Shay starts out this extensive series on self-suspension by emphasizing the importance of having a during your experience. The spotter can be a friend, a play partner, or whatever your personal risk profile happens to fall into. Shay’s own partner, Stefanos, gives a quick demonstration of the range of activities that the spotter can engage in during a self-suspension scene, from benign ambivalence to helpful advice to active play. Shay emphasizes that it’s up to you to decide what you need your spotter to do, but that it’s important that you have one.