Page 47 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

"As the program outlines, the focus of my presentation today will be on the dynamics of dominance and submission in intimate relationships. Notice that I used the word intimate verses sexual. For some, these terms may be synonymous. For purposes of today's discussion, they are not. Many relationships are of a sexual nature, yet lack the kind of intimacy I'm going to discuss today. Likewise, a successful D/s or dominance and submissive relationship relies on an intimacy and trust that runs much deeper than can be achieved through mere sex."

Sean lost himself listening to Traci talk with passion about the benefits of a D/s relationship. He was especially fascinated as she delved into the definition of a domestic discipline relationship. Traci presented statistics on the growing numbers of couples enjoying the benefits of happier marriages as a result of one partner assuming a dominant leadership role while the other agreed to be the submissive partner, deferring to their head of household or HoH for all important decisions. She clarified that while most of her research had been with traditional couples where the man took the leadership role and the female the submissive, the dynamic would work in any type of relationship be it F/f, M/m or even F/m. The only constant that must be there in all DD relationships was consent.

Sean listened with interest as Traci outlined the importance of consent between partners. "Without consent, there can be no domestic discipline. For an HoH to exert his authority, be it physical or emotional, without the previous consent of his submissive is tantamount to abuse. We all know that communication is important with any relationship, be it platonic friendships to intimate sexual couples. With a domestic discipline relationship, communication is more important than ever before as the foundation of a domestic discipline relationship is built on clearly understanding the rules and behaviors agreed upon in advance by both partners as well as the planned consequences for breaking those rules. Submissive partners consent to the rules and consequences long before the day a punishment is to be delivered."

A commotion broke out towards the back of the room. Sean couldn't hear what was said, but as he stood, he could see that the jerks who had been following Traci the day before were at the center of the disturbance. Sean was tempted to burst out there and escort them out, but he didn't get a chance. Traci confronted them head on.

"There seems to be a question in the back of the room. Dr. Young, did you have something to say that can't wait until the designated Q&A period?"

The doctor's face flushed crimson at being called out by name from the podium. He recovered and plastered a sour look on his face as he blatantly tried to embarrass Traci. "You used the word punishment. I find it very hard to believe that there are women living in the twenty-first century that willingly allow their husbands to punish them for breaking a rule."

"Thank you for your opinion, Dr. Young, but I assure you there are many such women and even men who believe in the power of such relationships. I know many personally."

"That's what this is all about, isn't it? You're just trying to drum up business for that crazy town you live in, Eagle’s Pass?"

Sean was back on his feet. He felt helpless. He knew if he rushed in there it would only embarrass Traci more, yet he hated to stand by while she was put on the spot. She took a deep breath before answering.

"I'd like to apologize to the rest of those in attendance. I believe Dr. Young misunderstood the type of forum we have today. It seems he has so much interest in this topic he's not able to hold his questions until the end. Regardless, as I cited clearly in the research paper you are all holding, much of my research has indeed taken place in Eagle’s Pass, Colorado, a town founded on the principles of domestic discipline in general and spanking more specifically. But I ask you, Dr. Young. Isn't that what all of us in this room do? We travel to those locations where we need to conduct our research? That such a town exists only adds credence to the growing number of couples engaging in a domestic discipline way of life, wouldn't you agree?"

The rounds of approving whispers and nods at Traci's comment had Dr. Young turning beet red with anger. "Well, I think you're certifiable and I can't believe the leadership team is wasting our time with this ridiculous topic."

Several doctors who sat on the stage behind Traci stood and stepped up next to Traci as if to show their support for her. An older gentleman in a three-piece suit looked angry enough that he might jump off the stage to confront Dr. Young directly.

Sensing she was losing control of the crowd, Traci addressed the room again. "You are certainly entitled to your opinion on my work, Robert, as is everyone else present. The room is, however, full to capacity, which tells me there is a great deal of interest in my research. The fact that you are bothered by the topic of D/s so vehemently has me wondering if you are perhaps struggling to acknowledge your own submissive tendencies. If everyone would flip to page thirty-six in the presentation, you will note the similarity of Dr. Young's outbursts today to similar reactions from my test subjects who were struggling to accept their natural role within the D/s continuum. Perhaps you should make an appointment for later and I'll see if I can help you work through that."

Rounds of barely contained laughter could be heard throughout the audience. Even from far across the room, Sean saw the figurative steam coming out of the properly chastised Dr. Young's ears. With a final look that could kill, Traci's heckler stood and exited in a huff.

It took a few long seconds for the room to settle down, but Traci gained control again. The rest of the room listened intently as she continued through her research, displaying graphs and charts on the huge screen behind her.

Sean had to shift positions several times as he tried valiantly to ease the ache of his erect cock pressed into his too-tight tailored suit pants. At first, he felt guilty for acting like an adolescent as he listened to sexually charged material. Only when he recognized more than a few other attendees, many doctors, shifting uncomfortably in their chairs did he realize his reaction might be normal.

