mix pleasure with pain

[peppy_man]

What does "mix pleasure with pain"?

Also, please give me some examples of the idiom.

Thanks.

[hobbes]

Besides the obvious 'bondage' / S&M connection!?!

[peppy_man]

hobbes, thank you.
I guess the idiom has something in common with "mix pleasure with business / work". For example, "even when facing difficulty or challenges, it is better to try to enjoy the situation" or something like that, though this is just a guess.
Does "mix pleasure with pain" have only a sexual connotation?

[hobbes]

"mix pleasure with business / work".

For this I'd say - "Mixing business & pleasure" - to enjoy your work, or, if on vacation to continue to work. eg. Sales person continuing to sell their products even though they are on holiday.

It's different to "mixing pleasure with pain".

examples:

Tattoos - pleasure of the artwork & design concept - pain of the work being done.

Children - Pleasure of seeing them grow up - pain when they do wrong or are hurt.

Credit cards - pleasure of spending money you don't have - pain of being in debt.

Hope this helps a little!