Continuing my four-part series on types of submission today will be about positional service. As a reminder, the forms of submission are:
- Transactional
- Devotional
- Positional
- Situational
Positional service is the most prevalent in non-D/S settings. It is customer service; you are in a position to serve, and so you serve. A set of itemized expectations defines the service.
In positional service, the submissive partner’s role dictates their responsibilities and duties within the relationship, often aligned with traditional or agreed-upon roles of Dominance and submission. A good example is domestic service. If this is your only service, you are in positional service. Your duties are predefined and precise. Most positional service is self-managed and has little interaction with the Dominant.
Positional service can provide structure and clarity within the D/s relationship, as both partners understand their roles and responsibilities. It can also foster a sense of fulfillment and purpose for the submissive partner, who may derive satisfaction from fulfilling their role within the dynamic. I know that there are times when I’m doing chores that I don’t feel those floating on-air feelings so many other submissives have described to me; I’m just doing my job, which is maintaining the house. I go about the motions, but the service is the same. I am still in the position to serve, and so I serve. All of my domestic chores are done to the highest standard that my Dominant requires of me, and I am fulfilled to be able to maintain their house.
We have talked about situational service earlier, and may be wondering what the difference is between these two. The difference is two-fold. First, with positional service, you are defined by your service. You can say, “I’m a domestic.” or “I’m a chauffeur.” That is your position in the household and also the service you provide. Second, the Dominant is not directly involved in receiving your service. It’s more about the results of your service that they care for. You can go about your duties even while the Dominant is not present.
