Limits (BDSM)

In BDSM, limits refer to issues that participants in a play scene or dynamic feel strongly about, usually referring to prohibited activities. Participants typically negotiate an outline of what activities will and will not take place. The participants describe what they desire, do not desire, will and will not tolerate, including the determination of limits. For example, it is common to set a safeword and to establish certain types of play as prohibited.

The BDSM usage of the terminology "limits" derives from the concept of "off limits", the idea of limiting a scene to a specific set of activities, and the limitations (in terms of interest, as well as physical and emotional tolerance) of the participants.

Both dominants and submissives can set limits. Limits can be agreed to verbally or they can be incorporated into a formal contract. Sometimes the participants engage in a formal conversation about limits and boundaries; this is referred to as negotiation. Other couples discuss their likes and dislikes in a similar manner to "Vanilla" relationships.

Some partners choose not to set limits. This is commonly seen in total power exchange dynamics, consensual non-consent, and edgeplay. Whether or not this type of arrangement is considered "safe, sane and consensual" is a matter of some controversy in BDSM communities, those favoring the approach pointing that limits are either wishful thoughts which can never be reliably enforced, or sometimes, just deceptions in order to find acceptance by society.

The terminology varies slightly across different local communities and Internet forums. However, there are general usages recognized across most BDSM populations.

A hard limit is something that must not be done. Violating a hard limit is often considered a just cause for ending a scene or even a relationship. Examples include “scat is a hard limit for me” or “I have a back injury, so striking on the back is a hard limit”.

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