Submissive 'Thought for the Day' Calendar 2007

[FurryFury]

July 15, the words of Chicklet:

I just wanted to comment because I see this SOOOOO often - the "rare" dom who enjoys being gentle.

Another one is the "rare" dom that respects a submissive.

Neither of these things are rare. The assholes out there are just louder and more noticeable.

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=25399793

From the thread:

Gentle bondage

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=556989

 

[FurryFury]

July 16 the words of Caitlynne:

There are so many things at play here. I'll try not to sound too preachy.

First, I'll never understand how any couple thinking of adding a third, believe they can maintain an absolute pecking order. The type of third that can live with being an absolute third is rare. Additionally, emotions and preferences change and are much more fluid in a poly situation. That's the very issue that needs to be understood and accepted by everyone. That there many come a time when one will get more attention. Then it will shift back and the other will get more attention, but in the end it will all balance out [if it's done right and everyone feels secure]

You might "think" you're going to keep a pecking order, but the truth is in a D/s type of relationship the Dominant is going to have preferences and they will change in a fluid manner. You're never going to get a dominant to get on some schedule where it's a "Ok, it's Tuesday it must be time to spend with X". Preferences that will change back and forth and the pecking order one month might change the next. It's fluid. That's the nature of poly.

There are exceptions to this, especially if the beta dominates the third, but the general gist of this is that time and preferences are VERY fluid. You cannot maintain a pecking order the way you maintain the order of children.

It is not like a mother and father adding a child. Those relationships are defined and can be kept absolute even if time fluctuates. Adding a third to become poly is not the same. Anyone who thinks that and relies on the status [pecking order] to maintain their balance and well being is going to run into some trouble, unless the Dominant "keeps" the order static. S/he has to keep the order in place for a pecking order to work. That's the key.

Then there is also the problem of 'frenzy'. The third enters into the relationship and she is "new". All the courting traditions will still take place. All the newness will still drive the relationship. It consumes time, which is the problem in poly relationships. Hell it is a problem in all relationships. If the beta doesn't understand the course of relationships and the frenzy at the beginning then she will feel threatened. Actually if the Dominant doesn't understand this and take steps to make sure the beta feels secure, you will have problems. This would be his responsibility as he is the one leading all the relationships. [don't want to put everything on the beta.]

The courting period will end, and things will level out. That's not to say, it isn't hard on the beta, and she should still voice her feelings, but some of it is just the natural evolution of relationships. In the beginning, there is a frenzy of sorts and that is time consuming.

But in any event, all these things have to be discussed. They have to be. Not only should she discuss this with her Keeper, but then they should all three sit down and talk about it as a group. Then I'd even suggest that the beta talk with the third privately. Get it all said and understood. This is a problem for the entire relationship, and there are four relationships to consider. The three of them, and each individual relationship one with another. It's complicated. 'That's why these are such difficult relationships to make work under the *best* of circumstances.

In a poly situation that works, the thirds will usually feel terrible if she knows that the beta is feeling abandoned. There is a specific mind set to a third. They usually become negotiators and peacemakers. Like I said a "third" usually has a very special mind set that is rare and in poly relationships that works the third is this rare breed. In the ones that don't work, the third is usually competing with the beta for time and attention. This is the crux of all problems in poly. Time.

When discussing the possibility of bring a third [or more] into a relationship, you have to really talk with the third and get her 'take' on time. It works best if the third has a real need to be alone instead of needing company. It allows for one less stress point if she needs to be alone at different times. Like I said it's a special breed that becomes a successful third and any Dominant, Keeper, etc needs to understand what dynamics in people will actually make it all work. And that is beyond all the attraction, desire, emotional considerations etc.

If I were the beta, I'd begin a conversation. I'd explain my feelings. I'd also relate that I knew that time is fluid and that preferences can be the same way. I'd then say that I felt abandoned. Which is what she really does feel. I'd ask for help from my Keeper in handling my own fears and insecurities. I'd ask for guidance. I'd ask for his leadership at a time when I could not handle what I was feeling. That is after all what a Dominant is for. To lead. To use for counsel when possible. I'd ask for his help.

Then I'd do the same with the third. I'd explain how I felt and ask for help in dealing with difficult emotions.

