Let’s talk about something that might seem a bit niche but is actually quite common in the world of BDSM: being a Rope Bunny.
In simple terms, a rope bunny is someone who likes to get tied up with rope, and as straightforward as it may sound, there is actually a little more depth involved. Some are into the restraint felt when bound with rope, while others find the artistic, sensual nature of it most intriguing.
The first time I heard the term rope bunny, I had thought that it would be all about submissiveness, but that may not always necessarily be so. You can like being tied up and not necessarily be a submissive.
Sometimes, it is all about being a ‘bottom‘, which is the one on the receiving end of the experience. Another wrong assumption is that most rope bunnies are women, while that is not a rule either. It has nothing to do with gender-one way or the other-gets off on being restrained or does the tying.
Which brings me to the counterpart of a rope bunny, the rigger-the one doing the tying. While both roles can be pleasurable and satisfying, they are distinctly different experiences.
If you have ever been curious about what it’s like to be a rope bunny, let’s dive into some reasons why people enjoy it.
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Why Be a Rope Bunny?
There isn’t one reason someone may enjoy being tied up, but here’s a few that I and others have found:
1. To Relax
I know, I know-this sounds counterintuitive. How could being tied up possibly be relaxing? For some people, though-especially anxious or overactive minds-being tied down lets them focus in a way they can’t normally. It acts almost like a reset button for your mind, taking you to that calm and tranquil spot. Some friends have even told me that after being tied, they became so relaxed they needed to nap. If this sounds like you-that you have racing thoughts at all times-this might be a method of slowing down and releasing them.
2. For Kinky Play
Let’s be realistic-sometimes it is about the thrill. The feeling of being tied up and at your partner’s mercy, of course, in a very consensual manner, usually turns one on. Adding the rope bondage during intimate moments makes it a little more thrilling for people, and for most, this very thought of being helpless because of being tied up is the core factor that drives excitement. I have found that even the simplest ties can really heighten the physical and emotional connections made during play.
3. To Feel Submissive
A number of people enjoy being tied up as an act of submission in a relationship. If you are into a dom/sub relationship, rope bondage may be something that could symbolize your trust and submissiveness to your partner. As I started to explore this aspect of BDSM, I learned how much rope serves as a metaphor for the release of control, which is actually a pretty powerful thing for some people.
4. As an Artistic Outlet
One of the things that kind of surprised me when I really started learning more about rope bondage was the artistic component to it. Some people aren’t even interested in the sexual aspect at all; they love rope for its beauty. This is particularly true in Shibari, a form of Japanese rope bondage centered on the aesthetics of the knots and the way the ropes accentuate the body. It’s rather an art form, and if you’re not into the kink, you might appreciate it just from the creative and skill levels involved.
Getting Started as a Rope Bunny
If this is something that sounds interesting to you, there are ways to get started. Here are a few:
1. Check out a local Shibari Meet
If you happen to live in a city that’s got an active BDSM scene there may be local Shibari, or rope bondage, meets. This will be a great place to learn about the basics and stay safe while doing it. I have been to several myself, and it’s also an interesting venue for meeting other people with the same interest in rope. It was there, in fact, that I found my first rigger!
2. Your Partner
If you are already in a dom/sub relationship or just have a partner who is interested in trying BDSM, you can ask them if they would like to do some rope play with you. When I first asked my partner, they were a little apprehensive, but after doing some research, they were very eager to learn. You never know-they might have secret rope skills!
3. Learn Online
There’s a plethora of online tutorials and videos one can study for basic rope bondage. If you are the kind of person who would like to learn alone, this might just be an option. I also once took an online course to guide me through all the basics. It was great to have that structured guide, really, and toward the end, more confident to try it with my partner.
4. Try Self-Tying
This might sound a little advanced, but you can even try a bit of self-tying. The cool thing about self-tying is you don’t need a partner to explore how the rope feels on your body. It takes a little getting used to, but if you get the hang of it, it can become quite satisfying. For me, this really helped build my confidence before I started bringing a partner into the mix.
Safety Considerations for Rope Bondage
Rope bondage can be super fun; however, it is potentially very dangerous if not safely conducted. I really cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking precautions to stay safe:
Have EMT Shears Handy: Keep on hand a pair of emergency shears to cut the rope quickly in case something goes wrong. A few times when things started getting uncomfortable, at such moments, it’s nice to know you can get out fast if needed.
Nerves and Not-Too-Tight Restraints: Always try to be aware of where you position the rope over joints or sensitive spots, as this will avoid cutting off circulation or sometimes even causing nerve damage. I have done too-tight tying before, and it really isn’t fun when a limb starts tingling.
Safe Words and Signals: It is all about communication. Before engaging in any sort of rope play, always establish a safe word or signal. In situations where you are gagged and therefore unable to say anything, make sure to establish a signal that lets your partner know that something’s wrong.
Conclusion on How to Be a Rope Bunny
That is to say, being a rope bunny means finding the pleasure in the tied-up experience: sexual, artistic, or simply pleasurable. If you’re interested in learning more about rope bondage, don’t be afraid to explore it, ask questions, and most importantly, with your partner. When I first dipped my toes into that world, it was intimidating, but it quickly became a way for me to connect with myself and my partner in a completely new way.
If you want to learn a bit more about it, try looking into a starter rope kit: they come with everything that you might want to experiment safely, at least. A more comprehensive option might be to look into an online course about rope bondage covering technical and sensual elements of rope play.
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