“Would you like a gentle hand-spanking?” Abel asked me.
We were at Eliane’s birthday party, and throughout the afternoon people were disappearing upstairs to play. I wasn’t feeling particularly up to playing for some reason, but Abel’s suggestion was tempting.
“Actually, yes,” I said. “Yes, I would.”
We went upstairs to find a free room. Abel sat on the bed and patted his lap; I pushed down my jeans and arranged myself comfortably over his knees.
His hand was warm and soothing on my bare skin, first stroking, then slapping gently. It was exactly what I wanted, a sensual spanking that built up to a lovely even burn. By the end, I was purring.
Turns out that, even if I don’t really feel like playing, a gentle hand-spanking can be just what I need. It’s like chocolate: you may not be hungry, but you can always enjoy having some.
Oh yeah, I know that feeling. Even if you’re not feeling up to a full spanking session, a nice calm hand-spanking will always do the trick.
I’ve been paddled gently to sleep before now
gentle spankings/canings/paddlings – anything rhythmic and gentle is always pleasant – unless you’re feeling particularly masochistic at the time 
I can’t think of a time I haven’t enjoyed a nice, gentle spanking like that, and there’s always the option to go much harder after a while if you feel like it. It’s kind of like a cross between cuddling and a nice massage.