I'd own my feeling as my own. It's true you cannot blame the others, but I'd ask for their help. I'd ask for their love in a time when I was lost and afraid.

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=25133549

From the thread:

Polyamorous pecking order compromised

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=557552

 

[FurryFury]

July 17 The words of Dixicritter:

Oh my dear you have hit the nail nail on the head. I started trying to allow my submissive side back out in my mid 30's after years and years of suppressing it. I'd told my husband of 14 years (at the time) there was no way in hell he'd ever be spanking me...LOL. Guess who's had to eat those words time and time again?

The hardest part is letting go of that conditioning, and allowing yourself the freedom to actually be yourself. Don't worry about what others will think of you. All that should matter to you is what feels right for you.

There's no right or wrong way to go about your specific journey. If it works for you then it is the best way for you to do it. And like ecstaticsub said slow down and enjoy the journey, you'll be much happier as a result I promise you.

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=25192297

From the thread:

Is this room spinning...

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?p=25192297#post25192297

 

[FurryFury]

July 18, The Words of Madetotakeit:

I agree with this statement. IMO we are who we are. Social dominance and sexual dominance are not mutually inclusive. We compartmentalize ourselves. Who I am at work is different than who I am with friends, a lover, or my family. The dynamics of the situation cause me to bring up what is appropriate for the surrounding. Even at work I am not always one way or the other. Although I am mostly dominant, sometimes to control the emotional caller I need to be the comforter rather than the taskmaster. Others need to be told what to do and when in a controlling way. It's all about adaptation. I have to access all of that.

Socially speaking, there is an hierarchy whether it is in humans or other animals. This allows for success and continuation of the species. Some are born with the ability to lead where as others are not. It is neither a positive nor a negative as far as worth. It does however make for a smoother running system. Since the feminist movement came along, women who are socially dominant have more opportunities to be just that. That has also put pressure on those who are not wired that way. Where once women were only instructed how to become a "good wife and mother," they are now encouraged to be whatever they want. If a woman wants to run a multinational corporation, more power to her. If she chooses not to have children, applaud her for making that choice for herself. On the other hand, if a woman needs to be taken care of, live the life of a mother and wife, she should also be supported in that decision. Ultimately it is what makes the individual happy.

Sexually speaking it is not that different. We are who we are. If that is dominant, we will act that out. If we are submissive, maybe not so much. Society has been giving mixed messages for generations. A woman should be strong and independent, but not too much. If a woman is too submissive she is a doormat. Something is wrong with you if you have these urges to be controlled or get off on whatever kink you have. . If she is too dominant she is a slut or a maneater. People are supposed to conform to "polite, normal" society. It makes fewer people uncomfortable that way. And by all means the "normal" must be comfortable above all else. Like Doc Holiday said in Tombstone. "There is no normal life...just life."

We learn to project an image of ourselves by watching others around us. We look for clues of how we are supposed to act and feel and fake it if it doesn't come naturally. Some people remain behind that facade and never step from behind it. Others feel the need to embrace what they know inside. Something will trigger them. It may be the need to be Dominant or submissive. It may be a particular kink that once exposed to becomes ingrained in their psyche. Either way, that exposure causes the dormant inclination to come forward and it clicks. It's a part of you. Then it is a matter of going against what society says you should like, how you should act, etc. Some people will embrace that and decide to be true to themselves.

Societies throughout history have never been consistent. Some have been more free-flowing in regards to gender roles and sexuality, others were more stringent. This country was founded by people who were too puritanical for where they came from. But if you look at the country today, it appears that the attitudes originally held went against human nature. Otherwise, the possibility of a discussion such as this would not be taking place.

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=25383846

From the thread:

Females, how do you feel about submissive men in general?

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=561089

 

[FurryFury]

July 19 the words of Quint:

This is it for me. In my adult life, I've never had a good friend that I didn't have some level of sexual interest in--to me, an intriguing personality just leads to me wanting to try them sexually. I get something different and unique from each person which kind of revitalizes sex for me, makes me appreciate it more.

