downkitty
Posts: 224
Joined: 10/1/2007 Status: offline
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Its hard for me get a handle on the question because "strong" can mean so many different things to so many different people. I only know a few people living in power exchange relationships in real life, so my base of experience is not all that large. However, all of the people I know in this type of relationship are what I would consider strong. They are secure in themselves, comfortable speaking their minds (politely), generally know what they want in their lives and strive (as a unit) towards that end. I would call that strong. They are also intelligent, but I don't think that is necessary in order to be strong. On the other hand, I see "strong" used as an excuse a lot browsing BDSM message boards. Granted, I've generally only a brief one-sided glimpse into the poster's mind, so my perception may be skewed, but I cringe when I see someone with a bad attitude post that they are "strong-willed." Brat does not equal strong IMO. Resistance for the sake of resistance does not equal strong IMO. A seeming need to be "broken" does not equal strong IMO. Rude, outspoken and obnoxious, even if disguised behind fluttering eyelashes, does not equal strong IMO. I consider myself strong in these ways: I know who I am. I am able to look at my reactions/responses, even in the midst of strong emotion, to determine whether they are knee-jerk emotional responses or valid, reasonable ones; therefore, I am able to nip explosive situations in the bud, so to speak. I am honest. I readily admit my mistakes. I am secure enough to communicate my fears, irritation, joys, sadness (in a respectful way) so that he is aware of my mental and emotional state. I do what I am told/what is expected of me by my Master, even when it is difficult, inconvenient or distasteful. The way I handle every decision presented to me is by putting my Master first, period. Many people would not consider that strong. Some people would label it "doormat." ~shrug~ My own opinion is that you can't appreciate the strength it takes to do something difficult/inconvenient/distasteful until you have to do it yourself, and you can't appreciate the strength it takes to always put another's interests before your own until you do it yourself. Disclaimer: These are my own opinions based on my own life. I am a firm believer in "to each his own."
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