[And even if we insist on putting blindfolding into a box: If you ask me, it very well is BDSM. BDSM is a very broad spectrum. Sadomasochism, bondage, D/s, more broadly also unusual turn-ons (kinks in general), roleplay, .... Pain is not required. You could consensually tie someone up for aesthetic reasons and you're both clothed and it's only mildly restricting and there's nothing sexual about it and yet - that would be BDSM). Humiliation for pleasure purposes is another example of BDSM - one that doesn't even require any gear at all!! Domination and submission is essentially a form of power play, where one person is in a position inferior/subject to another - more or less entirely. Naturally there often is a slight imbalance in power even for vanilla activities... but blindfolds are definitely an outside factor, not purely a question of mind-set. Idk if I'd call that 'slight'.
Yk, there's a reason we say 'trust someone blindly': Eyesight is an important part of our lives, and being the only one not having it definitely leaves you more vulnerable than if you could see. You give up some control over the situation. Therefore BDSM. Basically he could do anything he wants without you even knowing what's going on until it is too late. Can you trust him to 100% that he won't?]
As has been stated by others before, even if you happen to be into blindfolds - I would personally strongly suggest you stay away from that, eh, friend of yours. Pushing someone to do anything sexually is a huge red flag. What even is that line of thought from him - 'just because it's vanilla consent is not required'?!?? As if the name changed anything?
Whatever you do with a partner should be based on mutual pleasure (*or at least gain/enjoyment/desire, depending on what you aim for and how you define 'pleasure').
Therefore: Consent (SSC). Enthusiastic consent.
Sure, people might be willing to try out something for the sake of making their partner(s) happy occasionally, but even so it's never a 'you said yes - you now owe me' - on the contrary, it makes it even more important to be careful and aware of boundaries (in healthy relationshis at least). And of course it's all completely voluntary - and it is, too, more than OK to not be willing to experiment at all. Or if you withdraw consent later on because you started to feel whatever you do is not doing you good. It's always your choice alone what you allow somebody else to do to/with you, at any point.
And this choice is to be respected.
And with those who don't - it's safer and nicer to stay clear of them.
It is of course your decision what to do now. But if you still choose to engage with him: Please at least be careful and know your worth. He's not entitled to anything, everything he does he can do solely because you permitted it. Never forget that.
Finally, I'm sorry for writing so much - and also I apologise for the poor structure. Nonetheless, I hope you could gain something from it. May the new year find you well, too!