The priority is always T. I swore to honor and respect him, so he always comes first, and if he doesn't approve of a person or doesn't want me being available for an amount of time, he only has to let me know. Have we had to talk about jealousy and fidelity? Sure, plenty of times. But every time we talk, we end at peace with our non-mono marriage.

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=23369840

From the thread:

BDSM - D/s & Monogomy

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=529541

 

[FurryFury]

July 20, The Words of His_pita:

There are two rules I live by in my M/s relationship; obedience and transparency. Not always easy to do when you let yourself get in the way of giving those thoughts to your dominant.

I have recently been struggling with transparency and just had to complete a punishment (writing assignment) for my lack of transparency, where I tired to control a particular situation that was not mine to control.

Communication is the key of course. There also has to be trust so that you feel safe and understood when you do turn over your thoughts and feelings. I often use journaling as a stepping stone to talking face to face. It is especially useful when I am struggling with something and can't easily find the words to express it directly.

The book SlaveCraft by Guy Baldwin has an interesting chapter on transparency that you might enjoy. On page 95 he says, “I crave to be owned, body, mind, heart, and soul.” That is true for me and for many submissives I think. However, it seems that the mind is the one area we struggle over the most in letting go and giving to our dominant. It's all a process that takes time.

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=25390980

From the thread:

Transparency as it relates to D/s

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?p=25390980#post25390980

 

[FurryFury]

July 21 The Words of Callinectes

Or at least what I think may be humilation..

One of the things my Dom has started doing lately is having me verbalize specific sexual things I want to do or try. The vast majority of these things are well outside the realm of BDSM and are simply adventurous vanilla sex. I have a very difficult time saying the words.. but he has a way of coaxing them out of me. Nothing cruel, he just knows me well. It really turns me on to be made to say these things but, at the time I feel something akin to shame. Maybe it is embarressment, I dunno. I was nearly in tears the other day when I finally blurted out something I was particularly embarrassed about. Let me re-interate, these are all activites I want to particpate in, even if I have a dread/desire feeling about them. He is only forcing me to say things that I have expressed an interest in via a checklist or in conversation (where all I could bring myself to do was nod my head) LOL

Has anyone else had this experience? How do you overcome your inner turmoil?

BTW, I do understand what he is doing and why. But that doesn't make it any easier! LOL

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=19666266

From the thread:

Lets talk about humilation play

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=469371

 

[FurryFury]

July 22 The Words of Satindesire

I've never really been able to separate love from sex, and I don't think I could ever halve my heart for someone else. I am a very extreme person, in my life I cannot tolerate a gray area. Things are VERY black and white for me, so monogamy is my only option ^_^. I am certainly not complaining though...my Sir is one of the biggest and most wonderful blessings I have!

There are certain aspects about a non-monogamous life I envy. The excitement of dating and flirting with new people is very fun and rewarding!!

http://forum.literotica.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=23393667

From the thread:

BDSM - D/s & Monogomy

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=529541

 

[graceanne]

Can we do it? Yes we can!

No more Bob for you.

 

[graceanne]

July 23rd - words of CutieMouse

Rose (and MP) this is a problem of your own design, and it will take the two of you being understanding and setting boundaries to solve it.

That means accepting that it's probably not *practical* to expect to spend hours on the phone with each other on a daily basis, just as it wouldn't be *practical* to expect to sit at his feet/next to him on the couch/follow each other room from room 24/7 if you were living in the same house.

Is it okay to (both) expect and need daily contact? Yes.

Is it okay to (both) expect and need X amount of daily contact? Yes.

Is it okay that sometimes Life gets in the way, and you have to *temporarily* work around those expectations and needs? Yes.

If the expectations and needs for regular, daily contact are *reasonable* and take personal lives, hobbies, work schedules, obligations, etc into consideration, the annoying disruptive stuff will probably have less of an impact.

If the expectations and needs for regular daily contact are excessive, the shit Life throws at you will always be an issue.

Set boundaries with each other, with yourselves, and with the people who absorb your time like sponges. It doesn't make you any less Master and/or slave of the month material... it makes you healthy functioning adults who respect and love each other.

How do you balance .....

