Can You Tell the Difference Between Sadism And Masochism?

7.02.2012 | By: Alex F.

Many people know what sadomasochism is, but how many truly know the difference between sadism and masochism? Do you?

The difference between sadism and masochism is that with one, the suffering is consented to. With the other, it's not. (PhotoXpress)

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Sacher Masoch married women he chose because of their commanding nature, as if he had an insatiable desire for obedience and taking orders. He went so far that he signed contracts with them which bound him to be a slave, to be obedient and he had to fulfil all the demands of the women, while they were allowed to punish him in any way they chose if he didn’t abide by the agreement. It need not be stated that the women didn’t choose to give up those privileges.

Difference between sadism and masochism - ”I suffer and therefore enjoy”

When physical and psychological suffering is the necessary condition for feeling sexual pleasure, this is true masochism. In simple terms, the difference between sadism and masochism is that masochism is the reverse phenomenon of sadism. The only thing in common to sadism and masochism is pain.

Difference between sadism and masochism #1

A masochist is a victim who consents to be one and actually strongly desires it. A masochist needs a partner who will torture him/her with the permission of the “victim”. A sadist is someone who attacks the victims without their consent and this fact actually represents a big part of a sadist’s pleasure.

Difference between sadism and masochism #2

A sadist hasn’t the slightest desire to give sexual pleasure to the victim, while the masochist wants to make love to just that person who tortured him/her. This is a way to express gratitude.

Difference between sadism and masochism #3

Masochists don’t really need a partner. They can punish themselves (monks do this as well). From a legal point of view, a masochist is without any blame, while a sadist is guilty of consciously beating someone and causing injuries. Sometimes, sadists may even resort to kidnapping.

Difference between sadism and masochism - and the everyday use of “sadomasochism”

We often use the term sadomasochism in the wrong way, when we want to give examples of a sadist torturing a masochist or when a person has both sadistic and masochistic tendencies. The term is used in describing erotic games that some partners use. Both partners have complete freedom of choice and can also switch roles, depending on their current mood.