Domination & submission _ the BDSM relationship handbook ( PDFDrive )

be acting out a role, consciously or unconsciously. A submissive is defined
primarily by his or her deep-seated desire to serve and please another, while
feeling loved, cherished and cared for by a Dominant partner. A submissive
may or may not have any knowledge or connection to the BDSM lifestyle. A
submissive may or may not be a bottom, and vice versa. A bottom is someone
who temporarily or situationally assumes the role of a submissive specifically
for BDSM play. (See also: Bottom, Dominant, Role play, Scene)
Subspace. Subspace refers to an altered state of consciousness that may occur
when a submissive or bottom experiences intense levels of pain, pleasure, or
emotion either during or after a BDSM scene or activity. It is, in many ways,
similar to a mild hypnotic state, to which each individual reacts differently.
Subspace may manifest itself as a euphoric feeling, detachment from reality,
confusion, incoherence, inability to speak, and/or unusual or inappropriate
behaviors. There has been some controversy regarding whether it is a real
phenomenon with broad application at all, with some experts claiming that
subspace may simply be a matter of individual physiology and body chemistry.
Some people, when in pain or under a great deal of stress or highly aroused,
release a flood of endorphins, serotonin or dopamine into their bloodstreams,
which are natural painkillers and can produce a euphoric state. Regardless of
whether it is something that can happen to anyone, or is reserved for the lucky
few who have the right body chemistry, it happens often enough that precautions
should be taken, and aftercare provided following a scene. (See also: Aftercare,
Bottom, Masochism, Topspace)
Suspension. Refers to a sub-category of rope play that involves suspending the
subject from the ceiling or frames by rope, harness, or other device. Suspensions
may be highly elaborate, as in the case of certain shibari practices, or very
simple, involving not much more than a store-bought leather harness or swing.
(See also: Bondage, Kinbaku, Restraints, Rope play, Shibari)
Switch. A Switch is a person in the D/s lifestyle who, on the “dominance
scale,” falls somewhere between Dominant on one end of the scale and
submissive on the other end. The switch has characteristics of both and is
generally able to assume either role as appropriate for role play and sometimes,
in real life as well. It is a commonly held misconception that Switches make the
best Dominants (or submissives), just as it is a myth that one must first learn to
be a good submissive, before becoming a Dominant. Switches fall into two