Brax's Guide to Vetting Online Play Partners
How to Safely Dive into the Kink World Online!
Hey There, Kinkster!
New to the scene and feeling a bit swamped with messages? Don't worry, I've got your back! Here's a playful yet practical guide to help you avoid any bumps and enjoy your kinky journey.
The Basics
Here are some fun yet essential questions to ponder when chatting online about kink. Let's get started!
1. Are They into Your Kinks?
First things first, check if they mention any specific kinks from your profile. If they haven’t read your profile, they might be treating this like a regular dating site and are more interested in sex than exploring kinks. This could lead to a less satisfying experience. It's important they show genuine interest in your kinky desires and not just a quick hookup.
2. Are They Active in the Kink Community?
Take a peek at their activity. Do they post about their kinky adventures, share writings, or chat with friends? An engaged profile with positive interactions usually means they're genuinely involved in the community. Be cautious if their profile is filled with inappropriate content or they lack community involvement. Their engagement in the community can be a good indicator of their commitment to the lifestyle and their respect for its norms and values.
3. Do They Know Anyone You Know?
It’s a great sign if they’re connected to people in your local scene. This means you can ask for character references. Meeting at a local munch (a casual gathering for kinksters) can be a safer way to get acquainted before jumping into private play. Having mutual friends can also make it easier to verify their reputation and ensure they're known for respecting boundaries and consent.
4. Ask for References
It might feel a bit old-school, but asking for references is key. Contact their past or current play partners to get a feel for their reputation. Anyone worth your time should be able to provide character references. References can give you insights into their play style, reliability, and how they handle post-scene care and communication.
5. Set Clear Boundaries
Boundaries are your best friend! Whether it's keeping the first session non-sexual or setting specific rules like no gags, observe how they react. Respecting your boundaries should be a no-brainer for them. Any resistance? That’s your cue to move on. Firm boundaries not only protect you but also help in gauging their respect for your limits and overall compatibility.
6. Have a Safety Plan
Always start with a public meet-up, like grabbing a coffee. Tell a friend about your plans and set a check-in time. Don’t forget to actually check in to avoid unnecessary panic. Casually let your play partner know you need to make a call at a specific time without saying it's a safety check-in. This plan ensures that someone knows where you are and can step in if anything feels off.
7. Mutual Safety
Safety goes both ways. They should be just as cautious as you. Both parties should have references, be active in the community, and follow safety protocols. Being proactive about safety shows that both of you value respectful and consensual interactions, fostering a safer environment for everyone.
8. Pay It Forward
Had a great time? Offer to be a reference for your partner and vice versa. You can also be someone's check-in buddy to help keep the community safe. Supporting others in the community not only builds trust but also strengthens the network of safety and respect within the kink scene.
9. Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate!
Thorough negotiation is essential. Not everyone is great at it, but discussing key questions can help ensure mutual understanding. Check out some negotiation guides for inspiration on what to ask. Clear communication about desires, limits, and expectations helps in creating a scene that is enjoyable and safe for both parties.
Wrapping Up
Follow these steps to make your online kink adventures safer and more enjoyable. Remember, consent and safety are the golden rules. Now, go forth and have fun!
-Brax