At the risk of sounding a little bitchy here, I'd like to add that much has been said about the usage of your term "true" submissive, so much so that I hope you didn't miss the answer to your question, which was "how long"? Because I do believe many areas were discussed regarding D/s and very interesting to me, since I'm still very curious about much of this, but I also believe your question was answered, maybe not simplisticly, but answered nevertheless.

I think "how long" depends on you Jason and how flexible you are. If you're stalwart in your desires for what you want, it may take you a long time.

If you're very flexible, hell, you may find her tomorrow.

I know I'm in for a long haul because I'm looking for something very particular. You, on the other hand, may not be.

I'd also like to mention how much I've enjoyed reading these replies. So many peeps with so much information and so many different desires and interests -- this has been a fascinating thread.

Thanks especially to all of you who have experienced the lifestyle.

love,
tyme