Sam has some wise words on the unique and evolving nature of relationships and likens this to a mysterious (to the uninitiated) dish called ‘Gumbo.’

In this beautifully-written article, Jeff explains that Taken In Hand trusting another to care for you most intimately, and caring enough for another that they trust you with their most intimate self.

Dandelion powerfully conveys the erotic intensity of the dance of dominance she and her husband are engaged in – led, of course, by her husband. With her feminine warrior family culture, Dandelion sees this as a battle. This is no destructive battle, though, for Dandelion and her husband are both on the same side.

Some interesting criticisms of Laura Doyle's book, The Surrendered Wife.

This beautiful piece is a shining example of the sort of introduction that is welcome on Taken In Hand.

In this fascinating article about love and life, inspired by the film, About Schmidt, Stephen relates some vital insights he has gleaned over the years.

Ben and Clotos have been together for 33 years. In this article, Ben describes their unique relationship and their mutual surrender, and argues that “total ‘slavery’” leads to total freedom within total love.

When Melanie decided to take the plunge and surrender control to her husband, she was surprised by his reaction.

In this fascinating article, Random frankly relates what he gets out of his relationship with J. Definitely one to show a man if you want to introduce him to the idea of Taken In Hand style relationships!

I avoid labels, but for those who might be interested, here is my current thinking about the labels sometimes attached to this site.

Secretary was recommended to me as “a film that brings spanking into the mainstream,” “very sexy,” and “one to show a vanilla partner.” But one Taken In Hand reader I talked to vehemently disagreed with this praise. I decided to see it for myself. If you have not seen it and have not yet read any reviews of it, it might be worth seeing it before clicking the read article link.

How can you possibly expect to change anyone's behavior or attitude if you give them what they want when they do the things you least want them to do? Max Maximovich has a brilliant answer. Hit the read article link now!

In this warm exploration of the idea of spanking for connection, Max Maximovich argues that to be happy in life, we must learn what our true nature is and follow it in the best and most honest way we know how.

Why would an intelligent, sane, successful woman want to be taken in hand? Hit the read article link for J's answer.

If you can't imagine why anyone would find childlikeness an attractive characteristic, hit the read article link now, for this very enlightening explanation by Random.

What can you do when every time you try to initiate sex, you are met with grumpy irritation? When, for no apparent reason, the person who once couldn't get enough now can't get too little? When your attempts to please seem to have the opposite effect? You can start by clicking the read article link!

Robert talks about the conflict between societal expectations and our inclinations, and encourages us to face the truth about ourselves and hold our heads high, as it were, instead of suppressing our desires and being unhappy.

Tracy describes the dominance and submission which characterises her long-term marriage. This all happened early on, before they had read about these kinds of relationships, so what strikes me about Tracy's description is how natural it all sounds. A lovely piece.

Sam and Missy have been happily married for 23 years, but Sam had always had the feeling that something was missing, both within himself and in the marriage. Then he discovered Taken In Hand...

Do we choose to be taken in hand because we want to be, such as for the connection or because the whole idea is very erotic? Or is it that we women need to be controlled because we can't control ourselves? As a phlegmatic, competent, rational sort of person, I have always argued that this is something even the most logical, sane woman can choose. If you have to be the sort of person who can't function sensibly in the world to be taken in hand, I don't qualify! But that doesn't mean that I don't want to be taken in hand. I do! From what Nina says in this no-nonsense comment, she feels the same way.

On her journey into true submission, Linda faced many struggles and doubts and other problems, and challenged herself and her attitude at every turn. You may not agree with everything she says, but her story is awe-inspiring and humbling. Here is a woman who truly lives the idea that she is fallible; here is a truly strong woman.

Random paints a powerful word picture of the freeing, liberated feeling he has as a result of being the head of his household. If you can't understand the attraction of this sort of relationship, don't miss this!

Max Maximovich on his fabulous relationship with M, and his thoughts on the paradox he has mentioned here.

For Random, part of the appeal of taking a woman in hand is connected with her femininity. In this piece, he explains why he finds feminine women particularly appealing.

Taken In Hand is not about turning a woman into a servant or slave.

The casual observer might think that Taken In Hand readers are saying that they want to be taken or taken in hand against their will, but what is really going on here? An investigation of the psychology of consensual non-consent.

When a man takes or takes a woman in hand and she seems to be resisting and complaining, is there consent? It depends.

When someone in a conventional relationship gets into a state, a fight is often the result. Frank Nelson relates an experience that illustrates the healing power of taking a woman in hand.

After the demise of Stephen's marriage, he was determined that his next relationship would be different. He knew that he needed to be the head of the household. Having found a woman who wanted that, he then set about turning the fantasy into reality. His major concern at first was how and when to use discipline. It is one thing to fantasize about giving a disciplinary spanking, it is another matter to actually give one, especially to the woman you love. But his new wife wanted him to be firm, and not just as a game.

When you lose someone with whom you have had the relationship of your dreams, it is natural to spend a lot of time thinking about the person you have lost and what you had together. But to give a new relationship the best chance of growing and developing, it is important to turn your attention to the present relationship. Few are strong enough to compete with the ghosts of past loves. Sha expresses this truth much more poetically, as you can see if you click the read article link.

This beautiful letter was written by Annie to the man she loves, after he made a comment to the effect that he had met women before Annie via the internet but had been put off by what he called their high expectations.

This powerful, poignant piece by Aron was inspired by a comment by Susie to the effect that she would rather be with a dominant man who never spanks her than a non-dominant man who does.

Recently, I asked you all to submit articles detailing what you want/like in a relationship. (More articles, please!) Scarlet then wrote about her desire to be possessed. This has inspired Sunny to write too. I won't spoil the surprise by saying any more. You will have to read it!

Random raises the interesting issue of the costs and benefits of making your relationship-related wishes explicit or keeping things implicit. Lots to think about here!

Do you command respect and obedience without even trying? Do you have natural authority, or would you have trouble controlling even a worm? If you don't have a commanding presence but wish you did, hit the read article link.

Susie Joy has put her finger on how and why being taken in hand helps.

It was 1981 and Leah was 17, going on 18. She had just arrived at college when she met Rob, the man who would later become her husband. He certainly made an impact! To read Leah's wonderful (and true!) story, hit the read article link.

Amber gets that incredible closeness and calm when her husband takes her in hand in even the most subtle ways. “The hand on my neck, the quiet but authoritative way he spoke to me, and the look in his eyes was enough to show me that he was truly in control and worthy of my trust,” she says.

There is a word you can use that is highly likely to give your lover an enormous amount of pleasure. It is not a word that you are likely to have difficulty bringing yourself to say. It is not a word you could not say in front of the children or your grandmother. It is not a word that would offend anyone. What is it?

If your man won't do as he's told, it is time to stop nagging and start taking action. You do not have to allow yourself to be put into the position of being a nagging wife. There are better ways of solving problems – ways that will empower you without destroying your relationship.