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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/12/2006 11:49:09 PM   
zero69u2


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i asked a domme what influenced her decision on changing from sub to domme. she summed it up in one word. "control".
some personality traits don't work well with being dominant.(non-assertiveness,wishy-washy character, whatever you want types, no control over self or others)
some traits don't work well with being submissive ( controlling from bottom, desire to mold master into dreamy fairy tale ideal, overly sassy to a point, continueing to be unpleasant to get wants and ways (ie pouty,bitchy,bad behavior, attention seeking to a point to give any dom headache)

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 12:14:53 AM   
meatcleaver


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Actually one of the traits I've noticed in subs I've known personally, is their desire to be adored which isn't a very submissive trait at all. I have to admit I've met far more vanilla submissive women than in the so called life style. A 'nilla woman doesn't give you a list of what she expects before a relationship even begins but usually allows it to develop organically. While I enjoy my time with submissives, I still think submissive is a misnomer and that submissive has nothing to do with the personality of a submissive. By inference, the same with doms.

In fact my p/time partner is quite open that submitting and the resulting experience of subspace and endorfins etc. is a drug to her and nothing to do with her feeling or being submissive.

< Message edited by meatcleaver -- 6/13/2006 12:18:00 AM >

(in reply to zero69u2)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 3:21:33 AM   
cuddleheart50


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My personality is extroverted, but I am very shy, if that makes any sense.  I dont show the whole world my true self, I save that for the person I care about. 

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 3:42:07 AM   
bandit25


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Oh Lord, if I had to "act" submissive in order to be submissive, well, let's just say the results wouldn't be very pretty.  Nah, I think julia is correct (so what else is new?).  I am submissive to my Dom and only to Him.  To others, I'm pretty mouthy.  In fact, my supervisor thinks I am a Domme!

(in reply to litleone8620)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 3:42:18 AM   
irishbynature


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I fully understand lilones question...and there may be some merit to the personality issue.

But if it's just personality, then how does one explain "Switches?" Those who are subs for years and say they've grown/changed and are now Doms or vice versa? So, there's a whole other side to it, I believe.

I also agree with several posts mentioning the fact that there are natural dominants/subs as well....

Good question, lilone.



< Message edited by irishbynature -- 6/13/2006 3:43:29 AM >


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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 3:45:40 AM   
agirl


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quote:

ORIGINAL: meatcleaver

Actually one of the traits I've noticed in subs I've known personally, is their desire to be adored which isn't a very submissive trait at all. I have to admit I've met far more vanilla submissive women than in the so called life style. A 'nilla woman doesn't give you a list of what she expects before a relationship even begins but usually allows it to develop organically. While I enjoy my time with submissives, I still think submissive is a misnomer and that submissive has nothing to do with the personality of a submissive. By inference, the same with doms.

In fact my p/time partner is quite open that submitting and the resulting experience of subspace and endorfins etc. is a drug to her and nothing to do with her feeling or being submissive.


Being submissive can be described as being *passive and obedient*     (one definition in dictionary) and a character trait ......but submitting  is a little different........if you're prepared to bend your will to that of another person's, you are submitting. You don't have to *be* submissive to do that.

agirl

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 3:55:33 AM   
twicehappy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: bandit25

Oh Lord, if I had to "act" submissive in order to be submissive, well, let's just say the results wouldn't be very pretty.  Nah, I think julia is correct (so what else is new?).  I am submissive to my Dom and only to Him.  To others, I'm pretty mouthy.  In fact, my supervisor thinks I am a Domme!
 

That about sums it up for me too.

In the garage i've been told i make grown men cry over custom bike builds, my brother has called me to go collect overdue bills from customers, on the race track i compete with men regularly and on discovering what size bike i raced my own Master exclaimed" god you have great big balls for a girl". Yet with my pair i curl at their feet, care for them constantly, and have been known to cry at the slightest frown.

I think most dominants who are secure in their own selves would rather own a strong sub/slave. Where is the challenge in owning a doormat?

They do not expect me to act submissively towards anyone else, well behaved yes, submissive with them even in public yes, but i will still joke and speak with them normally too.

