Taken in Hand

Taken in Hand is not technically a type of BDSM, but it is similar, and it's very similar to Christian Domestic Discipline, or CDD (to read more about CDD on my blog, click here). Kinksters involved in BDSM or D/s relationships can also be Taken in Hand, or couples practicing Taken in Hand can also be involved in kink.

Taken in Hand is a style of relationship when men lead women. In that, TiH is very similar to power exchanges or D/s in BDSM. Both involve a consensual power exchange where one partner has control or power over another. However, D/s can be heterosexual or bi or gay, male-led or female-led, monogamous or poly, married or single or committed, full-time or part-time. TiH is much more specific: the website is designed for male-led, monogamous marriages only.

I like Taken in Hand because, like CDD, it is very compatible with Christian-style BDSM. Although TiH is not specifically Christian, it can be. The Bible verses that discuss marital submission always indicate such relationships should be male-led, and TiH follows that model, although not because of Biblical reasons.

Another thing I like about TiH is that it expects, even encourages, women to be strong, independent, and powerful. The whole point of a TiH relationship is that the woman wants to be conquered and the man wants to conquer, as opposed to D/s where the sub submits and the Dom or Domme leads.

One thing I don't like about the website is its lack of organization. You can wander around the articles--which are very good--for days and not come across the same one twice. The articles are listed alphabetically and by subject, but it's impossible to find a favorite article again later once you've left the site. Also, the profiles leave much to be desired--they tell you only the person's screenname and years on the site, no information about them or links to their writings and posts on the site. Additionally, I've had trouble commenting and my comments never show up. So while I like the idea, the whole thrown-together approach at a website drives me nuts.

If you're interested in a support group where you can learn lots about male-led marriages where the man leads and the woman is, not submissive, but taken in hand (controlled/conquered), check out Taken in Hand!