While a Master/slave, or Owner/property, relationship can be a very short term arrangement, often called a scene, the goal is often a long term, symbiotic relationship. You could wake up one morning and decide “I want to be owned by someone” (or own someone), but it is often a relationship type or orientation that lies within you. And it isn’t to say that you want to be owned or own everyone you date or even have a relationship with; it just means an O/p is the kind of relationship that fulfills you the most — it is where your heart and mind are most at peace.
Society tells us that being a “slave” is bad. And of course, it is: taking a person against their will, stripping them of their power and autonomy, and subjecting them to a life or servitude is never good. History is full of this sort of exploitive arrangement. But in the realm of power exchange, a M/s relationship is the complete opposite of this. First, and most importantly, you have to be asked, negotiate, give consent, and then establish an agreement — together. This is a joint effort that is often years in the making.
An O/p relationship typically starts out as D/s (Dominant/submissive). The asking, negotiating, consenting, and agreeing are essential to any D/s relationship. Usually a person feels inclined one way or the other and seeks out another person to complement them. It can be daunting for someone who wants to take on the submissive role because society tells us not to. If you are a submissive woman, for instance, then you may hear that you are being degraded. And if you are a submissive man then you are a wuss. On the other side of the coin, if you are a Dominant female then you are a bitch or a Dominant male you are an asshole.
But these kinds of relationships are not about being degraded, wussy, bitchy, or an asshole. They are about being honest and real, about having expectations that are clear, and knowing exactly what your role is. Good communication is key to having a successful D/s, M/s, O/p — or any other relationship.
Wanting your intimate relationship to follow the path of an O/p does not in any way suggest that you, as a slave, cannot also be the CEO of a major corporation or that a Master doesn’t want to stay home, tidy the house, and care for the children. The role you embrace in your intimate relationships should be one that allows you to be your most true self with those you love.