Domination & submission _ the BDSM relationship handbook ( PDFDrive )

strategies based on specific animal species, or no strategy at all. Primals
certainly appear to have a higher likelihood of being polyamorous than
monogamous, but there is little hard data to support that notion. Some identify
so strongly with their specific animals, that they will adopt that animal’s mating
strategies, as well. A wolf would therefore employ a strategy of monogamy,
whereas a lion might feel compelled to build a pride of five or six mates. It’s
also entirely possible that for some Primals, surrendering to their animal instincts
means not really having a strategy at all, but simply doing what instinctively
feels right at the moment.
What comes as a surprise to many who may not be familiar with Primals is the
fact that they typically do not identify or connect themselves with the Furry
subculture. Furries, for the benefit of anyone who may have been living in a
cave for the past few decades, are people who role-play anthropomorphic animal
characters with human characteristics. A furry may look like a dog, or cat, or
fox, or skunk, but he walks and talks and acts just like a human being in most
respects. In other words, a furry is, in practically every way that counts, the
exact opposite of a Primal. A Primal is a human who instinctively thinks, acts,
and perceives the word in an animalistic way. He considers his Primalism a core
personality trait, rather than a role, and will often view himself as a humananimal
hybrid, or humanimal. A furry, by contrast, is a role-player who is part
of a fandom, rather than a lifestyle. His fascination is with looking the part of an
animal, while maintaining most or all of the characteristics of humanity.
Another subtle distinction between Primals and Furries concerns the social
circles, events and gatherings that are typical to each. Primals are generally
considered to be part of the D/s lifestyle, primarily due to their preoccupation
with Dominance and submission, even if their expression of it is considered nontraditional.
Their involvement in the BDSM lifestyle is generally dependent
upon the degree to which they also subscribe to BDSM related kinks and
fetishes. When Primals meet it is, almost by necessity, a face-to-face meeting.
When they gather in large numbers, it is usually at fetish events and BDSM
conventions.
Conversely, Furries are generally considered to be a subset of the science
fiction, fantasy, gaming and comic book fandoms. Since it is far more practical
to be a giant, walking, talking kitty-cat wearing human clothes in an online
virtual environment, the internet is the most common venue for personal