I have a lot of questions asking me what the difference is between rules and protocols for submissives.
So, today’s post is the easiest way I can think of to explain the differences. They are similar, but different.
Rules are the specific guidelines a submissive/slave lives by. They are set by the Dominant and can govern everything from what clothes to wear to a set exercise routine.
Here is an example of basic rules that a 24/7 live-in slave might follow:
Slave should always remove clothing as soon as she/he gets home unless Master/ Mistress has laid out clothing for the slave or submissive to wear.
Slave should fold clothes neatly or place them in the laundry whenever he/ she gets undressed.
Slave should have coffee ready before waking Master up and serve at medium hot temperature.
Slave will never question or ask ‘Why’ when an order is given, just follow and perform task as best as she/he can.
Slave will wear collar at all times, inside or outside the house.
Slave will not accept any new friends online on any sites unless approved by Master first.
Protocol refers to how Dominants and submissives/slaves interact with each other. This can cover how a sub greets the Dominant when they come home from work to how a sub greets guests when outside at a party.
The D/s lifestyle has various situations which can involve different levels of protocol, for example an informal night at home might be low protocol, having D/s guests for dinner maybe medium protocol, but a formal D/s dinner would be high protocol.
Low protocol is easy going / informal. It is used when not in a scene, out in public, or with family. It’s used in vanilla situations as well. Although low protocol isn‘t following a strict set of rules, the Dominant usually still has some quiet, low key, rules in place that the submissive alwaus follows.
Medium protocol basically adds a little stricter structure to the behavior of the sub/slave while in public situations. The Dominant may use a pinch, or whispered words to make corrections to the sub. But overall, the submissive may follow their normal behavior.
If a submissive or slave is in high protocol, they have a very specific set of instructions they need to follow that has been set up in advance by the Dominant. This is usually followed during kink events, scenes, or even set times in the privacy of the home.
I hope this helps clear up the differences. There are definitely times that different levels of protocols may be needed and there is no right or wrong. It’s all dependent on what the Dominant calls for.
Please feel free to comment or send me questions if you would like.
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