Category: D/s, Power Play
Subcategory: Power exchange / Protocol

Serving others

Serving Others involves a submissive providing service to individuals besides their dominant, but under their dominant's direction or permission. This might include domestic service, personal assistance, or even sexual service to the dominant's friends, partners, or other designated people. The scope and nature of service to others is negotiated between the dominant and submissive.

This practice extends the power exchange beyond the primary relationship. Submissives often experience intensified feelings of objectification and submission when "loaned out" or directed to serve others, as it emphasizes that their service is ultimately controlled by their dominant. The vulnerability of serving strangers or acquaintances can deepen the submissive experience. Dominants typically value the extended control, the social dynamics of directing their submissive to attend to others, and the demonstration of ownership implied in determining who receives their submissive's service.

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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!

About the category D/s, Power Play

Dominance and submission (D/s) and power play revolve around the consensual exchange of control between partners. This dynamic can manifest in countless ways—from bedroom-only scenarios to comprehensive lifestyle arrangements—all centered on one partner taking a controlling role while the other yields authority within negotiated boundaries.

People are drawn to power exchange for diverse reasons: the freedom found in surrender, the thrill of exercising control, the deep trust required, and the opportunity to explore aspects of themselves not expressed in everyday life. Unlike physical BDSM activities which focus on bodily sensations, D/s emphasizes psychological connection and the erotic potential of power differentials, creating experiences that many find deeply fulfilling on both emotional and sexual levels.

About the subcategory Power exchange / Protocol

Power exchange protocols establish formalized patterns of behavior between partners that reinforce and express their D/s dynamic. These may include specific language requirements, postures, rituals, or rules that symbolize and maintain the consensual power differential between participants.

People engage in protocols for the structure and clarity they bring to power exchange relationships. These practices create consistent reminders of roles, deepen the psychological aspects of submission and dominance, and provide a framework for expressing devotion and control. For many practitioners, the mindfulness required to maintain protocols creates a meditative focus that enhances connection and satisfaction beyond what more casual power dynamics might offer.



All activities in the checklist: