Protocol, Service, Rituals and Other Stuff within a D/s relationship

My goal in this document is to provide a basic, introductory description and evaluation of some of the more formal aspects of a D/s relationship.  This is by no means meant to be a definitive work, as one of the most important aspects of such a relationship is that each one is unique, crafted and molded to suit the participants involved.  

Upon entering a D/s relationship, a common dilemma is “what do I do now?”  Many of us are attracted to this lifestyle first because of the blatant sexuality inherent in it.  Some of us are content with just that level.  However, many others strive to incorporate more depth and feeling to their relationship.  One of the best ways to do so, is to include formal Protocols, actual Service, and develop Rituals that celebrate the relationship.  

But where to begin?  Not all of us know members of the Old Guard to teach us their protocols.  And even if we did… not all of us want or need that particular style of D/s.  

As I began my search, I discovered that there is both a wealth of information, and a lack of it.  While that seems contradictory, it really is not.  Much of the information to be found is simply the same information repeated multiple ways.  A lot of the rest is simply the opinion of someone who is web savvy, or found a way to post their opinion on the internet.  There is NO single way to do any of the things that we do.  

Each of the primary topics (Protocol, Service, Rituals, and Other Stuff) are discussed individually; beginning with a description of what is meant by the term and a discussion of how this area fits into my idea of a D/s environment.

Often, what will be offered will be a set of alternatives, which you may choose to use or to discard altogether.  The whole point here is to offer suggestions for what may be done, not what must be done.  Only you can decide how much, if any, of my suggestions you wish to utilize.

                                                                 In service to Sir David
                                                                               cecelia