Lasting Caress

If someone asks, I say that I feel pain in my back, or that some insect bit me somewhere along my ribs. I’m lying, of course. But I would rather lie than have to explain to my coworkers and friends how much I enjoy having friction marks on my torso. You see, for many people—especially vanilla people—friction marks are a hideous symbol of everything wrong with Shibari. However, for me, they are a lasting caress.

You see, I’ve always felt a fascination with body marks. I believe they are signs that you have actually lived. For example, people usually dislike crusts, whereas for me, they are beautiful. And the same goes for white hair and wrinkles. For me, they are the pages of the true story of my life.

And that’s why I like friction marks in Shibari. At first, my husband wasn’t quite convinced. It’s not that he’s vanilla or anything like that; he’s as kinky as me. It’s just that he likes my skin soft and smooth. It took me a while, but I convinced him that I couldn’t live without friction marks.

I convinced him when I explained to him that, for me, those marks were as if I could keep his kisses in one of my pockets. Whenever I miss him while I’m at the office, I just have to touch them to remember how much he loves me.

It’s like keeping a lasting caress without anybody noticing. And I just love that.

So, next time you’re doing a Shibari scene, give an opportunity to friction marks. Perhaps just a small one at first. You might come to value them as much as I do. They are an original and intimate romantic token; the kind only an experienced lover can provide.

This is my Shibari story.