Negative

Negative words and phrases are specific terms, expressions, or forms of address that you find uncomfortable, offensive, or mood-breaking during BDSM play. Identifying these helps partners avoid language that might trigger negative emotions or take you out of the desired headspace.

These might include derogatory terms that cross your personal boundaries, gendered language that doesn't align with your identity, words connected to past trauma, or expressions that simply don't resonate with your self-image or kink persona. Being specific about negative language helps create a more psychologically safe play environment and ensures verbal communication enhances rather than detracts from your experience. Everyone has different language boundaries, and communicating yours clearly is an important part of negotiation.

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This is a description of an activity in the BDSM checklist (also known as a 'kink list'). Want to discover what (more) kinks you might have? Maybe share them with a partner? Start the checklist!