Ask Woodlands Alumni

Confused About University? We Can Help.

Dear Woodlands Alumni, I just finished filling out my OUAC 101 form, and I sent it in. But then I got this letter from the OUAC telling me to send my transcript to the Universities I chose. Isn’t the guidance department supposed to do that?

- Confused

Dear Confused,

Bondage, Discipline, SadoMasochism. Stop reading now if you're offended. However, if you're curious or think you know a lot, or want to find some sick perverted stuff to read... then by all means, keep reading. What is BDSM? Who are the tucked up people who practice it? Why do they do it? What is sexual domination? What is sadomasochism? What sadomasochism is not: BDSM, SM, DS, and BD are NOT abuse. BDSM is NOT rape. What sadomasochism is: BDSM is, most importantly, SAFE, SANE and CONSENSUAL. It is also a way for two people who love each other and trust one another to explore their forbidden fantasies and the world of erotic power exchange. What is erotic power exchange though? Well, sex isn’t sex without it. As politically incorrect as it may be to think this, there is no equality in terms of sex. What else can you call missionary position? A man towering over a woman? That is only slightly domineering don't you think? What about the act of talking dirty to one another? Guys: ever talked dirty to who you thought was your sweet innocent girlfriend only to find out she's got more of a twisted imagination than you do? What about the act of flirting in general? Teasing has become an art form. Girls: ever get the feeling that you're all that whenever a man turns his head to watch you as you walk down the hallway because you're wearing something sexy? Or what about the feeling you get when you brush up against a guy and you can feel him shiver, or see the look on his face? It's all about who's got the power. In a "normal" relationship, the power switches from partner to partner on a regular basis. Maybe you'll roll around on the floor during sex, changing positions and, with them, the power. Erotic power exchange is when one partner voluntarily gives up their power to the other for the purpose of heightening the sexual experience. That is what BDSM is all about. Where did SM come from? If you're wondering who started the whole SM thing in our society, then look no further than, well... the beginning of time. Since humans have been having sex, there have been masochists, sadists, and those who enjoy erotic power exchange. The entire fourth and fifth chapters of the Kama Sutra are devoted to erotic power exchange and bondage. It is estimated that almost 85% of the population practice erotic power exchange in some form or another, be it all out BDSM, or just some light bondage from time to time, or even tickle torture on occasion. Bondage you say? There are those that would argue that bondage is some form of rape, or abuse, or torture, or some other vice. Have you ever been tied up by someone you love and trust? Ever looked into their eyes to see the love they have for you? Or have you ever tied up someone you love and enjoyed the way they squirmed under your fingers when you touched them? Experiencing the emotions that flow through the bonds; the liberation of knowing dw you don't have to worry because you're safe with your partner is like magic. What about whips and chains? Well consider this. When you experience intense pleasure, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins. When your experience fear and pain, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins. Combine pleasure and pain and you experience a high like no other: a pleasure high. Its nature's way of saying, "This might be bad for you, but mmmmmmmm it's damn good." Kind of like drugs, only better because it's sex and it's free. The key to SM is that everything is safe, sane and consensual. In order to accomplish that, you must have trust and a strong knowledge base before you try anything. And you must be open to the idea that there is always more to learn. Now you're thinking one of two things: "Wow, that made a bit of sense;" or "wow, this person is totally tucked up." If you're the former, you might be one of those people who would hold your partner's arms down during sex, or maybe nibble body parts to heighten the sexual experience. If you thought I'm sick, that's fine too, but maybe you should consider how many people you think are sick. You never know who has what kink. Even your best friend might be a little interested.