Aftercare

A form of care that is shared between all participants after play. This care may be self-serviced, facilitated by participants of the play and sometimes also provided by people that did not participate in the play itself but have a connection with the individual in need of aftercare.

Aftercare can cover physical, mental, and emotional well-being for an individual. Aftercare is also not exclusive to Bottom-type people, but can also be given to Top-type people and generally anyone participating in play may express their need for a form of aftercare that they are in need of.

A key reason aftercare matters is the experience of After-Scene Drop a sudden or gradual emotional, physical or mental low that can follow intense play. A drop does not always occur immediately after a scene, it may surface hours or even days later. For this reason, aftercare is not always a single moment but may involve check-ins in the time following play.

It is a common practice; an individual's need for aftercare is already shared between participants before play. It is worth noting, however, that aftercare needs can change after a scene, someone who expected to need little may find they need more or vice versa. Flexibility and open communication between participants helps accommodate this. An individual may have their own aftercare kit. This may contain things like specific food and drink, a blanket or other comforter. Sometimes aftercare can also be rituals or activities that help the individual such as cuddling or meditation.

Aftercare start may be instantly delivered after a scene, or needed much later, depending on the individual. The duration of aftercare varies from person to person. When participants do not share the same physical space, such as after play at an event or in long-distance dynamics, aftercare may take place remotely, for example through a phone call or text exchange.

Aftercare may also take place after vanilla sex.