Somebody discreetly asked me in chat if I could explain what a little is. I am going to give it a shot.
I want to preface this post by saying that this is what being a little means to me. This may not be how other people identify. Labels are just a starting place. Don't let them define you.
So now ...
What is a little?
Being a little is something that you ARE! It is a part of your being, your personality, and who you are at your core. For me, being a little means having my inner child be a big part of my day to day life. It is a child like wonder. This can manifest itself in different ways: enjoying certain toys, games or activities that might be viewed as more "childish". For me these things include Disney music and movies, coloring, cuddling with stuffies, having bedtime stories read to me, etc.
As a little, I have a need to find comfort, reduce stress and express my more playful side. I can do all of these things through my little side. The focus is more on the emotional and psychological experience of embodying the "little" identity.
Engaging in Age Play
In contrast, when somebody is engaging in age play, it is like a role play. Please note that age play doesn't have to mean that you are acting an age younger than yourself, you can role play any age you'd like. But for this sense, I am going contrast engaging in younger age play.
This can be a part of a kink or BDSM dynamic or just be playful or erotic. However, it usually involves a more physical aspect and can include props such as bottles, diapers, and pacifiers. I sometimes can use those same props as a little to help me induce my little space.
The purpose of age play can also focus more on eroticism, creativity or power dynamics.
Overlap
The terms "little" and "age play" can overlap, but they refer to different concepts. Both can be very fulfilling, playful experiences but they serve different purposes and may resonate with people differently. These are not black and white lines, they are a blurred, overlapping spectrum.
I want to preface this post by saying that this is what being a little means to me. This may not be how other people identify. Labels are just a starting place. Don't let them define you.
So now ...
What is a little?
Being a little is something that you ARE! It is a part of your being, your personality, and who you are at your core. For me, being a little means having my inner child be a big part of my day to day life. It is a child like wonder. This can manifest itself in different ways: enjoying certain toys, games or activities that might be viewed as more "childish". For me these things include Disney music and movies, coloring, cuddling with stuffies, having bedtime stories read to me, etc.
As a little, I have a need to find comfort, reduce stress and express my more playful side. I can do all of these things through my little side. The focus is more on the emotional and psychological experience of embodying the "little" identity.
Engaging in Age Play
In contrast, when somebody is engaging in age play, it is like a role play. Please note that age play doesn't have to mean that you are acting an age younger than yourself, you can role play any age you'd like. But for this sense, I am going contrast engaging in younger age play.
This can be a part of a kink or BDSM dynamic or just be playful or erotic. However, it usually involves a more physical aspect and can include props such as bottles, diapers, and pacifiers. I sometimes can use those same props as a little to help me induce my little space.
The purpose of age play can also focus more on eroticism, creativity or power dynamics.
Overlap
The terms "little" and "age play" can overlap, but they refer to different concepts. Both can be very fulfilling, playful experiences but they serve different purposes and may resonate with people differently. These are not black and white lines, they are a blurred, overlapping spectrum.