The partner has been interested in being tied up for a while and it's taken me a long time to finally get in the right head space due to trigger issues. This is something I really want to do for him and I know he is afraid to bring it up and doesn't want to make me feel pressured, though I know how much it means to him.

A big date of ours is coming up soon and I'd really, really like to surprise him. What would be the most effective and easiest way of tying someone up for the first time when you have absolutely no idea of what you're doing? I want to be confident and not fumble through the whole thing worrying about knots and positions.

Also, have any of you had difficulty getting in the sort of head space for topping? How did you deal? I'm pretty submissive naturally so the whole concept as a whole is feels strange.

Any personal stories or advice, pointing me to certain resources, what have you, anything is most appreciated.

Thank you.