THE ART OF AFTERCARE BY MR. DARK

What is aftercare? Aftercare is the care given to all parties involved in play once the play has ended. BDSM can be emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing and aftercare helps ensure that the person(s) involved in the scene can continue to enjoy a safe, positive, euphoric headspace. 

How does aftercare work? Aftercare works in a variety of ways. Some people prefer a form of physical contact like sex, massages, or cuddling. Others prefer solitude and being quietly alone in their headspace or enjoying music, movies, TV, or other forms of entertainment. Others, still, prefer to hold onto or cuddle with something they cherish like a favorite pillow, blanket, stuffie or service animal that brings them joy. Some will eat, some will sleep. Aftercare is different for everyone but it always has the same goal of keeping a positive, safe, and happy headspace.

The important thing to remember about aftercare is that it should be personalized to you and what makes you happy. It does not have to be intimate but it does have to be safe, consensual, and designed to solidify your good headspace.