Ignore play
Definition
Ignore play is a form of psychological domination in which the Dominant deliberately ignores or pays no attention to the submissive as part of an agreed game or dynamic. The aim is not to punish the sub, but to evoke feelings of rejection, desire, or powerlessness within a safe, controlled setting.
Explanation of Ignore Play
Ignore play is all about emotional tension and imbalance in attention. The Dominant can pretend that the sub does not exist, avoid eye contact, not respond to touch, or make the sub wait at a distance while he or she is invisibly present. In some cases, for example, the sub is placed naked at the end of the bed while the Dominant does something else – reading, talking on the phone, or even paying attention to another person.
For the sub, this can evoke deep feelings: a desire for recognition, jealousy, insecurity, or intense excitement. The power of ignore play lies in that emotional paradox – the desire for attention is fueled by the lack of it. For the Dominant, this game requires control and psychological insight: the goal is to create tension, not to cause real harm.
Ignore play is common in Femdom dynamics, because many men experience their surrender precisely in not being seen or acknowledged. The Dominant completely determines when and how attention is given, which reinforces the balance of power.
Safety & points of attention
Ignore play seems innocent, but it has a strong psychological impact. Precisely because it plays on feelings of rejection, it should only take place within a clearly agreed and trusted relationship.
Consent is crucial: the sub must know in advance that this is a form of play and that a safe recovery phase will follow.
Aftercare is essential: discuss afterwards what it evoked, what was too intense, and what worked well.
Keep in mind that the line between play and actual rejection can be thin. The Dominant must always remain empathetic and attentive, even if the game is all about distance.
Related concepts Ignore play
Humiliation
Ignoring
Silence
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