#tbh this is making me want to write positive trad dynamics but i'd have to thinky think on it

[flfverse]

traditional dynamics, part 1

so, like anything, there are still many different paths to take in practicing the traditional d/s dynamics in this world. however, this is going to include some of the most common ones.

traditionalism has mostly fallen out of fashion outside of older generations and the upper-upper class, but plenty of people still practice it, or mix parts of it with more modern norms. it is also very often used as a mask or excuse for abuse, bigotry, etc, but it is not inherently such.

in traditional frameworks, dominants are strong guardians and confident guides, while submissives are gentle caretakers and fierce protectors. true traditional doms are aware that a submissive can rarely be forced into anything, and that their communities (their circles, if you will) are incredibly strong. still, subs have needs that dominants do not, and they need to be properly cared for in order to thrive.

some more tenets, in no particular order, because i cannot be bothered:

all traditional relationships involve 24/7 dominance and submission. the exact intensity varies from relationship to relationship, but it's always present

common examples include submissives kneeling rather than sitting, especially at meals; public discipline; errands and chores framed as acts of service; doms choosing outfits, activities, meals; subs not being allowed to speak to doms alone, or at all without permission

the dominant is the head of the house, but the submissive is its heart. doms will speak to strangers and guests, take care of major decisions, etc, but if the sub is unhappy or distrustful of something, you best listen

(of note--a cultural holdover of this can be seen in Cross the Line chapter 5, when katsuki asks izuku if their friends can come into their home)

claimed submissives should always be obviously marked when in public. in some very strict beliefs, they aren't allowed out alone at all except for select (read: sub-only) gatherings

dating typically includes arranged contracts and bondings, often while the partners (or at least the submissive) are still underage

some are more lax these days, but the most staunch traditionalists still believe subs shouldn't work outside the home, since they are too vulnerable. a few groups have taken this to the logical end that doms shouldn't work outside the home, either, since that would leave their submissive unguarded at home, or that submissives should accompany their dom to work

("vulnerable" to a certain sense of the word, anyway. sub circles have been a known phenomenon for centuries, so there was/is a decent chance of your sub getting into a brawl while out and about instead of being taken advantage of)

in the case of a polyamorous relationship, there will be a hierarchy among the members, which can lead to one submissive having a certain level of power over another, etc. this can be based on age, who entered the relationship first, or any other factor the partners decide on

doms and subs alike tend toward corporal punishments above others, and tend to be stricter and harsher about even minor infractions

in some types of relationships, subs do not have a safeword, but instead have scheduled periods where they can renegotiate their limits if they choose. this is now illegal and very frowned upon, but still continues to be practiced (ie just because your contract has to say that you have a safeword doesn't mean you have to use it / technically you dont have to have a contract). obviously this can get very messy if anything goes wrong

obviously all traditional ideas are built pretty firmly on the idea of doms & subs only, so historically switches have had a difficult time fitting into them. there is a lot of pressure for a switch to either lean heavily into one side or the other or enter into a poly relationship where they can have both a dom and a sub. even switch/switch relationships don't really "work" due to the 24/7 nature of the thing

that's all for right now! i'm positive i'll think of more things later, and of course if you're curious about any of this and want me to expand on it, shoot me an ask!