"Or maybe I'm just 'natural', who knows, either way, I couldn't EVER equate physically hurting someone in any way with loving them, let alone taking them to the brink of death.
I find that beyond comprehension, and pretty darn sick."

Lizzie, I don't think you have to be 'damaged' to enjoy high levels of stimulation. It's why we have rollercoaster rides and horror films. Hell, people are 'naturally' into all kinds of things.

I like chilli chocolate and fast motorbikes, I also like very strong blue cheese. While I've not tried erotic strangulation (yet...) I don't find it a challenging idea that other normal people, do. For my own part, I suspect the risks would outweigh the benefits, but then I could say the same for me regarding mountain climbing, deep sea diving, or indeed any human activity that others are called to partake in which is high risk.

Love and joy, mean very different things to us all I guess. I might not think it a great idea, but if two people who love each other and are committed to each other, choose an alternative way to fulfill each other (which doesn't harm others), I would certainly not call it 'sick' simply because I didn't relate to it.