Sadism & Masochism

Sadomasochism should not be confused with violence or abuse.

Sadomasochism is always based on consent.
This includes careful negotiation of the boundaries, limits & desires of the individuals involved.

Sadomasochism (S&M) is about the giving & receiving of pleasure through the application of different types of intense sensation, pain and/or humiliation, be it physical or psychological. While S&M can be a facet of Dominant/submissive relationships, it is also practiced on its own without the element of control associated with D/s dynamics.

Sadism refers to the pleasure derived from the giving of pain, while

Masochism refers to pleasure derived from receiving pain.
Both terms were popularized by psychologist Richard von Krafft-Ebing who named Sadism after the infamous Marquis de Sade, and Masochism after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch.

Sadists get a rush from inflicting pain on their partner & seeing their reactions, which can intensify & increase their own arousal.

Masochists get a rush from the intense sensations of pain, which can intensify & increase their arousal.

But WHY do it? Because pain, as with pleasure, causes the body to release endorphins, which our brains associate with euphoria and enjoyment.

Is it all whips and chains?

Nope! Many people think of S&M as only whips & chains, but a lot of people don’t realize that they’re probably incorporating some elements of S&M in their sex lives already! If they’ve ever playfully bitten, scratched or pulled the hair of their partner, they’re participating in S&M activities.

Again these activities are strictly consensual.
Everything is negotiated & agreed upon before any action is taken.

The masochist can stop the activity at any time.