Just a note on a few things I saw stated hear...
is it a goal of the domme to get the safe word out of the sub?
It may not be the ultimate goal of the session, but depending on the specific fetishes of the Dom and the sub in question, it may indeed be a goal of sorts. This does not mean it must be dangerous or non consensual. It may be a goal for one or both, being brought to the point of using a safeword can in itself be a fetish.
Are tears a good clue?
I myself find tears and fear an absolute turn on. For some subs, it is just as much of a turn on to be brought to tears. For example, I am a sadist and I do not hide it. I like to inflict pain, it rocks my boat in a way little else does.
Fetish and BDSM is expressed in a very different and unique way by each person. There is no one right way or wrong way, in my opinion, so long as you enjoy your experience.
Yes, I see alot of that as well, EbonyDomme. I just warn them that they best make hard limits clear and remind them of what I enjoy most. lol