They are both really sure that anybody else who attempts to dom me in any manner will come away from the encounter bleeding, either figuratively or literally depending on how far they pressed their luck.

So no i do not think most dominants want someone who acts mousy or submissive with everybody. My submission is only for them.

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 3:56:21 AM   
litleone8620


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You're right, there is a whole different dynamic when you bring switches into the discussion. Only a switch can respond to your question, and since i am most definitely not one i can only speculate. Which i won't subjet anyone to. I would love to have a switch's point of view on this.

Switches are as foriegn to me as Dominants are, and i don't even begin to understand them.

As far as my question, doesn't a person's personality help them make their everyday decisions, including whether to be Dominant/Submissive.

(in reply to irishbynature)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 4:13:49 AM   
feastie


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The definition of submissive, when used in the area of D/s or BDSM has never included being submissive to any and all.  For those with that preference, I bid them turn their back to a mirror to check for a yellow stripe down the center of their back.  It doesn't take any talent or effort to dominate someone like that.  To inspire one to submit to you, however, is a distinctly different mindset and talent.  Strength of a woman makes her surrender all the more beautiful.  It would not be nearly as special or as satisfying if it were given to everyone.

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Disclaimer: Any views expressed in any post are my opinions only. They may or may not be yours.

(in reply to litleone8620)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 4:18:47 AM   
meatcleaver


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quote:

ORIGINAL: agirl

Being submissive can be described as being *passive and obedient*     (one definition in dictionary) and a character trait ......but submitting  is a little different........if you're prepared to bend your will to that of another person's, you are submitting. You don't have to *be* submissive to do that.

agirl



I think that is what I was trying to say.

Maybe it's the hot weather getting to me.

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 4:20:37 AM   
litleone8620


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quote:

ORIGINAL: twicehappy

quote:

ORIGINAL: bandit25

Oh Lord, if I had to "act" submissive in order to be submissive, well, let's just say the results wouldn't be very pretty.  Nah, I think julia is correct (so what else is new?).  I am submissive to my Dom and only to Him.  To others, I'm pretty mouthy.  In fact, my supervisor thinks I am a Domme!
 

That about sums it up for me too.

In the garage i've been told i make grown men cry over custom bike builds, my brother has called me to go collect overdue bills from customers, on the race track i compete with men regularly and on discovering what size bike i raced my own Master exclaimed" god you have great big balls for a girl". Yet with my pair i curl at their feet, care for them constantly, and have been known to cry at the slightest frown.

I think most dominants who are secure in their own selves would rather own a strong sub/slave. Where is the challenge in owning a doormat?

They do not expect me to act submissively towards anyone else, well behaved yes, submissive with them even in public yes, but i will still joke and speak with them normally too.

They are both really sure that anybody else who attempts to dom me in any manner will come away from the encounter bleeding, either figuratively or literally depending on how far they pressed their luck.

So no i do not think most dominants want someone who acts mousy or submissive with everybody. My submission is only for them.


I agree wholeheartedly with this.

I have 'interviewed' Dominants who expected their submissives to be submissive to everyone, even people they would meet on the street, or their vanilla friends. What exactly is the point of this?

(in reply to twicehappy)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 5:44:44 AM   
twicehappy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: litleone8620

I have 'interviewed' Dominants who expected their submissives to be submissive to everyone, even people they would meet on the street, or their vanilla friends. What exactly is the point of this?


Either they are a member of a M/s subculture such as the Goreans(no disrespect here in any form, IronBear you and others like you have my utmost respect) or they are insecure about their own domliness(new word?) or it is a display, much like leashing you in public. I am sure there are as many reasons as there are owners, for me though, my pair values the fact that my submission is for them alone.

_____________________________

Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

The human heart is not a finite container but an ever expanding universe with all the stars contained there in.

