Master/slave Contract

Entering into a Master/slave Contract

In BDSM, a slave is one that submits fully and unconditionally to their Master. If there are limits set on Master’s authority, then this is not a true Master/slave relationship and the parties should be referred to as Dominant and submissive. However, some couples still like to call themselves “Master” or “Mistress” and “slave” whilst retaining some limits.

What’s involved

When a Master takes on a slave in BDSM, the parties typically enter into some form of contract or agreement. Usually Master prepares the documentation and presents it to slave for signing.Most times the slave will have the opportunity to negotiate and talk over the terms, but in some situations they are not even given the chance to read the contents. Increasingly, Masters have been known for asking the slave to prepare the document from scratch.There are essentially three types of Master/slave BDSM contracts. The first represents the true realms of such a relationship: a total power exchange, the second is for those who wish to call themselves “slave” but yet retain certain rights (in essence being a submissive rather than a slave). Persons who fall into the latter category have been criticized for undermining core principles of BDSM. The third kind is a scene play contract as opposed to a lifestyle.

Are you ready for a Master/slave relationship?

There are fundamental elements of a Master/slave relationship which also need to be imbued into the terms of the contract. These include honesty, devotion, trust, communication and the ever important desire to own or be owned. If you don’t have these elements in your relationship, there is no point entering into a contract to create them. You should only be signing on the dotted line if you already have these qualities present.Being able to communicate in a non-judgmental way is incredibly important. The slave needs to be able to feel comfortable enough to raise any queries or concerns with Master. This is not only important for negotiating the contract in the beginning, but it’s also essential for helping the relationship grow. In many cases, the contract is a living document, which is altered with the development of the relationship. Verbal communication is the most common form, but slaves may also be made to disclose their deepest inner thoughts and desires through a journal, private website or emails to Master. Master will also need to communicate his desires and restrict unwanted behavior in the slave. If you don’t have the ability to do this yet, maybe hold off or just sign a short term Master/slave contract with the intention of renegotiating along the way.The lack of honesty and trust is a deal breaker for many Masters and slaves. If you don’t have this from the outset, signing a contract is unlikely to improve your relationship. This is especially because BDSM contracts solely stand on the party’s moral authority, as opposed to any legal enforceability.Negotiating and drawing up a Master/slave contract can bring you closer together through the essential negotiation process. It can also bring you closer to your goals as you will need to clearly express them with any contract you write. If you are devoted to what BDSM stands for and to one another, there is no reason why you shouldn’t formalize your commitment with a signed contract. Just make it relevant to your situation, needs and wants, rather than following what others are doing.