Service Top

A partner who plays the top position in scenes—which is frequently viewed as a dominant role—while behaving in line with their partner's wishes is referred to as a "service top" in BDSM. The terms "top" and "dominant" are frequently used interchangeably, but in this instance, the "top"—the active individual who is using activities and tactics on their submissive/partner—is not "dominating" them; instead, they are doing what their partner desires. When a service top restrains, spanks, flogs, teases, or torments their bottom (the partner they are "topping"), they may appear to be in complete control to an outsider. In a sense, they do this because their job is to keep the scene organized and ensure safety, but when it comes to controlling the action, the bottom is making all the decisions.

Knowing how much they can make their bottom feel good is what gives service to joy in any scene. Spending time planning and carrying out their ideal scenes with their bottom can be enticing. They will also ask their submissive for advice on what the submissive desires, frequently letting them decide how the scene should unfold before providing them with copious amounts of aftercare.

Top vs. Dominant

As was previously indicated, the terms "top" and "dominant" are sometimes used synonymously, which is incorrect. In a scenario, the Top is in charge of performing the actions on the bottom. The Top is flogging, tying up, electro stimulating, or even tickling the bottom. They are in charge of ensuring the experience is safe and fulfilling. In a BDSM dynamic, a dominating partner, often known as a Dom/Domme, assumes control of a scene, a night, or a relationship. Therefore, a top will not always be a Dom, even though a Dom may be a top.

"Power dynamics need not restrict who gives and receives pleasure, despite the common misconception that a dominant person is one who enjoys being pleased and a submissive person loves to please." Blindfolding and/or tying a submissive partner to the bed and providing them with pleasure until they are unable to handle it any longer is one method to enjoy being a service top to them. Another option is to try orgasm denial, which involves getting them to almost orgasm, pausing, and then repeating till they climax, or letting them orgasm just when you say they can. The founder of the sexy ethical porn website, RolicMe.com, Anna Richards, claims

This can give people the impression that the actor portraying the Top in a scene is "supposed to" act as a Dominant, but as we can see, that is not the case, which causes some confusion. As long as the Top fulfils its obligations to provide a safe experience, there is enough space for a wide variety of diverse dynamics between tops and bottoms.

The Other Meaning of Service Top

The phrase "service top" can also refer to other things. "A Service Top may also indicate that the Top has a contract or is being compensated for their services." says Natasha Marie Markiewicz, Head of Communications at Mystery Vibe, a company specializing in sexual wellness and technology. Most professional dominants are regarded as service tops when they participate in "pay for play" scenarios. Still, non-professional dominants may also do so for their amusement and that of the bottom. A dominant may also use service topping as a training technique for a submissive.