Dominant

A sexual participant who assumes a leadership role and voluntarily manipulates a subservient participant is known as a dominant. In the BDSM community, this kind of collaboration is frequently called a D/S partnership.

A male dominating is frequently referred to as a master or simply a "Dom." Though the terminology can be changed in playful and "unconventional" ways, a female dominating is typically referred to as a Domme or Mistress. The term "sub" is frequently used to refer to their subservient partner. To highlight the power dynamic, the word "dom" is typically capitalized, while "sub" is written in lowercase.

Someone who assumes a dominant role in their intimate relationships or a sex professional who serves several paying subs can both be considered dominant. The sub must constantly provide their agreement for them to be dominating in all aspects of their relationships, or just sexually. For instance, a dominating force may dictate social norms or manage the subordinate's money resources.

Not to be confused with domineering, Dom is short for dominant. Despite the similarity of these terms, domineering and dominant persons use different forms of control. Dominance is the act of controlling someone for the sole purpose of preventing another person. For a submissive, this can be extremely harmful on an emotional and psychological level. A dominant individual, on the other hand, always looks out for the well-being of their subordinate and regulates for their benefit.

More About Dominant

Dominants can exert influence over their subordinates by psychological or physical means. Physical control by a dominant can take the form of bondage, spanking, and postponing orgasm. Instead of asking, as a non-dominant partner could, they might also instruct them what to do sexually or humiliate them. To maintain the power dynamic, dominators frequently stand over their subordinates and urge them to sit or kneel.

Usually, dominants teach their subordinates to work for them. The training process strengthens their bond by teaching submissives about their dominants' preferences—from how they like to have oral sex to how they drink coffee. Because they live on routine and order, submissives respond best to regimented instruction. Both rewards and penalties serve to discourage bad behavior and reinforce positive behavior.

Given that society favors giving rather than taking when dealing with a spouse, dominating persons may find it challenging to be assertive. They could find it difficult to be strict with their partner or to reprimand them. Dominants must keep in mind, nevertheless, that their aggressiveness meets their partners' demands.

Being able to command and exert authority over others is only one aspect of being a good dominant. At all times, good dominants make an effort to maintain control over both themselves and their subordinates. They should make an effort to remain composed, even if they are upset about their submission or other aspects of their lives. In order to project confidence and control to the outside world, they also uphold standards of cleanliness, physical fitness, and attire.

Respect for their subordinate is another quality of a good dominant. They should ensure their subordinate is physically, emotionally, and sexually satisfied while they are in control. If they make a mistake, they will also express regret to their sub. For a Dominant, admitting guilt is a display of strength rather than weakness.

When a submissive uses a safe word or signal, dominants should be responsible enough to reduce the intensity of the scene or end it altogether. In addition to constantly checking in with the submissive, a competent Dom/Domme must be prepared to change, stop, or modify any action that the submissive no longer feels comfortable with—even in the middle of a session. Both partners retain control even though the play involves some characteristics of giving up control. Since there must always be agreement and negotiation, dominance and submission are, in many ways, performances.