 

[graceanne]

July 24th - words of Etoile

I think you owe it to MP to maintain your relationship with him even as you are helping your friend. And I think MP owes it to you to allow you a little leeway. That is how you balance. You each have to consider the thing that you want to do most, and then give a little over to the other side. I'm sure MP would rather have your attentions on himself, but I also think he cares enough about you to know that you would feel awful abandoning your friend, and I don't think he'd expect you to do that. Similarly, I imagine the thing you would like to do is help the friend you've known for so long who is truly in a time of crisis, but I think you would feel bad leaving MP hanging for so long, so I don't think you'd want to do that either.

The fact that this is an LDR has a big impact. I don't think people who have live-in D/s relationships can quite understand, and I say that as someone who is simultaneously in a live-in relationship and an LDR. It is a fact of life that you are going to feel pressure to focus on the people around you more than the people who are not around you, no matter how important those distant people are to you. I see a lot of people in this thread saying "if you care about him so much, you'll leave your friend behind and focus on him." But you know what? That just isn't the reality of an LDR.

I think you guys will find a balance together just fine. I know it feels awful that you are having to split your attentions like this, but I don't think it's going to be the end of your relationship. Everybody goes through tough times. Hang in there, you two.

How do you balance .....

 

[graceanne]

July 25th - words of A Desert Rose

At the risk of sounding preachy myself, I have to agree with this. You make your dreams a reality. You make your life happy or not. You are in charge of what you do with what happens to you. A lot of times you have no control over what happens or has happened to you, but you do have control on how and what you do after.

If you want something bad enough, you make it happen. It might take a month, it might take a year, or 5 years. But if you want it, and want it bad enough, you make it happen. You see the goal - whatever that goal may be, whether it's living with the one you love or being rid of a brain tumor - and move to it. And keep moving to it, daily. You reaffrim to yourself everyday that "this is where I'm going" ... "this is how it will be for me and for the ones I love"...

It's just another way of saying "keep your eyes on the prize."


I'll never make it as a tv-evangelist, will I?

How do you balance .....

 

[graceanne]

July 26th - words of BiBunny

I'm going to go ahead and say I'm probably going to piss people off with this post, but I am NOT in a good mood, and something about this thread just bothers me. Let me first say that I have a great respect for both rose and MP, and I don't want either of you to think I'm coming down on you. This is strictly my $.02, so take it for what it's worth.

My opinion is, if you choose to be in a LDR, you have to learn to compromise, to prioritize, and to make sacrifices. If you can't sit at home and talk on the phone/IM all night like teenagers because life gets in the way, then it shouldn't be seen as a failing on anybody's part. So often, I see people get SO caught up in their relationships to the exclusion of everything else. Yes, I know it's D/s or M/s or whatever, but it still ain't healthy. Get a hobby or something, for God's sake. The longer you sit around and dwell on what you can't have, the shittier you're going to feel about it.

No matter how much we want to concentrate on our relationships even at the expense of our own personal lives, our ultimate responsibility is to ourselves. Take care of your own shit first, and if your partner doesn't understand that, maybe it's time to rethink the nature of your association. Or at least tell him/her to take up crocheting or something.

Signed,
She Who No Longer Considers Herself Capable Of Being A Slave

How Do You Balance .....

 

[graceanne]

July 27th - words of A Desert Rose

If I sound harsh, I apologize. I do think that both MP and rose have been very receptive and appreciative of the advice on these pages. Moreso than many of the new lifestylers that I've read. And I won't even touch the original question of this thread. But suffice it to say that my posts would be similar to Catalina's, even though I'm a submissive and not a slave.

I know very little about these 2 people or their circumstances. But I do know that I keep reading:

"I can't afford to move yet."

"Our financial situation isn't right."

"I won't be able to redden that ass for awhile."

It should read:

"I can afford to move, eventually."

"Our financial situation will be right, soon."

"I will be able to redden that ass, in the near future."

Together you should set a date that you will be under the same roof. Make it a date that's attainable. And then say "this is the date that we will be together forever." Not, "we can't afford be together until this date."

You create your world through your thoughts and those thoughts become words and then actions. Get rid of the -n'ts in your thoughts and words. Postive actions will naturally follow.

http://forum.literotica.com/showpost.php?p=22982483&postcount=59

 

[graceanne]

Do I get a cookie now?

