sub vs. slave
From a little one's view.

A submissive is an individual who chooses to offer her/himself to a Dom/me in
whatever way he/she chooses, be it sexual or otherwise.  Submissives make decisionsand choices about how they will serve, when they will serve, where they will serve and who they will serve.  A submissive's training can be as extensive or limited as desired by them.  The submissives defines what props, toys, instruments, devices, clothing, etc.  will be allowed to be used upon their bodies.  Their submission is a gift to a Dom/me and all established and agreed upon limits are adhered to, and extended only with permission from the submissive.

     A slave is an individual who chooses to place themselves in the care and custody of Another who is Dominant.  Once collared, slaves essentially do not have choices about how they will serve, when they will serve, where they will serve and who they will serve.  A slave's training is extensive and usually includes everything from learning defined sexual practices (Kama Sutra for example) to the running of the Dom's household.  The Dom/me defines what props, toys, instruments, devices, clothing, etc.  will be used upon the slave's body.  Slavery is referred to as the ultimate gift to a Dom/me, since any and all established and agreed upon limits are maintained by the Dom/me and may be extended at the will of the Dom/me.  I've not included the 24/7
Master/slave relationship as that is an entirely different topic all of it's own, but rather a typical power exchange w here a level of seperateness is maintained.

     In both the case of a submissive and the of a slave, the desire is to serve well and to be knowledgeable and pleasing.  The communication and the "learning" of one and Another are similar in that desires, fears, abhorrances, etc. are to be discussed at great length so that miscommunications are kept to a minimum.  The difference lies essentially in the mindset of the two different forms of service.  The submissive performs an agreed upon service, whereas a slave is subject to perform whatever service is required by the Dominant.  Psychologically, this sets up a different set of dynamics in that a slave is never without her/his Master/Mistress.  Virtually every decision, action, etc. is made in accordance with the rules set by the One who owns him/her.

     I feel it should be pointed out that in both cases, the individuals who share
themselves in either manner are some of the strongest people in existence.  It takes a great deal of personal power to give your will over to Another and either role will test the limits of trust, faith and the ability to express oneself honestly and assertively.  If personal awareness is lacking in ANY of the roles, whether it be Dominant/submissive or Master/slave, the results can be disasterous to A/all concerned.  Therefore, it is essential that the relationships move forward slowly, with careful attention paid to the details, and of course, communication cannot possibly be stressed enough.  There can be no such thing as knowing too much about your Dominant/Master or submissive/slave.  These relationships can be s ome of the most intensely gratifying experiences W/we will ever know if W/we take the time to see that it turns out that way.

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