This post was submitted by Master Aiden, who hopes to become one of your favorite new villains.

Photo by Hans Bruesch

My name is Master Aiden, and I am a professional BDSM Dom in Chicago, Ill.

After dishing out various lessons, both psychological and physical to my slaves/clients, I myself have learned plenty of things through my work.

Because it’s October (my favorite month) and October is the 10th month in the year, here are 10 Life Lessons I’ve learned through my job:

1. Following “the rules” can get you into a lot of trouble.

Being a professional Dom is kind of taboo. So, in my opinion, is being a good boy who works at shitty, conventional jobs earning flimsy amounts of change that barely cover rent and force you to skip meals. Unacceptable. And, yes, poverty wears on you in shocking and sneaky ways that you don’t necessarily see coming until after they strike. I should have been beating ass and cashing in starting on my 18th birthday. That would have been the proper thing to do. Which leads me to lesson #2……..

2. Never, ever, ever put up with people’s bullshit.

This world is a jungle. We are animals. If an animal attacks you, you (by the laws of nature) have the right and responsibility to annihilate it. Especially if you didn’t deserve to be attacked. This applies to your boss, your in-laws, your co-worker or your spouse. Be nice to your kids, though, or they’ll smother you in your sleep when you’re 86. So watch out for that. If you allow them to, people will steamroll over you. You have the choice of being “too nice” or fighting. For much of my life, I made the mistake of being “too nice”. I’ve learned that it’s better to fight, my friends. Gay Community…..Are you listening? Or are you just hoping that everyone will come around to loving and accepting you? Fight. Case closed.

3. Read The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli.

All those self-help books at Barnes & Noble? You’ve got to be kidding me. There’s only one book that’s appropriate for navigating through humanity, and that’s the one thin book currently sitting on my nightstand……

4. Keep a schedule or personal planner, and stick to it.

Afraid that you’re not getting your stuff done? Then maybe you need to keep an itinerary, you lazy shit!

5. Never expect people to do anything for you. Never depend on anyone.

You’re born alone, and you die alone, Sunshine.

6. Don’t be afraid to fall in love.

As awful as people can be, every once in a while you’ll encounter someone truly amazing. Don’t throw them by the wayside just because you’re cynical. It’s much braver to open your heart than to turn into an emotional miser. We only have a certain number of chances in life and, once you use them up, you can’t buy anymore.

7. Authority is a game and an illusion.

Are you aware of that? You do realize that what you give away and what you follow is your choice? Once you take that away from the reciever, it’s definition crumbles into dust. You chose what you worship, and that’s what gives it power. Or you can pull the plug.

8. Don’t take things too seriously…

…Because they sure aren’t taking you too seriously either. Having a sense of humor puts things into perspective unlike anything else.

9. Return phone calls or people will think that you’re an asshole. Word gets around…

10. You are not the center of the universe.

You never were, you aren’t now, and you never will be. Once you are gone, the world will get on fine without you. You want to make an impression? Earn your keep, be a considerate person, add to the world rather than take away and laugh when someone tells you a joke. Make an effort.

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Master Aiden will be exploring different subjects throughout his “Yes, Master” column, with a focus on the professional Dom lifestyle, the BDSM Community, unconventional subcultures, and interesting art.