What is Aftercare?
By Mara Vale · Reviewed by Elena Ward · Last updated
Aftercare is the care and reassurance partners give each other after a scene to come down safely from intense play.
Aftercare in context
It can mean kind words, a check-in, water, a blanket or simply time together. Submissives and dominants can both need it.
After an intense AI session, aftercare can be as simple as stepping out of the role, taking a break and reflecting on what you enjoyed.
Read more: Consent and aftercare
Related terms
- SubspaceSubspace is an altered, often euphoric state of mind a submissive may enter during intense play, sometimes described as floating or tunnel vision.
- SceneA scene is a single, bounded session of BDSM play with a clear start and end, as opposed to an ongoing dynamic.
- Safe WordA safe word is a pre-agreed word that immediately pauses or ends a scene, regardless of what is happening in the roleplay.