Sean watched as Traci's confidence grew over the course of her two-hour presentation. He might not have known her for long, but he knew her well enough to feel the stress falling away from her as she lost herself in her topic. At some point, Sean became acutely aware that Traci was not presenting facts as a mere professional observer. He wasn't sure how he knew, but he was certain Traci was describing the kind of relationship she wanted. Suddenly, that they lived many states away from each other no longer felt like the biggest obstacle to them starting a relationship.

Could I ever be an HoH? Spanking for fun, maybe, but could I possibly handle the responsibility of anything more?

Sean forced himself back to the present because dozens of hands had shot up when Traci offered to answer questions. The first question was a doozy. "Ms. Jackson, I've enjoyed your presentation very much, but I was hoping you could go into a bit more detail between the definitions of abuse verses discipline. I specialize in treating victims of domestic violence and while I can't say there is no place for corporal punishment in consenting relationships, I am a bit more wary than some in the room to endorse any kind of violence."

The portly middle-aged woman who'd asked the question had at least asked her question with respect. She took her seat as Traci formulated her answer.

"Thanks for a very good question, Dr. Harrison. I'm honestly happy you asked because this is a very common question, particularly when treating patients with domestic violence in their past. I've unfortunately had more than a few, and my answer to them is this.

"While physical contact may be present in both domestic discipline and domestic violence, that is where the similarity ends. With violence, the aggressor's purpose is to tear their partner down, physically and mentally. To make them feel bad or less of a person. Often with violence, the physical contact is on dangerous parts of the body where true harm can take place and the abuse is meted out until the abuser's anger wanes, often with disastrous results for the victim.

"Let's contrast that to corporal punishment within a consenting domestic discipline relationship. A good HoH knows the purpose of any punishment, physical or non-physical, should always be to correct poor behavior. With violence, the submissive always feels worse. With positive discipline, the submissive should always feel better after their punishment because they know they are now forgiven for their mistake. If done correctly, they should know that their HoH took the time to not only notice they had made an error, but also to guide them to better choices the next time. The couple will spend time talking about what went wrong and why, and the HoH will hold the submissive accountable for their choices. And of course, a physical correction should never take place in anger. It should take place on the buttocks and no lasting harm should ever come to the submissive partner."

Sean listened through several more clinical questions regarding her testing processes, but then a young woman stood to take the microphone to ask her question. It was clear that she was angry. "Ms. Jackson, I have listened closely today and I must say, as a woman, I'm offended that you would present such backward findings. If I didn't know better, I'd swear we had been transported back to 1950 where husbands wanted their wives barefoot and pregnant and dinner on the table when he got home from work. How can you justify publicly supporting these old-fashioned beliefs as a successful, single professional?"

The room had been breaking up into smaller conversations, but everyone turned their attention back to Traci. The ballroom became quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Sean willed Traci to stay calm. Like she often did, Traci took a deep cleansing breath before answering. "Thank you for your question. We haven't had the opportunity to meet yet so I'm afraid I don't know your name, but regardless, I'll try to answer your somewhat personal question as best I can.

"I am aware that to some, the practice of domestic discipline may seem old-fashioned, and maybe it is. But here's the thing. The next layer of my research is going to be focusing on the evolution of marriage in society and more specifically, on the skyrocketing divorce rates over the last half century. As you have pointed out, I am a professional woman who very much enjoys the benefits of choosing where I live and what to study. I've been able to achieve great success in my professional life. I'd like to think that consenting to be the submissive within a loving domestic discipline relationship wouldn't change that at all. Remember, the submissive partner agrees in advance to the rules. Agrees in advance to the consequences and if done right, her HoH will help her become the best person she can be. Not to mention, there are many DD couples where the woman is the HoH and the man is the submissive. I would hardly call that old-fashioned."

Sean's mind reeled. He hardly knew her, yet why did the idea of exploring a DD relationship pique his interest?

The round of applause signaled the end of her presentation. It brought him back from his dreaming. Even only having known her for one day, Sean had an odd sense of pride in how well Traci handled herself. He wasn't sure he could have kept his cool as well as she had under the microscope. He debated going out to congratulate her since he wanted to hug her and tell her what an awesome job she'd done, despite her fears the night before, yet he suspected she'd be embarrassed if she knew he'd been listening.

In the end, he decided there was no way he could see her later for dinner and lie to her by hiding the fact that he'd both read her research and attended her presentation. Taking a deep breath himself, he stepped into the room and approached Traci from behind. He had to wait several long minutes because she had a long line of admirers and well-wishers waiting to shake her hand and ask follow-up questions.

Only after the last question was answered did Traci turn to collect her purse and briefcase. Their eyes met and Sean felt like an ass as he watched the joy in her eyes change to panic.

---