Safety Philosophy TPE is more than just an act of sexual submission. It is an intense form of relationship, characterised by trust, communication and consent. The dominant partner takes full responsibility for all aspects of the submissive partner’s life. Are you ready to go beyond your limits and fully submit to the will of your dominant partner? Dive into the world of Total Power Exchange and experience absolute submission.
Are you ready for absolute submission?!
In BDSM, an abbreviation for Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism. There are a variety of practices, safety philosophies and relationship forms. One of these is Total Power Exchange, also known as TPE. TPE refers to a form of power transfer and is often practised in the context of D/s (Dominance and Submission) or M/s (Master and Serf) relationships. In this text, you will learn what you need to know about it.
What does Safety Philosophy TPE mean, in the context of BDSM?
“Total Power Exchange” (TPE) stands for the complete exchange of power in the BDSM scene. A sub completely submits to the dominant partner. TPE refers to a complete submission in which the dom views the sub as a valuable possession and in return ensures their safety and care. While “power” also includes influence through finances or status, in a TPE relationship such factors are usually subordinate to the dominant. The feudal model fits well here to describe the mutual commitment of devotion and responsibility. In contrast to other forms of BDSM, where equality applies outside of play scenarios. There is always a deliberate asymmetry of power in TPE relationships. This exists at all times and often around the clock (24/7).
In the German BDSM scene, the term “24/7” is often used as a synonym for TPE. Although, it actually describes the continuous duration and not the type of power shift. This creates a difference in definition (also referred to as “real life SM” in English). Internationally, the term “Absolute Power Exchange” (APE), which means “absolute power exchange”, is also used as a synonym for TPE.
It is important to note that the exact nature of a TPE relationship depends on the individual agreements and boundaries of the partners. TPE relationships require a high level of trust, communication and mutual consent between the partners.
It is important to note – as with everything in BDSM – that BDSM practices and relationships should be based on voluntaries, consent and respect for individual boundaries. So before engaging in a TPE relationship, it is essential to talk at length about expectations, boundaries, safety and communication to ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and in agreement.
Aspects of a TPE relationship
Here are a few of the possible aspects that can then be affected by the TPE relationship and dynamics:
- Finances and resources: The dominant partner has control over the financial affairs of the submissive partner. This may mean that the submissive partner gives up their income or gives the dominant partner responsibility for budgeting and spending.
- Power and authority: In a TPE relationship, the dominant partner assumes absolute power and authority over the submissive partner. The dominant partner can make decisions, set rules and give instructions that the submissive partner must follow.
- Sexuality and intimacy: The sexual level is also controlled by the dominant person in such a relationship. The dominant partner can decide on the type, frequency and intensity of sexual activities. This may include bondage, role play or other BDSM practices.
- Education and discipline: The dominant partner can take on the role of an educator. He may guide, encourage and discipline the submissive partner to encourage desired behaviours. Or correct undesired behaviours. In a TPE relationship, everyday decisions such as clothing, diet, schedules and social activities can be made by the dominant partner. The submissive partner leaves the dominant partner in control and accepts their decisions.
- Rules and protocols: Clear rules and protocols can shape the relationship. These can cover different areas of life, such as dress codes, public behaviour or communication methods.
- Servanthood: The submissive partner in a TPE relationship may devote themselves in a servant-like manner to the dominant partner. This may include household tasks, fulfilling sexual desires, or meeting other needs of the dominant partner.
Not only during sex
In order to practice the Safety Philosophy TPE with your partner, it is important to also get along well on an asexual (non-sexual) level. It is important to be able to have fun and behave like simple friends. Many people might think of TPE in a way that the sub must never call the dom by name. However, this is not necessarily the case and in fact it is rather the exception.
In public, the sub can address the dom with the normal name and even if one is alone. It is not always necessary to use “Mr” or similar forms of address. The sub can also make jokes about the Dom, as one would do among friends. If there are no common interests outside of sex, the dom-sub relationship can quickly become boring. This can cause the relationship to fail, because even BDSM does not prevent failure if the connection on other levels is lacking.
Basically, this is similar to a Vanilla relationship. If you are not on the same wavelength as your partner on an interpersonal level, the relationship will not last long. The difference is that injuries in BDSM and TPE must not be underestimated.
Challenges and criticisms of TPE
Few maintain a permanent role in a specific dynamic, so Safety Philosophy TPE stresses that roles are conscious and can be activated when needed. “Total Power Exchange” lacks a clear definition, allowing it to manifest differently for each individual. Symbolic gestures like service contracts or physical markers such as piercings signify commitment in these relationships, though no universally recognized codes exist for TPE.
In some parts of the BDSM scene, there is controversy about whether TPE brings specific problems. Critics argue that full and comprehensive submission ultimately violates the principle of consent and basic human rights. A rigid definition of relationships would inevitably fail due to the fact that people change, and there is a risk of creating incompatibility and dependency in the sub.
The counter to this is that a TPE relationship always depends on the ongoing informed consent of the bottom, and the term “total” is only applicable within these boundaries (as opposed to CIS* or abusive relationships). Responsible tops aim to preserve the autonomy of bottoms and address criticism, even if it is couched as a request.
Prejudices among BDSM practitioners are always fuelled by TPE. On the one hand, it is claimed that TPE is a more “authentic” form of BDSM than relationships in which BDSM interactions remain limited to games. On the other hand, there is a belief that partners in a TPE relationship are basically incapable of having “normal” relationships.
What many agree on, however, is that TPE is a “special” form of relationship that changes both the dynamics of the relationship and the personalities of those involved.
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