In the framework of BDSM, there are quite a few abbreviations that can confuse beginners in this field. Especially when it comes to topics that are often only marginally related to a BDSM session itself.
Some of these abbreviations are FLR and TPE. But also the role of Female Supremacy is mentioned again and again in this context. We have tried to bring a little light into the darkness for you and to explain these terms and their connections clearly and understandably.
What is FLR?
FLR is an abbreviation for the term Female Led Relationship, i.e. a relationship determined by the woman. How far this leadership goes, man and woman always negotiate for themselves. Such combinations are often found in constellations where the man has to take on a lot of responsibility in his job.
Here, a FLR can lead to a new and important feeling of security in private life, as responsibility can be relinquished. In a FLR, the woman assumes sole decision-making power over certain areas of life and the relationship. There lies also the demarcation to the Total Power Exchange, since here no more gradations are made.
The woman rewards the man for his achievements and gives him tasks to fulfill in the relationship. If tasks are not or badly fulfilled, the woman can punish the man naturally also. Here, the different variants of BDSM come to the fore again, so that a sexual component can also play an important role here.
Other varieties of BDSM can also play a role in a FLR. From the feminization of the man in certain games to orgasm control and bondage, all types of games can also be integrated into the relationship. It is and remains important that the woman determines the rules and makes clear announcements about how the man has to behave within the relationship.
This can, but does not have to, also affect official areas and the public. However, there are clearly more Female Led Relationships, which take place mainly in the private sphere and which serve normal role models in public.
A FLR in full public is rather rare and strongly testifies to how much both partners are absorbed in their role and enjoy it. A female-led relationship can also be very fulfilling for the man, as he only has to be marginally involved in all relationship issues.
What is TPE?
The abbreviation TPE stands for Total Power Exchange and describes a type of BDSM where the power imbalance is maintained outside of the actual play situation. This means that the female dominance is not only lived out in the actual game, but also in the shared relationship.
Exactly how this is expressed depends on many different factors. In such a relationship, BDSM in the classical sense does not always have to be practiced at all. Often, however, the TPE in a femdom relationship is accompanied by different variants.
For example, chastity of the partner is especially common here, so that the man's orgasms are also controlled exclusively by the female partner.
Female-led relationship
How is such a female-led relationship then in general? As a rule, in TPE, it is the woman who makes all the decisions in the relationship. And this can affect all areas of life. The woman determines the expenses, she manages the man's money and assigns him tasks.
As a rule, the man takes over the less welcome household chores and makes sure that the woman is completely satisfied. This actively lived power imbalance contributes thereby considerably to the immanent satisfaction of the man, without it always having to be directly sexually connotated.
The Total power Exchange is a part of BDSM, which is not lived out by very many couples. Precisely because this is associated with a lot of trust and also a lot of responsibility. It is not only the men who want or also reject such an exchange, but also the women who do not want or cannot take over such a responsibility permanently.
However, if both sides find their full fulfillment in the TPE and can permanently imagine a life in such a role model, nothing stands in the way of a happy relationship. To what extent this then extends to the sex life and what role the passive partner plays in this, each couple must find out for themselves.
Many TPE relationships are hardly sexualized directly anymore, since the man is raised to be a cuckold, among other things, and the woman gets her satisfaction from other men, for example.
What is Female Supremacy?
The principle of Female Supremacy reverses the basic circumstances of patriarchy and places women at the center of life and society. It is practically a complete role reversal of the traditional role model. What may be an agreeable solution in individual relationships is not a universally agreeable solution.
Where society has broken away from patriarchy and equality prevails, Female Supremacy cannot serve as a counter design either. Therefore, it is more of a fighting term than a real attempt at cultural revolution.
Irrespective of this, formats such as FLR and the Total Power Exchange in the case of female dom naturally also lead to Female Supremacy being acted out in these relationships.
Limits and dangers of FLR, TPE and Female Supremacy
A female-led relationship in and of itself is not a danger. However, we must issue a warning at this point. Because in any relationship where there is a total power exchange, where the responsibility is in the hands of only one person, there can be a significant potential for abuse.
This means that it is also important to always perceive the sub-partner as a human being and to also consider his or her feelings in the relationship. Regular communication is important in order to continue to value each other.
And also not every Dom wants to live permanently in such a relationship, but to be able to hand over the responsibility again in parts. Therefore, in the TPE and Female Supremacy in any case, communication is crucial and helps to maintain the balance.
