- Punishments can be part of a parenting game in which the top sets certain behavioral guidelines and uses punishment and reward as a corrector to bring about a change in behavior.
- Punishments have the character of meta-consensus, i.e. the type of punishment is chosen in such a way that it actually makes the bottom uncomfortable and he is interested in avoiding a repetition.
It is not uncommon for sadomasochists, where punishment is part of the top's agreed authority, to keep a punishment book. Misdemeanors are noted here if consideration for the surroundings does not allow immediate punishment. One of the most popular prejudices among Vanilla is that guilt and punishment are an integral part of sadomasochistic games and relationships. In reality, only a certain percentage of both the top and bottom are interested in punitive scenarios.