(in reply to litleone8620)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 5:45:17 AM   
Lashra


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I believe gender has nothing to do with submissive or Dominant behavior I believe it is on a person by person basis. I am naturally Dominant and I am also naturally female. In my relationships I have always been the one to decide where we go, what we do etc. With that I said I am all for equal opportunity and encouraged my partners for input, but when it comes down to it I'm making the decision and if the male cannot handle that then he needs to move on and find himself a nice submissive personality gal.

~Lashra

(in reply to litleone8620)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 6:04:41 AM   
LuckyAlbatross


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quote:

ORIGINAL: litleone8620
does personality affect whether a person is dominant or submissive?

No.

quote:

 Meaning if a person is naturally outgoing with they automatically think they are dominant, and vice versa?

They may, and other people might.  But it would be a bad assumption to make.

Again, this is what causes so many submissives to get confused and upset- when they have a strong, aggressive, dominant personality, and yet have an orientation in relationships to submit.  They are told they aren't "naturally" or "really" submissive.

The truth couldn't be farther from the case.  While one's personality certainly CAN compliment one's orientation, there's nothing suggesting that there is some definite link between the two. 

And IMO, strong aggressive dominant personalities are within some of the best slaves I've known.

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Find stable partners, not a stable of partners.

"Sometimes my whore logic gets all fuzzy"- Californication

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 6:19:54 AM   
KnightofMists


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quote:

ORIGINAL: litleone8620

does personality affect whether a person is dominant or submissive? Meaning if a person is naturally outgoing with they automatically think they are dominant, and vice versa?


Being Outgoing or Reserved doens't equate to being Dominant or submissive.   Being the Extrovert or the Introvert within a social context is a reflection of a person's particular style of interaction with others.  It doesn't equate that one will be Dominant or submissive within the interactions of others. 

To put it into context of sorts....  "the Extroverted Dominant walks loudly and carries a big stick, the Introverted Dominant walks quietly and also carries a big stick."

Within the D/s community there seems to be a perception that a submissive is an introvert or passive.  I don't agree with this particularly point of view.  Individuals that are are extroverted and socially active can be and are just as likely to be deeply submissive in their relatioships with others.

Dominance and submission is often a reflection of a person's personality.  But, it is also a reflection of ones inherent and nutured motivations within their relationship/interaction dynamics.  Dominant individuals will tend to influence the interaction dynamics to reflect their individual will.  Submissive individuals will tend to facilate and assist the interaction dynamics towards the dominant will of the interaction.  

Dominance and submission are the motivations, while our personality styles are like the tools we have to fullifill our motivations.   

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Knight of Mists

An Optimal relationship is achieved when the individuals do what is best for themselves and their relationship.

(in reply to litleone8620)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 6:51:05 AM   
litleone8620


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Ok, now i'm wondering about stereotypes. This might be a stupid question, but i don't care, i'm learning: are there stereotypes for dominants and submissives? Stereotypes affect the way a person acts, not necessarily their personality. So, does a submissive act a certain way because they are expected to? Does the same apply to dominants?  

(in reply to KnightofMists)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 6:52:01 AM   
ExistentialSteel


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Once I listened with skepticism as a Dom connoisseur discussed personality types for Doms and subs and, to my surprise, it seemed to match my experiences.  Early in the discussion, when I said something somewhat cynical, he zeroed in on me and told that he could predict what type work I did and my level of intellect.

His point was that most Doms do not work in professions where they manage others. They are often in very prestigious professions, but they are technical fields where they collaborate and have to get along with other various disciplines. He said because I did not manage others and worked to facilitate relationships to accomplish my work goals, I would find release as a Dom in personal relationships. That fit me pretty well, I thought.

The other side of the coin was that most subs work in areas where they manage others of some form. They may not be CEO’s of large corporations, but their basic job requires controlling others. These controlled people could be patients, students, office workers or clients of some kind. The subs seek release in D/s where they are controlled. Like I said, that matches my experiences and, I think, if you look at the Doms and subs on this board, it mostly fits.  

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 7:08:42 AM   
litleone8620


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It makes sense but are those not generalizations?

