We’ve talked about bondage and BDSM in depth on our blog before, but not all BDSM has to be super intense and scary. When you think of bondage, do you think of whips, chains, and intense rope play? Light bondage is super fun and enjoyable way to dip your toes into bondage without going far.

Light bondage can be as simple as a blindfold or include hand and leg restraints. Light bondage can also include collars, and multitudes of sex toys to turn you on while playing and experimenting, such as butt plugs, clitoral vibrators, whips, and massage oils. Light bondage does not have to be intimidating or full-on 50 Shades intense.

Most of us think that we maintain a fair amount of knowledge behind BDSM, the acronym that stands for ‘bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism.

With its slight surge in popularity, thanks to films and movies showcasing BDSM in its different forms, the vast variety of goosebump-instilling, orgasm-inducing sex toys, and other props that go along with its enticing allure; BDSM is starting to find a commonplace in our culture.

And although many past negative stigmas are beginning to dissipate surrounding this intricate yet riveting form of sex, this rise in popularity often creates some misconceptions surrounding this delicate act. 

The truth is that BDSM is incredible, a way in which you can succumb to all your deepest sexual desires, and those who participate in BDSM nearly always report healthier sex lives, as well as healthier lives in general! So if mainstream media has brought this enticing form(s) of sexual activity to your attention, as I mean come on; who doesn’t want to add an exotic spice to the taste of bedroom flavor, then you’ve come to the right place.

BDSM is meant to be taken extremely seriously, and if you are really (and I mean really) interested in giving it a try, then you must approach it with the respect it deserves for both yourself, your partner, and this age-old form of sexual activity in general. 

Don’t worry, you don’t need an entire room dedicated to your sex life, full of leather whips and toys and chains and all those cliche things that come to mind thanks to modern media. In fact, the best way to begin getting into BDSM is to start with the lightest forms of it only to progress when you are ready, so let’s get into the best approaches at incorporating light bondage into your sex life.

Having an open and fun sex life is an amazing key aspect to keeping a sexy spark going in the bedroom. Introducing some new ideas such as light bondage can quickly lead to you getting some new favorite things to add to your bedroom routine. Remember, bondage should be practiced and done with a partner you trust and know well, who will respect your limits and know your boundaries. You also need to openly communicate those limits and boundaries.

Bondage is designed to push the limits of each person and make you experience a whole other side of you and your sexuality that you didn’t know you would like. These are fun activities and healthy to think about and enjoy. There is nothing shameful in enjoying or wanting to try BDSM or light bondage, so try to keep an open mind whether it’s you or your partner that wants to try this.

It’s important to remember that light bondage and full BDSM are totally different things, and the experience is different as well. Light bondage usually involves light restraints, blindfolds, light spanking, toys, and is designed to please both of you.

Bondage is only one element of BDSM, and BDSM involves many kinks, BDSM stands for “bondage and discipline”, “domination and submission,” and “sadism and masochism”. To be safe during BDSM, rules are very important and safe words and boundaries must be abided by. This includes talking out what you are and aren’t ok with, what is painful, what is pleasurable, and what means stop.

BDSM can be more about power play than actual penetrative sex. Sex is not always used for BDSM play, but many think it is. Always start lightly as BDSM has a lot to be explored. You may not want to get as kinky as others, so just explore what you really want to. You can work yourself up to it if you’re interested in more! Remember there is no pressure to try more, but just to enjoy each other and the sexy time you spend together.

Start with Nothing.

Again, most people think that they know a lot about BDSM, and this often creates the idea that things are going to be incredibly intense and rough.

Sure, this might be exactly what you want to do and where you want to get to in your relationship, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a plethora of other methods in which you can act out forms of light bondage with nothing but your own two hands.

Although fun and part of why BDSM is so great, you do not need toys to get into it, and instead it is sometimes better for yourself and your relationship to begin with nothing, especially if this is all entirely new to you.

Grip Tightly. 

When in the different sex positions that your partner and yourself enjoy, a great approach to first begin light bondage is to start with your grip. Your hands are plenty to create a dominant behavior, and the actual touch of skin will maintain intimacy during your beginning stages.

 During the sex positions that allow for easy access to the wrist, like doggy style or even something simple like missionary, grip your partner’s wrist tightly and prevent them from moving their arms. In doggy style, for example, you can wrap their wrist around their back and hold their arms in place behind them while their head rests firmly against the bed. 

And then, of course, holding tightly onto the ankles and feet is always a perfectly subtle form of light bondage control as well.

It’s all about starting to showcase the bits of control and dominance that will develop into more as you gain experience and comfort in these types of settings, and nothing is easier to control and to communicate than a tight grip of your hands.