When I first started looking into BDSM seriously a year and a half ago, I thought the whole concept of being "collared" a romantic one. At the time I had just met a man right here at Lit who I found myself attracted to, and the feelings were returned. We discussed collaring, and he admitted to me that he had "collared" a couple of women online. My romantic ideals in full swing, I asked him why he had never offered one to me. His answer was telling: "They [other women he "collared"] amuse me and make me laugh - they are such silly creatures. You [meaning me] are special. You are a friend, a confidante, and hopefully lover one day. If things are right, we'll talk about it then."
His words sunk deep. We talk, exchange snail mail, send gifts all the time. We both know more about each other than most of our friends. And, no, we've never met. But his friendship is vital to me, as I hope mine is to him. We might roleplay "Master/slave" for arousal, but neither of us wants it to be reality if or until we meet and see if we are as combatible in RT as we are online/LDR. That means a great deal to me.
In the intervening time, I've seen women in chatrooms, and right here at Lit, who are practically begging to be collared. For what? I don't know. Acceptance? Belonging? Fantasy fulfillment? However, I do suspect the men giving these "collars" are less than genuine, and to that I say - "Go for it!" If these women cannot see they are being made fools of, they have bigger concerns than begging for that piece of leather around their neck.
I have learned over the year and a half that that piece of leather has a very significant meaning, and carries much weight. While I see nothing wrong (of course) with wearing a play collar, something more serious needs to be thought about and understood in its completeness. Even if I were to meet this special man next week, and everything click, and even having known him a year and a half, I believe I would respectfully decline. I still don't know him well enough to take that step. And for those who might be wondering, if I were to meet him and all "clicked", I would be willing to move half a country away just to be with him.
Collars are significant and important, if people put that onto them. To undertake this step lightly, is to be made a fool of, and possibly experience the most intense hurt imaginable.
His words sunk deep. We talk, exchange snail mail, send gifts all the time. We both know more about each other than most of our friends. And, no, we've never met. But his friendship is vital to me, as I hope mine is to him. We might roleplay "Master/slave" for arousal, but neither of us wants it to be reality if or until we meet and see if we are as combatible in RT as we are online/LDR. That means a great deal to me.
In the intervening time, I've seen women in chatrooms, and right here at Lit, who are practically begging to be collared. For what? I don't know. Acceptance? Belonging? Fantasy fulfillment? However, I do suspect the men giving these "collars" are less than genuine, and to that I say - "Go for it!" If these women cannot see they are being made fools of, they have bigger concerns than begging for that piece of leather around their neck.
I have learned over the year and a half that that piece of leather has a very significant meaning, and carries much weight. While I see nothing wrong (of course) with wearing a play collar, something more serious needs to be thought about and understood in its completeness. Even if I were to meet this special man next week, and everything click, and even having known him a year and a half, I believe I would respectfully decline. I still don't know him well enough to take that step. And for those who might be wondering, if I were to meet him and all "clicked", I would be willing to move half a country away just to be with him.
Collars are significant and important, if people put that onto them. To undertake this step lightly, is to be made a fool of, and possibly experience the most intense hurt imaginable.