Elements of Dominance and Submission

[Eido]

Dear Forum Readers,

What do you consider to be the characteristics of a dominant? A submissive?

What do you consider to be the elements of a dominant/submissive relationship?

I'm trying to gather information to improve my story telling. I have some limited experience of my own, and of course I've read a lot of fiction and some non-fiction on the subject, but I've never discussed these concepts with friends, and I doubt I ever will.

All opinions are welcome.

Thank you,
Eido

[Zephyr]

One forum reader's opinion:

I m not, have never been in, and unfortunately never expect to be in such a relationship. My view is from the outside.

A dominant is caring. He or she understands and meets the needs of their sub. A dom is also trustworthy, or the sub will run as far away as they can for their own safety.In a good fit the dom enjoys doing the things to the sub that the sub enjoys having done to them. In some ways a dom is not selfish. If they use the sub for their own ends the sub runs from that too.

A sub is strong-willed. It takes a lot of long-term control to let someone else order your life. Love for the dom can step in and supplement this. A sub is trusting that their dom will not abuse them, physically, emotionally or their trust.

For me one of the interesting parts of such a story is why both parties entered into and continue in the relationship. But that one goes all over the map for good reasons and bad.