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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 7:11:30 AM   
twicehappy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: litleone8620

Ok, now i'm wondering about stereotypes. This might be a stupid question, but i don't care, i'm learning: are there stereotypes for dominants and submissives? Stereotypes affect the way a person acts, not necessarily their personality. So, does a submissive act a certain way because they are expected to? Does the same apply to dominants?

submitter                      Submissive is used, by convention, as an adjective.  D/s people have used it universally as an adnoun for the submitter in D/s.  But, even so, it is still misleading, as it is identical in sound to the general term, submissive, but in my opinion (IMO), it is very different in meaning.  Therefore, I choose to use submitter in D/s until and even after the varied characteristics of D/s submitters can be established.
 
     submissive submitter     A natural strong relater with significant victimization traits who seeks the haven of submission by surrendering most or all authority to a complementary dominant.  Her submissive practices are usually the surface contours of her devotion and respect for her dominant's ability to accept her self totally.
 
     gifting submitter            A natural strong relater with little or no victimization traits who seeks fulfillment by giving up most or all of authority over her life to a complementary dominant.  Fully  realizing the nature of her strong relatedness, and its liberation by her dominant, she can achieve a deeper D/s and deeper relations in all areas of her life.
 
     strong submitter           A submissive or gifting submitter who has strong or dominant personalities in other areas of her life, but not with her dominant.
 
     slave submitter            Used as hyperbole by natural strong relaters with some degree of victimization.  Not a historical slavery, but consensual.
 
     victim submitter          Who finds slavery the state of ultimate degradation.  Not a historical slavery, but consensual.

    submission limits         A surrender-or-gifting with the sub's own specific limits, versus surrender-or-gifting  with the sub accepting the Dom's limits as their own.
 
dominant                    Usually a weak relater who strongly relates to others through social relations, is commonly in control of social constructs, and is strongly self confident based on experience.  Paradoxically, he can achieve the intimate personal connection usually denied him by his dominance through the surrender of another as his complement.
 
     controlling dominant     A dominant to whom control of the submitter, and obedience by the submitter, are mutually important, if not paramount.  Thus, any aspect of the sub's life may be used as the dominant sees fit.  If obeisance does lead to harm, the controlling dominant defends himself with, 'Why would I damage my own possession ? '.  Thus, seemingly exploitive, the controlling dominant also has a nurturing aspect.
 
     nurturing dominant       A dominant where nurturing and guiding of the submitter is important, if nor paramount.  Thus, some nurturing dominants only attempt to control their sub's actions, including total openness, leaving the sub free in her mental life.  When challenged with lack of controlling a sub's bad thoughts (contrary, that is, to the D/s, or others) the nurturing dominant defends himself with, 'My influence over my sub's mental life and values is best brought about by my nurturing, by giving her the initial responsibility for righteous thinking, and my love.  These result in a tremendous impetus, because of her devotion and love, to think out her own way of complying with the rigors of her D/s'.  Thus, seemingly generous, the nurturing dominant has a controlling aspect.
 
     domineering dominant     A want-to-be dominant or a dominant, either of whom seek a one-way D/s relationship where he rules but has little or no responsibilities for the submitter.


from this website:
http://www.godfatherdom.com/default.php

_____________________________

Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

The human heart is not a finite container but an ever expanding universe with all the stars contained there in.

(in reply to litleone8620)
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RE: personality vs. being dominant/submissive - 6/13/2006 7:14:39 AM   
LuckyAlbatross


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quote:

ORIGINAL: litleone8620
Ok, now i'm wondering about stereotypes. This might be a stupid question, but i don't care, i'm learning: are there stereotypes for dominants and submissives? Stereotypes affect the way a person acts, not necessarily their personality. So, does a submissive act a certain way because they are expected to? Does the same apply to dominants?  

Oh yes, there's a plethora of stereotypes that get shoved onto both doms and subs (and switches).

And yes, plenty of people play into the stereotype to get what they want.  I'm not above using people's underestimation of me due to my age and orientation in order to manuever myself into a more efficient and comfortable situation.

_____________________________

Find stable partners, not a stable of partners.

"Sometimes my whore logic gets all fuzzy"- Californication

(in reply to litleone8620)
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