 

[catalina_francisco]

July 28th - words of sinnOcent1

"Q.what is the difference between Dom and Master?

my Answer: I never had a Dom. I've always been owned by my Master. I never referred to Him as anything else. He's my Master because He is the only man who has ever made me comply to His wishes and desires and demands, even when I don't want to. He makes me actually WANT to obey, serve and please Him. He has mastered me and most times, my will.. He has the skill and power over me even when it isn't all fun and games and story book type D/s romance. In my opinion, that sets the two up as apples and oranges... a Dom and a Master may be in the same bowl of fruit..... but they aint exactly the same thing..


Q.How do you know if the Dom or Master is telling the truth about how much experience they have in the lifestyle?

my Answer: Truth serum? How about one of those special lasso ropes like Wonder Woman used? Best answer i can offer you here: You either do or you don't and if you aren't sure if what they have told you rings true or just doesn't ........ you either take your chances that they have lied or you don't. You can check references if they have them, but many [unless they are involved in local community events and/or clubs with BDSM and/or munches] won't have any to offer. You could play it safe and meet in public or hang out with others until you can trust your own instincts... and you could make use of safe calls. I never did any of this though. But that's just me and I did fine... and I was lucky. You may be too... or maybe not. We all have to decide for ourselves. You decide.

Q.If a Dom or Master is married is it wrong to be involved with them if their spouse doesnt know?

my Answer: Well, I am married and I believe that consent is a very important part of any relationship. I also believe that consent should cover all parties of 'intimate concern and commitment' who may be affected by that involvement. It's only right if the spouse doesn't WANT to know. And the only way to be certain of what their wishes could be would be to ask them. You up to that?


Q.How long of a time spand to you give before allowing any type of bondage to happen?

my Answer: That's gonna depend upon which time span you want to know about.
A:between the time we found each others profiles online to the moment we actually met?
OR
B:talking about the actual time span that we knew each other after meeting face to face?
OR
C:In the days, weeks, months and years afterwards?

A:about 18 hours B:about 3 hours C:As long as He wants, and as often as He wants, and any time of the day or night, or morning or afternoon..... that He wants."

Dom or Master?

 

[catalina_francisco]

July 29th - words ot Temptress_lee

"Wow I would have loved to answer some of those questions earlier if I had caught this thread early on but unfortunitly. I feel weird responding to questions, and topics that have already neem disccused.

I do identify well as a switch though. I didn't really figure that out until later on. In the beginning I always viewed myself as submissive. People would tell me your either one, or the other you can't be both. If you don't desire a need to take control, then your not a Top, or the other way around. But then I started asking myself; What if I desire both? In the beginning yes i'am very submissive, you would never guess some timid little girl like me could get a grown man to kneel at my feet, but I can depending on how comfortable i'am with that person, and how open he is to letting me do it.

I always thought you needed over inflated ego, and power to take control. Then I realized I had the most powerful thing of all and that was my own sexuality. All i'd had to do is say what I wanted and instantly a man would go get it for me... without complaint. I just never pushed myself past that barrier before so it was a little scary for me at first. But when I did it was alot of fun.

And thats kindof when I came to discover my need to play both parts."

Switch Space

 

[catalina_francisco]

July 30th - words of wicked woman

"as one who hadn't seen this who needs a pillow (or two) to kneel before my Dom ...thanks for bumping this snooze.

Was at a munch lately where I met a sub who 4 years ago entered the lifestyle and is looking forward to her next birthday - number 65 - and clearly loving it. She'd certainly say you're never too old"

Will You Ever Be Too Old To Be In The Lifestyle?

 

[catalina_francisco]

July 31st - words of heyrocky

"50 year old straight submissive male married to the same beautiful woman for 18 years. Just recently started exploring BDSM. I am more intense than she is and come up with most of the ideas we try. I have the opposite problem of Predator Smile. I have the strap on fantasy and she doesn't seem quite willing to help me fulfill it. I bought my first butt plug today and plan on using it next time we are together, (we are apart temporarily due to family illness).
I hope once she sees how much pleasure I get from the plug she will change her mind and strap one on me."

Partner Too Extreme, or Too Mild?

