In my opinion, people often over emphasize the importance of a safe word. The problem is, a safe word can create a false sense of security. They're like seat belts, they're great to have but that doesn't mean we can drive carelessly. It's better to minimize the need for a safe word by properly discussing limits ahead of time.
In my experience, if you're relying on a safe word then you're probably doing something wrong. The only time a safe word is really necessary is during consensual non-consent scenes where the submissive wants to be able to say things like No, Stop, Please Stop, You're hurting me. In other words, pretend rape. In any other situation, stop means stop so there should be no need for a safe word.
For intense scenes like rape-play, a safe word is still not enough. Things can easily get so intense that the "victim" can't think straight. Of course a safe word is useless when I have my dick in her mouth, or my hands around her neck, or her face shoved into a pillow so she can't scream. (or he if that's your gender preference) In normal situations a safe word is unnecessary and in extreme situations a safe word is unreliable so why bother?
I'm old (by Reddit standards) and I've been doing this BDSM thing a long time now. Not just BDSM, I've done all sorts of risky, extreme, unusual things. I try to be careful but life is short and sometimes some risk is totally worth it. I'm proud to say that not once has anyone ever felt the need to use a safe word with me. Not until yesterday.
The thing is, we weren't even doing anything that extreme. Neither of us was naked so by many standards it wasn't even sex. We've done far more before and this particular encounter was not much more than flirting. Granted, I was in a very dominant mood and I am far stronger than her so my "flirting" meant my hands were all over her and there's no way she could get away. I have no doubt that she was enjoying it and wanted more. I know the difference between her saying "Stop it" when she means "Harder please" and saying "Stop it" when she means stop. I know her and I know her limits. I would not be so forceful with a stranger. Like I said, none of this is new to me.
We were playing, like we have many times before, when she said "red." It wasn't panicked, it wasn't strained, it was a quiet "red." I'm proud to say that I stopped instantly. It was almost reflexive. I stopped so fast it was shocking for me. It was almost painful, like someone throwing a bucket of cold water on me.
After a several moments of catching my breath and blinking in confusion, I started to figure out what had happened. She was in the mood, I was in the mood, but the timing wasn't right. The passion between us can be too much sometimes. Being around her drives me crazy with a powerful dominant energy and, according to her, when she's around me she loses all control. Indeed, I've never seen a woman get so wet so quickly.
She was correct to say "red" because I was going into that unstoppable dominant mode and she was sinking into her insatiable submissive mode. I wasn't hurting her, I wasn't doing anything she didn't want me to do, the timing simply wasn't correct. As much as we like to play, there's an appropriate time and place for everything but that was not it.
She could have used her "Stop it for real" voice but saying "red" was faster and more effective. It made me stop immediately and completely. It yanked me right out of the mood and back to reality. As soon as I figured out what had happened, I knew that she was correct to use her safe word. I know how to push her buttons. What she was trying to say was "Not now" but she was already too far gone to get the words out. She barely managed to say her safe word.
My point is, even if you dislike safe words as much as I do, even if you think you're some kind of super-expert like I think I am, it's still good to have a safety net. All you young dominant wanna-be's, learn to take it seriously. Being dominant doesn't mean you're perfect. And all you submissive types, learn that using your safe word isn't a failure, it's helpful. I appreciate a submissive who is willing to help.
I love a little risk as much as the next guy but wow, getting a cold bucket of water thrown in my face sure is a good way to remind me that I'm not perfect. It was like almost getting in a car accident but my passenger yelled "Watch out!" just in time.