How do I learn to be better at failing? I have a massive praise kink and I put so much into trying to please. I have never safeworded in a scene and I have previously struggled with the idea, but am learning! In previous D/s, I have been pushed far and have willingly enabled this.

Recently, I have had some tasks that I have really been unable to complete - not for want of trying. I have researched, worked hard, tried and tried and tried (and practised) but I feel like I’m not making the right amount of progress in meeting expectations and when this happens I feel the most overwhelming failure - like I have let the Dom down beyond what is reasonable and should stop being his sub and never see him again. I’ve honestly thought about withdrawing from the dynamic because I can’t achieve the task. My logical head tells me this is ridiculous but I have actually cried over it and it’s the most horrible feeling.

The person setting the tasks is understanding, very reasonable and not bothered by the failure at all - he is consistently kind and reassuring, rewarding the progress, but it’s psychologically destroying me to disappoint. I just shut down and can’t even communicate properly.

How can I get better at failing, or at least try?

Edited to add: I have communicated this all to Him and He is (as always) amazing. This is my perception of failure, not his. So it’s coping strategies for that which I need. In terms of safewording, this is in previous dynamics, not this one, which is much more healthy.