Are you a Dominant or submissive, eager to make the BDSM lifestyle a 24/7 agreement? Maybe you already have a contract, but you now want a full-time dynamic. Total Power Exchange relationships, or TPE relationships, are sometimes seen as the ultimate goal in a BDSM lifestyle. While they can enhance your role as Dom or sub, making the switch isn’t easy. This online total power exchange relationship guide will show you the TPE meaning, help you to avoid the most common mistakes, and you’ll also see some examples of how to make it work.
What is the TPE Meaning in Real-Life
On the outside, a Total Power Exchange relationship can look like abuse. And sadly, a lot of subs can confuse the two. TPE is not abuse. Simply put, the TPE relationship meaning is an exchange where all authority is passed from the submissive to the Dominant. It’s a consensual relationship where the Dom has absolute control, and can exercise that control however they see fit.
Who is a TPE Relationship Agreement Good For?
If you are unsure whether or not your relationship is TPE or abuse, let your instincts be your guide. The goal should be for both partners to feel more fulfilled and taken care of. And no matter what anyone says, the sub always has the right to get out of an abusive relationship.
Even though Total Power Exchange might look abusive to vanillas, it can bring incredible meaning and happiness to a Dom/sub couple. I don’t recommend entering a TPE relationship unless you’ve known the person for a very long time, and you 100%, completely trust them. This goes for both the Dom and the sub.
The Dominant should already be showing they respect their sub, and uphold the “safe, sane, consensual” principles of BDSM. The submissive should be mentally stable, and not using TPE as an excuse to be made weak. After all, the sub can still make some of their own decisions and choices, if the Dom allows them to.
Can Online BDSM Relationships Be TPE?
Online relationships can definitely be Total Power Exchange, but to a degree. Even though the sub gives up all their power, it will be hard for the Dom to exercise complete control over their sub’s life from a distance. In these kinds of relationships, TPE will be more of a mindset, and the Dom will have to be extra diligent in finding ways to incorporate it into their lives.
For more information and examples, check out my guide for online and long-distance BDSM relationships.
Examples of Total Power Exchange in relationships
Although a Total Power Exchange relationship can be any form of Dom/sub, like DD/lg, Owner/pet, or Boss/secretary, it is most likely a Master/slave agreement. Just like in real life, a Master has complete and total control over a slave, so it also is in TPE. Here are some examples of what it can look like in BDSM:
Controlling the Slave’s Finances and Career
- Choosing the slave’s clothing, diet, and other aspects of day-to-day life
- Establishing and enforcing non-negotiable rules and protocols
- Using the slave whenever and however sexually
Do You Still Need a Contract or Written Agreement for TPE?
Since the TPE meaning is that nothing prohibits the Dom from having all control, a contract might seem contradictory. I don’t think that’s completely the case though. A contract can lay out the fact that the relationship is a TPE relationship agreement, and list the expectations and requirements of the sub still.
However, since there usually are no safewords or hard and soft limits in TPE, these probably won’t be covered in the contract.
What are TPE relationship Rules?
Every TPE relationship will look and feel a little different, however, there are some commonly used rules. The biggest rule of course is that if the rules aren’t followed by the submissive, punishment is a natural consequence.
Here are some rules and elements that may exist in a TPE relationship:
- Edging
- Bathroom Control
- Safeword Denial
- Sleep Control
- Pet Play
- Time Control
- Money Control
- Revert Eyes
- Food Control
- Control Over Appearance
The overall mission of TPE is to create a deep sense of trust and satisfaction for both the Dom and the sub. Once you enter into a healthy TPE relationship, the Dom has complete autonomy to set the rules and the punishments when they aren’t followed.
You can read my online guide on BDSM contracts here for more examples of what you can include.
Even though a Total Power Exchange can be the ultimate goal for those who practice BDSM, it should never be rushed into. If you wish to enter this type of arrangement, make sure you fully understand first the true meaning of it, and what is involved. I don’t regret for one second entering a TPE relationship with my Dom, and I hope it can be successful for you too. For more insight into TPE or to get further BDSM Training. We’re here to help you understand the importance of BDSM education and offer you training to help enhance your relationship with your partner. To get access to valuable BDSM resources, sign up for our BDSM email list today.
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