Quote by 1ball
It might help if you look at it differently. Most of the people I've met who have dominant personalities are almost like addicts. They need to control and are dependant on the people they control. Sometimes they resent that dependence and they overcontrol with tighter rules. The submissive people I've met are addicted to knowing their place, where they fit into the relationship, because having a place gives them a sense of worth and knowing their place, through the rules and tasks they are given, is how they know whether they agree with their Dom's opinion on their worth.
If you have neither need, you may be addicted to self-control and it may be hard to understand the other needs. That seems to be the case with you, Shylass. Your desire to command or obey seems low, but your desire to set and protect your position as an independant actor seems high.
Woooooaaaaaaaaah! Let's just back up here a bit!
I am simply trying to understand a lifestyle or certain preferences (depending on how one chooses to look at it). It's something that interests me, yes, but not as a participant. I know full well it's not a situation I would be happy in. I am merely trying to understand the draw for others, and to attempt to get into the mindset so that I can understand it, not be part of it.
I was a person who felt they were nothing, a smear of poo, somebody who agreed to pretty much anything because it was what other people wanted, and it was easier to submit to their choices and decisions that try to fight my own corner and get beaten down for it. As I got older, there were times when I chose to submit because I could see the value of the rules/guidleines/decisions offered to me - I did so, not always happily, but willingly, because I could see the good of them. Then, because of my job, I had to command and discipline (not in sexual ways, I might add!) in a variety of scenarios, taking the lead, placing the boundaries, and looking after people. I have met a great many different people in my life, and I understand what you are saying all too well, except for what you mean by "independant actor".
I am slowly just beginning to surface after an extremely rough time in my life, and I know that power plays or situations such as I am asking about is not for me, however you choose to judge or view me on how I post. But I have always been interested in psychology and how people interact with each other. Sex is a subject I know very little about, and I am simply trying to learn about it. This is just one facet of it, and it is not for everyone.
I am simply wanting to understand, not participate. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, but that is how I feel. I just want to understand.



I like your post.



