Posted by symbiosis on March 24, 2005 at 20:38 [24.208.236.202]
a bit down the page I read a post about the differences between the terms AB and LG. I feel a pressing need to reintroduce this topic because of all the misconceptions I read. I won't specify the statements that I disagree with, there were a lot and I think it would be hostile to address them directly. I will simply state what I have learned in my 10+ years of activity in the community. i hope to clear up some of the mistakened impressions that some have.
First off, there are some "AB" people who are a desperate type and a little weird. But these few are the exception. The overwhelming majority of AB's are very successful professionals and many have families. This is their form of release and stress management. If you don't believe me post a survey question to any message board where AB's frequent. Ask them to elaborate on their careers. An extrordinary amount of AB's work in the computer field. If you don't want to post your own survey - just search back through the archives at wetset.
Identifying oneself as "AB" does not imply that you reduce to a specific age level. The majority of AB's do not take a less than 2 yrs. age when they play. You will find most simply like being a diapered child (little boy or little girl). (Again survey and you will find I'm right).
The common element is that "AB's" like the idea of a parent figure diapering them and caring for them. They like to surrender control to the parent figure.
The term "LG" came about for men who prefer to be a little girl (with or without diapers). It has been used frequently here in place of the term AB - this is not a bad thing. However, you should recognize that if you were to describe your interest to anyone outside of the group (those who are not into age play or diapers) they would quickly assess you as an AB - whether you insisted on the LG title or not - the public recognizes two things, you wear diapers and you like being cared for by a parent figure (an AB by definition).
This is why the term AB identifies us - not because we have chosen to be called AB. It is unfortunate that the general public will never let us distinguish ourselfs the way we would like, but so be it. I'm proud to be part of the AB's. I'm usually between 2 and 7 years of age when I play and will never crawl or make baby sounds (I personally have never met an AB who plays at this level and I believe they are very rare).
So don't be so literal when you try to find the term that fits you best - everyone here (excepting Mommies, Daddies and DL's) is a member of the group AB and should be proud. We are smarter than most of the outsiders and should stick together and be proud of the title that has been propogated for at least 20 years. Don't abandon the title simply because you have seen a few bad apples in the media.
Also, for those who are new to the interest, it may be a passing curiosity for you to know that there are many AB people who believe we are part (however small) of the S&M group (which is a very large and outspoken group). This is because of the "Control" type relationship. It is interesting though that most of the S&M people steadfastly reject the idea that the AB's are part of S&M. They seem to hold the opinion that the AB's are perverted and will detract from the dignity of their group. This is funny because they themselves would be angry if someone maligned their interest. - the irony
I personally could care less about S&M. I'm quite content (and proud) of my AB status. I'll say this again, most of the AB's I have met and the survey's I have read show that we are almost all of superior intellect and high standing in society.
These words posted are my opinion. Consider that I have taken the time to post what I feel and keep the board active and interesting. Please post your opinion and I will read and consider your ideas equally.
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