something they are uncomfortable with. If someone says "no" or expresses hesitation, it is important to respect their wishes and work together to find an alternative that works for everyone.
Check in regularly: While engaging in a new experience, it is important to check in with each other regularly to make sure that everyone is still comfortable and enjoying themselves. This can be as simple as asking how someone is feeling or if they are okay with continuing.
Be aware of power dynamics: In some situations, power dynamics can make it difficult for someone to give enthusiastic and informed consent. This can include situations where there is a significant age difference, where one person is in a position of authority over the other, or where there is a history of abuse or trauma. It is important to be aware of these dynamics and to take extra care to ensure that all parties feel safe and respected.
In summary, when trying to experience something new, it is important to prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of each person's needs and boundaries.
By doing so, everyone involved can feel safe, respected, and empowered to explore new experiences in a healthy and positive way.