Different people use terms in our lifestyle with different meaning. Sometimes these vary wildly and create unnecessary confusion. Sometimes people get caught up in titles and words. Sometimes we need to look beyond what we think a word means.

Below is what we mean when we say….

House

A consensual power exchange tribe (gathering of people) with a common goal and common view regarding power exchange relationships. These people may or may not cohabitate in a shared dwelling. Some House Metta members do cohabitate under one roof but most do not.

Mentor

We place great value in peer mentoring.  We believe that by definition mentors are people who has been in your shoes. See What We Believe

Adviser

In some instances, a Domme/Master/Mistress/Dom might interact as an adviser to a submissive who is new to the lifestyle, or who needs some guidance in a specific area. This is not mentoring nor does it imply any level of power exchange. It is advice from a certain perspective. In this relationship, both power exchange (and at times play) are often avoided to maintain a clear integrity of it. At the point power exchange is included, it is no longer advisory, but instead training – which includes a different level of responsibility and trust.

Master (or Mistress) and slave

A consensual relationship in which one person receives control (the Master) when given it by another (the slave) for mutual benefit. Usually involves a 24/7 relationship. Has nothing to do with play or a scene. Not reflective of short period of time power exchange (scene or perhaps a week end) for play. The slave will usually accept a collar from their Master to show that they are owned.

complete slave – encompasses a combination of the below. Used in both protocol, sexual, or assistant roles, or any other role needed. Trained and used in all areas, without reservations

administrative slave - “something of a personal assistant. Someone who will set up appointments, keep my calender, remind me what’s  coming up during the day, week, month, etc. For me, that person would also make sure I was managing my finances, ie: paying them on time. They would also be doing any research I needed; for work, pleasure, personal, travel, household, whatever I wanted looked up”

service slave - coming soon

sexual slave – coming soon

Dominant & Submissive

May reflect a consensual power exchange relationship but often used to reflect a role in the scene (Dominant, as a top, or submissive, as a bottom). Often people view these relationships as “less intense” than Master/slave, but at times this is simply a choice of preferred words as many people are uncomfortable with the Master/slave terminology.

Top/bottom

Role in a BDSM scene. Tops wield floggers (and other toys), bottoms are on the receiving end of them.

Loving M/s or D/s relationship

A consensual relationship in which one person receives control (the Master) when given it by another (the slave) for mutual benefit but one where an emotional bond (romantic love) is part of the equalization. This can be a challenging relationship but has great rewards for both parties as love is a strong motivator.

References

1. Wikipedia, Glossary_of_BDSM
2. Miss Amanda