ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Domination and submission

Domination and submission is a kind of relationship where two people agree to play games where one person is in charge (dominant) and the other person follows orders (submissive). It can be like playing make-believe, like pretending to be superheroes or princesses. However, in this game, the dominant person gets to make the rules and the submissive person follows those rules.

It's like when you play "Simon Says" with your friends. One person is Simon (the dominant) and they give commands like “Simon says, touch your toes”. Then everyone has to follow that command. If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says” before giving the command, and you still do it, you lose.

In a Domination and Submission relationship, the submissive person agrees to follow the rules set by the dominant person. These rules might be about what to wear, how the submissive person must talk, types of activities they can or cannot do. The submissive person gets pleasure from following the rules and being told what to do. The dominant person gets pleasure from being in control and directing the submissive person.

It's important to remember that all people who participate in being dominant and submissive have agreed on these rules and that both people should feel comfortable and safe during the relationship. It’s not about one person being better than the other or being mean to each other. It’s just a special game that both people enjoy playing together.