Total power exchange
What is Total Power Exchange?
TPE relationships are sometimes also referred to as 24/7 BDSM relationships, and most people will use these terms interchangeably.
In simple terms, a Total Power Exchange relationship is a type of BDSM dynamic where⁸ the dominant partner is given a significant amount of control over the submissive partner – control which usually extends beyond the things they do in the bedroom or dungeon.
The implication of the word “total” is that the dominant has complete control over every aspect of the submissive’s life. This is, however, not really practical for a lot of couples, so TPE will often be played with in ways that are a lot more relaxed. For example, a couple might commit to a Total Power Exchange dynamic only at weekends, or only during extended play sessions.
These relationships are often characterised by their completeness and intensity. The way they’re depicted in fiction it often looks like the submissive partner falls to their knees and gives up any agency the moment they meet the right dominant. This isn’t how it goes in real life. In real life you should be prepared to take your time and do a significant amount of negotiation.
Examples of Total Power exchange.
The dominant partner choosing what the submissive will wear on a day-to-day basis.The dominant choosing what the submissive will eat.The dominant mapping out the submissive’s daily routine each morning.The dominant deciding when the submissive may or may not masturbate.The dominant making important life decisions on behalf of the submissive.
These are some examples, but power exchange can really take whatever form you decide. It’s about how much power you’re willing to give up, or how much you’re willing to take on.
Why do people enjoy TPE?
For a submissive partner to give up control over the minutiae of their life requires a huge amount of trust. It’s the ultimate submission; by surrendering and allowing the dominant partner control even over the non-sexual aspects of their life, they’re putting themselves entirely in the dominant’s hands.
Not only do many people find this alluring in and of itself, it can also help to build an intense and intimate bond between partners.
TPE relationships are sometimes also referred to as 24/7 BDSM relationships, and most people will use these terms interchangeably.
In simple terms, a Total Power Exchange relationship is a type of BDSM dynamic where⁸ the dominant partner is given a significant amount of control over the submissive partner – control which usually extends beyond the things they do in the bedroom or dungeon.
The implication of the word “total” is that the dominant has complete control over every aspect of the submissive’s life. This is, however, not really practical for a lot of couples, so TPE will often be played with in ways that are a lot more relaxed. For example, a couple might commit to a Total Power Exchange dynamic only at weekends, or only during extended play sessions.
These relationships are often characterised by their completeness and intensity. The way they’re depicted in fiction it often looks like the submissive partner falls to their knees and gives up any agency the moment they meet the right dominant. This isn’t how it goes in real life. In real life you should be prepared to take your time and do a significant amount of negotiation.
Examples of Total Power exchange.
The dominant partner choosing what the submissive will wear on a day-to-day basis.The dominant choosing what the submissive will eat.The dominant mapping out the submissive’s daily routine each morning.The dominant deciding when the submissive may or may not masturbate.The dominant making important life decisions on behalf of the submissive.
These are some examples, but power exchange can really take whatever form you decide. It’s about how much power you’re willing to give up, or how much you’re willing to take on.
Why do people enjoy TPE?
For a submissive partner to give up control over the minutiae of their life requires a huge amount of trust. It’s the ultimate submission; by surrendering and allowing the dominant partner control even over the non-sexual aspects of their life, they’re putting themselves entirely in the dominant’s hands.
Not only do many people find this alluring in and of itself, it can also help to build an intense and intimate bond between partners.