Filling this checklist as a

You can fill the checklist from one role viewpoint, or a combination of multiple. In our experience in works best to focus from one role perspective when filling the list, as it helps you get into the right mindspace.

Dominant

A dominant in BDSM takes charge and guides the overall experience, whether in a brief scene or within a longer-term relationship. This role involves planning and initiating activities while maintaining strict adherence to consent and safety protocols. A dominant balances control with care, ensuring that the partner’s well-being and comfort are always a priority during any interaction. The position requires clear communication about expectations and boundaries, making sure that every action is mutually agreed upon and understood.

Submissive

A submissive voluntarily relinquishes control to the dominant, trusting their partner to guide the encounter while actively communicating personal boundaries, limits, and desires. This role is defined by the empowerment that comes from yielding control, which can lead to both physical satisfaction and emotional depth. The submissive's participation is crucial, as it involves not only following the lead but also providing feedback to ensure that the experience remains safe, consensual, and rewarding throughout the interaction.

Switch

A switch is comfortable alternating between dominant and submissive roles, adapting to the needs of a particular scene or relationship. This versatility allows a switch to either take charge or yield control, depending on mood, context, or shared agreements with partners. Operating from a balanced perspective, switches possess a unique understanding of the dynamics of control and surrender, which can facilitate richer and more nuanced interactions. The flexibility of a switch underscores the importance of clear communication and a deep respect for each partner's limits, ensuring that every experience is both safe and fulfilling.

Top

A top is the active partner who performs or executes specific BDSM activities. Unlike a dominant who focuses on control and power dynamics, a top is primarily concerned with the technical aspects of administering activities such as bondage, impact play, or other physical actions. Tops may or may not incorporate dominance into their role, as they can simply enjoy the giving aspect of activities without necessarily establishing control. This role requires skill, knowledge of safety protocols, and attentiveness to their partner's responses to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Bottom

A bottom is the receiving partner in BDSM activities who experiences the physical sensations or actions being performed. Unlike submissives who surrender control, bottoms may simply enjoy receiving certain activities without a power exchange component. They can maintain equal footing with their partner while still being on the receiving end of bondage, impact play, or other activities. Bottoms actively communicate their experiences, limits, and needs throughout play, collaborating with tops to create a mutually satisfying experience that respects personal boundaries.

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Good to know: Every activity has the option to answer your preferences for giving and receiving separately. This already gives you finegrained control over top/bottom responses throughout the list.

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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!