This is really interesting. Although the concept pf a dom having a safeword may be unusual - good idea! - I don't think the need and seeking of input from a sub during a scene is that rare: stopping to check how they are. Asking them how they are allows them to give the feedback a dom can need for guidance at that time; asking them what they want, also. Just having those little moments to step back and check what's going on, whether it is going the right way... comes back to communication again.

I'm really interested, as a sub, in how dom's view themselves when they describe themselves as 'guides'. I have a specific reason for the interest, of course! But I have been interested ever since I joined the site and first interacted with Tojo. What, from a dom's viewpoint, is a guide, what do you mean by being a guide to a sub? if you're not a guide, what are you instead?

Any thoughts on that aspect of guidance gratefully received.

As far as seeking guidance goes, I think that anyone who is sincerely interested in bdsm relationships - as opposed to just getting some kinky sex - will always seek guidance and to learn from others. Anyone who doesn't falls into the wannabe class for me. We're all only human!