Dominance and submission or D/s (part of the BDSM initialism) are behaviors or mindsets that involve giving control to your partner (submission) or taking control of your partner (dominance).  Usually both parties in a D/s dynamic get sexual pleasure from the power exchange. Physical contact isn’t necessary in D/s dynamics; you could even participate anonymously over the phone or internet. In other cases it can be an intensely physical dynamic, sometimes involving sadism and masochism. A modern example of a D/s dynamic comes from the popular book, Fifty Shades of Grey. In 50 Shades of Grey, Christian Grey is the dominant (also known as the “dom” or “top”) and Anastasia Steele is the submissive (“sub” or “bottom” can also be used) in the relationship.

D/s dynamics are limitless in their possibilities. There is no one way to participate in dominance or submission, and the activities that can be involved know no bounds. On that note, it is important to remember to play safely! A safe word is a word or phrase that you and your partner have agreed to use in order to stop play. A safe word is normally given to the submissive partner in order to prevent the dominant from unintentionally overstepping physical or emotional boundaries.
Discussing safe words and limits before play is incredibly important to safe and fun play.