In my previous relationship, we just jumped on the bdsm train without knowing the basics so we didnt use any safeword and just have fun like a normal sex. Now I (31F) am in a new SM relationship to a 43M dom. Because of my past, I didn't plan on using any safeword, my current dom is aware and always ask me throughout our sessions if I am okay to proceed (since we are still exploring our limits).

During our most recent session, I finally had that moment where I needed to use a safeword but I was hesitating as I dont want to interrupt the flow. I ended up pinching my dom's shoulder and he immediately stopped. My dom is a worrier, so he started to get super worried after that (we did continue safely afterwards).

So I just want to ask for opinions, is my action of pinching my dom a good enough replacement for the safeword? Or should i actually start practising voicing out the safeword?