How To Incorporate Role-Play in Bed

If you’ve shopped on Liberator.com, you’ve noticed that there is an entire section of products decided to “Role-Play”.  But what is role-play?

Role-play is exactly what it sounds like.  It is when one or both partners take on a new role that is outside of their ordinary persona.  This can be a fictional character, an exaggeration of the person’s natural persona, or the exact opposite of their persona.

For example, you’ve heard the term “playing doctor”.  Well that is role-play!  One partner pretends to be the doctor, while another pretends to be a patient.  This gives both partners the opportunity to touch and be touched in ways that are outside of the ordinary.  It is also an incredibly freeing experience, because you have the opportunity to explore each other outside of your normal routine.  Where it might be uncomfortable to, say, give your partner a sexy breast exam during regular sex, as a “doctor” it is perfectly legit.

Another aspect of role-play is often power exchange.  In the example of the doctor and the patient, generally the doctor would be the top or dominant, since they are the character of authority, and the patient will be the bottom or submissive.  A person who is normally very powerful in regular life may choose to continue to be the dominant, or they may enjoy the ability to be controlled since they lack that in their normal life.  Each person is different, and sometimes the person’s partner will determine whether or not they top or bottom in the case of a “switch”.

Role-play gives you the opportunity to explore fantasies in a safe way.  For example, the thought has probably crossed your mind to seduce that sexy doctor of yours.  But if you did that it might not go too well, and you’d have to find a new doctor, not to mention it might perturb your partner.  But if you explore this fantasy in role-play, you can still enjoy the experience without ruining your every day life.

Sexual tension is also increased during role-play.  Although you may be with the same partner you have been with for years, when you are playing a role you can sometimes feel like two strangers.  Going back to the example of playing doctor, it is ingrained in us that a doctor is supposed to be 100% professional and not cross that line.  Whether playing the doctor or playing the patient, sexual tension will now be added because of this ingrained knowledge of “right and wrong”.  And sometimes “wrong” can feel so “right”!

Finally, in order to role-play, you must be with a partner you trust.  One extreme (and often taboo) role-play is rape.  In situations like this, it is 100% necessary to set aside ground rules with your partner and choose a safe word before you begin your role-play.  A safe word can be any word that you both pick beforehand that will let both partners know that the role-play has gone too far.  In a scene where the bottom is playing the victim, the safe word communicates to the other partner that they actually are in pain or uncomfortable, and that it isn’t just part of the act.

While some of this might be extreme for some readers, there are easy ways to transition into role-play.  First, there are bondage items.  Liberator’s Pro Cuff Kit is lined with soft microfiber, and it uses Velcro and clips instead of leather, D-rings, and padlocks.  You can start with using just the handcuffs and ankle cuffs, and then work your way into using the thigh cuffs and blindfold.  The Silk Binding Sash is a super soft, super sexy way to introduce each other to bondage.  If you don’t currently have any Black Label Shapes or Sex Furniture, the Bed Buckler is the perfect way to turn your bed into a bondage playground.

In addition to bondage, S&M (sadism and masochism) is another aspect of role-play and power exchange.  Usually, one person is administering while the other person receives.  Some people like more pain than others, so again a safe word and communication is key.  Items like paddles, whips, crops, canes, and floggers are all tools of S&M.  Depending on the material, the width, and the design, each product will create a different sensation.  A bamboo cane will hurt much more than a flogger that has soft, leather tails (like the DeLashe).

What I consider to be the true form of role-play is in the theatrical sense of dressing up and playing a character.  A leather mask is a great way to begin role-playing, as the mask will free you from your identity and allow you to be a new character, while your partner also sees you in a different way.  If they weren’t already in their own categories, I would say that many of Liberator Latex Couture and Lingerie should also be in the role-play category.  Imagine seducing your man as an Argentine Tango Queen, wearing this sexy lingerie, or being the teacher that keeps this naughty school girl after class for detention.  A French maid is also a very popular fantasy for many people, and Liberator Lingerie offers two versions of this sexy servant:  Maid for Pleasure and Maid to Order.  Liberator Latex Couture has a slew of sexy costumes, including Nurse Perverse, but any of Liberator’s latex is perfect for role-play, as the second skin property of the clothing clings to the body and feels amazing on the skin.

Above all, role-play should be fun.  It can be a break from bedroom monotony, or it can be a lifestyle.  The choice is ultimately up to you and your partner.  Role-playing increases libido and deepens the couple’s bond.  Once you begin experimenting, you’ll discover a great many things about yourself and your partner, and your future is only limited to the extent of each of your imaginations.