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Masochism- The "M" in S and M Bondage

By Ramon Johnson, About.com

Definition:
Masochism, or the "m" in s and m bondage, is deriving pleasure from being humiliated or from having pain inflicted upon oneself.

The word masochism is believed to be named after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, whose infamous for portraying a beautiful woman dressed in furs with a whip as a symbol of strength in his book "Venus in Furs."

Masochism is by no means an activity exclusive to gay men; however some gay men enjoy masochistic role plays to varying degrees, from simple handcuffs to being tied down.
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