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Vetting a Submissive? Avoid These 5 Red Flags Before You Commit (Ep. 48)

The Dom Sub Living Podcast
Vetting a Submissive? Avoid These 5 Red Flags Before You Commit

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
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Navigating the world of Dom/sub relationships can be a rewarding journey filled with growth and trust. One critical step in this journey is vetting potential submissives. This process ensures you align with a partner who respects boundaries, shares your values, and is committed to a healthy dynamic.

IN THIS EPISODE

  • Sharing why vetting a submissive is just as crucial as vetting a Dom.
  • Discussing key questions to uncover your potential sub’s past, goals, and hopes.
  • Sharing the top five red flags when vetting new submissives.
  • Giving tips on maintaining your self-care and well-being as a sub.
  • Diving into deep, necessary conversations about core values.

The Proactive Role of the Submissive

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that submissives should take a proactive approach in their role. While a Dom sets the framework, a good sub engages actively, showing eagerness to learn and grow. This proactive attitude makes for a healthier and more fulfilling relationship for both parties.

Essential Questions to Ask Potential Submissives When Vetting

When vetting potential submissives, it’s essential to ask deep, insightful questions about their past experiences, future goals, and hopes for the relationship. This isn’t just about compatibility—it’s about understanding their dedication and readiness to take on the submissive role responsibly.

Key Questions Include:

  1. Past Experiences: “What previous BDSM experiences have you had?” This helps gauge their background and understanding of the lifestyle.
  2. Personal Goals: “What are your personal goals within a BDSM relationship?” Understanding their aspirations can reveal if they’re looking for something long-term or a short-term engagement.
  3. Hopes for the Relationship: “What do you hope to achieve through this dynamic?” This aligns with both partners’ expectations from the start.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

It’s vital to be aware of red flags when vetting potential submissives. These can indicate whether someone is genuinely prepared for a D/s relationship or not.

Top Red Flags Include:

  1. Inconsistent Communication and Actions: Consistency is key in a D/s relationship. If a sub frequently changes their stance or is unreliable, it’s a major red flag.
  2. Lack of Respect for Boundaries: A fundamental principle of BDSM is respecting boundaries. If a potential sub disregards this, they likely lack the necessary empathy and understanding.
  3. Unwillingness to Learn: A dynamic relationship thrives on continuous learning and evolving. A sub who shows no interest in expanding their knowledge about BDSM might not be the best fit.
  4. Disregard for Well-being: Submissives must prioritize their well-being to maintain a healthy dynamic. If a potential sub has a pattern of neglecting self-care, this could complicate the relationship in the long run.
  5. Misalignment of Values: Core values should align to ensure a fruitful and long-term D/s relationship. If there’s a significant values clash, reconsider the match.
How to be a good sub

The Importance of Self-care for Submissives

Self-care is extremely important for submissives. Maintaining mental and physical health ensures that they can fully engage and contribute to the relationship. Encourage your sub to practice regular self-care routines, allowing them to recharge and be their best selves within the dynamic.

Deep Conversations on Core Values

During the vetting process, having deep, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about core values is necessary. These discussions help uncover potential issues early on and ensure both parties are on the same page. Don’t shy away from these talks—they’re crucial for building a strong foundation.

Building a Healthy D/s Relationship

A successful D/s relationship is built on trust, respect, and continuous communication. Establishing and maintaining these elements ensures that both partners feel valued and understood. Take time to develop these pillars, and regularly check in with each other to keep the relationship healthy and thriving.

Proactive Vetting for Lasting Relationships

Vetting a submissive isn’t just a preliminary step—it’s an ongoing process to ensure compatibility, growth, and mutual understanding. Take your time to ask the right questions, watch for red flags, and prioritize deep conversations. This careful approach will pave the way for a healthy, respectful, and dynamic D/s relationship.

My personal journey as a sub in a long-term relationship highlights the importance of these practices. By dedicating time and effort to vetting and continuous communication, you set the stage for a fulfilling and lasting power exchange dynamic.

To aid both new and experienced subs, we’re offering a free “How to Be a Good Submissive” cheat sheet! This handy guide covers essential tips and daily practices to help subs excel in their role. Click the image below to grab your free cheat sheet:

How to be a good sub

Links From the Episode:

  • “How to Be a Good Sub” Cheat Sheet

Want more?  Sign up for my newsletter and get BDSM tips on the regular.

MORE EPISODES:

Why BDSM Works Better Than Therapy (For Some People)

Why BDSM Works Better Than Therapy (For Some People) (Ep. 83)

5 BDSM Scene Ideas You’ll Want To Try Tonight

5 BDSM Scene Ideas You’ll Want To Try Tonight (Ep. 82)

BDSM & Polyamory: Master Multiple Power Dynamics Without Drama

BDSM & Polyamory: Master Multiple Power Dynamics Without Drama (Ep. 81)

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Tagged With: BDSM, Beginner, Definition, Relationships, Submissive

About Alesandra Madison

My name is Alesandra, and I am OBSESSED with teaching new and experienced Doms and subs how to make their lives more fulfilling through BDSM. I’ve proudly been in this community for years, as a 24/7 submissive to my husband, Jay.

Read more about my BDSM journey or listen on the Dom Sub Living podcast.

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