Where I am Led - Part 24 - Sacrifice (by Julala)

NOTE: Due to the SL clocks going forwards the time of this discussion will be 1PM SLT on Monday 18th March.

(To avoid any confusion and visions of Dominants throwing Their slaves onto a pyre....I thought I would start with a simple definition) 

Sacrifice: an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.

Sacrifice comes in different sizes...the smallest to the largest....but all can still be considered a sacrifice.  Some sacrifices are a joy to make....others are harder to make.....and some can be destructive.

Any relationship has its sacrifices...on all sides...but how does sacrifice fit into your D/s dynamic relationship?  What sacrifices have you made for your relationship? and what parts of your relationship have had to be sacrificed to accommodate other aspects of your life?

Do you even recognise the sacrifice when it is yours to make....or when it is theirs?  Do you acknowledge the sacrifice that someone has made for you?  Does a Dominant need to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Their submissive? or is it just expected that they be made...and deserve no gratitude?

How much are you prepared to sacrifice for the one You own.....for the One you serve....for the one you love?

A submissive might take great pleasure in the sacrifices she/he makes for their Dominant....does a Dominant have responsibility to ensure that their submissive does not sacrifice too much?  Is there a risk of sacrifice being the addiction of the martyr?  

At what point does sacrifice in a relationship become negative?  When the balance is out?  When the sacrifices are too large?  When the sacrifice is for too long?  When the sacrifice is the core of who you are?

Sometimes the sacrifice is the relationship itself....for the good of the individuals....

“I guess that’s just part of loving people: You have to give things up. Sometimes you even have to give them up.” 

― Lauren Oliver, Delirium

For some, having a D/s relationship in their "Real Lives" is not an option.....perhaps something they sacrificed for more important aspects in their lives....like their existing family.

For some, the sacrifice is remaining in a relationship they no longer wish to be in....

Who is to say when a sacrifice is a worthy one?  ....or a wasted one?

These Monday discussions are loosely using the service exploration workbook "Where I am Led" by Christina Parker as a point of reference. You do not need to have read or even seen the book to fully participate in the discussion.

Everyone welcome. Please do join us on Monday (18th March) at 1pm SLT at the Temple of Discussion on Respect sim. Discussion is voice led but text also very welcome.

And just to be clear.....this is NOT the type of sacrifice we're talking about ;o)