GoddessAradia

1. Be honest. This pertains to any information you share or representation that you make of yourself. If you approach a Domme whose needs and desires are different from your own, accept those differences, do not try to manipulate her into changing her standards. By the same token, do not go against your own principles. Bottom line, don't lie.

2. Have self-respect and be confident. Strong and submissive are not contradictions. You may think that sitting quietly with your head down shows that you're a true submissive. Actually it shows that you're boring. If you want to meet a Dominant woman, you have to attract her attention.

3. Conversational skills are important. Do nut succumb to "submissive frenzy." Having just discovered your innermost need and desire, you feel compelled to announce it to anyone who will listen. Pull yourself together! Approach a Dominant politely, with confidence, and a sense of calm. Introduce yourself, make some small talk, and then go away. Do not give her your complete resume; "My name is Jack, I'm 30 years old, I'm a submissive, I like blah, blah, blah, blah, will you play with me?" You'll just come off as a desperate jerk.

4. Develop patience. It can take some submissives years to find a compatible Dominant partner. Just as you have the right to be choosy in selecting a partner, so does the Domme. Do not pester her because you find her interesting. Treat her with respect and courtesy. Just because she is Dominant, does not mean she is under any obligation to use her talents in the Dominant arts on you. Impatient and pushy submissives don't get very far with Dommes.

A point on sending notes or letters of introduction. A lack of a reply can mean two things (1) the Dominant in question is overwhelmed by requests, and yours was lost due to volume; or (2) it means "Not interested." A short, polite follow-up note thanking her for reading your letter, may garner you a response. If not, give up.

5. Do unto others as you would have done to yourself. Would you walk into someone's home without an invitation? Would you randomly select the phone number of a stranger, dial them up and open with "want to have sex?" Would you walk up to a woman in a bar and say "Hi I'm Mike, I'm kinky, let's get naked"? Common sense dictates that you wouldn't. In today's computer age, why would you behave differently online? The rules of engagement should be and are the same as in any other social or business setting. No one owes you his or her attention. 

The advantage of this medium is that through profiles, homepages, other postings and participating in chatrooms and newsgroups, you can often glean some insights about an individual, before approaching her. Avoid two common mistakes. First, do not approach a Dominant who is not interested in the same things you are. Second, don't send a request for submission to every Domme in the Western world. As stated before, we network. And for the record, spelling and grammar do count. 

6. Be open about your knowledge and experience within the D/s lifestyle. Being a novice, and admitting it, is not a bad thing. We all started somewhere. Do not disrespect a Dominant by assuming you know what is best for her, or assume you know what she wants to hear. 

7. Be informed and know yourself. Before you declare yourself as a "submissive" be sure you understand what it is you are offering. Dominants are not libraries, nor are we therapists, counselors or social workers. It is not our job to tease apart what your desires, fetishes and kinks are. There is nothing wrong with having fetishes and acting on them; but know what they are and what it is you are looking for and are realistically able to offer. Educate yourself, put some work into determining who you are and what it is you are so willing to give. Our role is not to define your desires and limits, but to work within them, expand them and explore beyond, WITH you. 

8. Lose the attitude that this is "all about you." It is not. For many (perhaps even most) our chosen role has very little to do with sex, and relates to a power exchange between two consenting adults. Actually, we usually couldn't care less about what you demand that we do. If you approach a Dominant with a "What can you do for me?" attitude, you're going to be laughed at. Do-Me submissives are selfish, controlling, and annoying. Being pushy, rude, rash, or overly forward with a Dominant, you will most likely lose you the chance to ever partner with her. 
 Dominant women are not public utilities; just because a woman is dominant, does not mean she is YOUR Dominant. If you're just interested in yourself and what you want, please do us all a favor and go pay someone to play-act with you.

9. Be discreet. It's unfortunate, but most people need to keep their interests in female domination and other alternative lifestyle practices private. Most people would prefer that their family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors didn't know about their interests and activities. Unless you know that the Mistress you met at a club or play party, is out of the "closet" do not approach her in a vanilla setting and address her by her scene title, or fall to your knees in an act of worship or deference. 

10. Have realistic expectations. Dominant women range from ugly to beautiful, just like women in general. As a matter of fact, just as men, in general. If looks are really that important to your happiness in a scene be prepared to look for a long time, or be willing to pay a professional who has the looks that you want. While you are at it, take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are really worthy of such expectations yourself.

11. Proper decorum once accepted for a private meeting includes, being polite, punctual, and well-groomed. I want to stress the importance of personal hygiene...fur on the teeth, dirty fingernails, greasy hair, and other unmentionables ? are no no's. *Please* NO intimate gifts, such as panties or stockings, until you are actually intimate, we may be open-minded but we expect to be treated like ladies. You may bring flowers, if she likes them, but red roses are inappropriate for a first encounter.

Let's assume though, that you were charming, intriguing, and she wants to see you again. This means you are in the "running." It does NOT mean she owns you. You probably still have competition for her attention, so keep your best foot forward. Getting to know a Dominant woman goes in degrees, at a pace dictated by her needs and interests. If at first you don't succeed, do not get discouraged. Ultimately practice will prepare you for meeting the right partner. 

 - male Code of Behabvior
Used with Permission from
Lady Rhiannon