 

[catalina_francisco]

August 1st - words of VelvetDarkness

"If a woman flashed at me I wouldn't be too bothered. If a man flashed at me and I was with Master, he'd probably be annoyed but so long as they flashed and went, I'd laugh it off. If I was alone though a man flashing would definitely scare me a little because I don't know till he leaves that his only intention was to flash his dick.

I got flashed once, in halls when I was a student and that kind of environment is fine because you're surrounded by young, stupid (& usually drunk) people and it's laughed off.

I also once saw a guy strip off on a club dancefloor for the benefit of a hen party. He wasn't a hired stripper or anything, he was just showing off.

I think any kind of boisterous adult environment like that is fine. As a woman though I'd want my Master standing right next to me emanating "don't even fucking think about it asshole." from every pore."

Exhibitionism and Offending...

 

[catalina_francisco]

August 2nd - words of the captains wench

"I'm not sure I know anyone who would be happy with the idea that I gave out their im or what ever as a refference to some one they don't know. Hell I barely give out the names of my close friends until I've met the person. Of course, now that I think about it, I don't think my mom would mind if I gave her email out to some one, but she'd be wanting to drill him as much as him her. *giggles* Hmmm....maybe I should use her as a screener, sort of like my own personal hiring manager.

I did know a guy at the old mcd's who the girls all drooled over. Eventually a few of them asked him out and he asked for each girl to fill out an aplication. They told me that I should fill out one too, and I looked at them and said "why the fuck would I fill out an application for some one to help him decide if I was worth talking to further and possibly taking out. He's by every night, so if he doesn't like what he sees while he's here he's not going to like what he sees on paper. I'm not filling out an aplication to talk to a guy, that's bull shit." Seemed to work for him tho *shrug*"

If You Had 10 Rules of Safely Meeting...

 

[catalina_francisco]

August 3rd - words of oneguy4fun

"I wake up just about every day with a hard-on. I can't really help it along though because my wife has the final say of when I can orgasm.

Having said that, on a few occasions when I've been denied for a long period of time I have had an orgasm in the middle of sleeping. It's an awesome experience, especially when I remember the dream! When I wake up wet and don't remember the dream I'm bummed out that I missed out on the memory.

My wife just laughs when it happens. She has never punished me for it, although I do feel a bit guilty for orgasming without her permission."

Sleep Orgasms

 

[catalina_francisco]

August 4th - words of ecstaticsub

"By definition my husband is a cuckold--he allows me to have sex with other men. However, I (we) don't really see it as him being submissive. We have spent hours and hours discussing this. The present situation is new. (2yrs old new) In the 20 yrs or so we have been married I have had other long-term lovers, short-term lovers, one-night stands --all that he has known about either before or immediately after the fact. This is the first time I have been in a extramarital D/s relationship.

My husband has no desire to watch me having sex (though he does enjoy pictures, video and stories afterwards) and he has no desire to participate. Why does he get into it? He says that knowing that I love him and willl never leave him--even when I get so much sexual and mental pleasure from another man is an incredible turn-on. Also he gets off on being married to a woman that other men want. He doesn't get off on humiliation at all. I'm happy because I finally am able to explore my submissive side. My husband is not into D/s at all.

The key is to keep communication open and honest between all parties at all time."

Cuckold Fantasy

 

[catalina_francisco]

August 5th - words of FurryFury

"I suspect that like most people they want the illusion their partner is into "it" and them, not a bored professional. They'd probably get more of what they want if they didn't have these negative ideas of what a professional is actually like though.

IMO, the minute you accept money, you are a professional but you may be an inexperienced and ignorant one for a good while.

Yes, I have thought about being a sex worker quite a lot, in fantasy. I am far too shy to do it in RL. Sometimes that bugs me too. I see nothing wrong with it as a profession."

Would You Consider this? What Safety Measures Are Taken?

 

[catalina_francisco]

August 6th - words of northwoods_sub

"I know that in my case I have had a lifelong battle with depression. It runs in my family, but ever since Sir has started spanking me on a VERY regular basis I have had no problem with my depression.
I feel more alive then I probably have ever felt in my life. So I would say that there is a lot to be said for the benefits of a good spanking."

Spanking As A Therapy