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How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth affec... - 9/21/2007 4:48:09 PM   
SusanofO


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I am wondering how much  a partner's looks, brains, wealth or political views affect their overall effectivenss as a submissive or as a Master?

If you are a Dominant, do you ever find yourself attracted to someone specifically because you do consider yourself "superior" to them, in one or more of these areas? Or do you need someone who you see as more "equal" to you in them?
 
Submissives - do you see yourself as needing a Master whom you see as your "superior" in these areas (or some of them?) or are you attracted to Dominants who are seemingly your equal in one (or all) of them?

For instance, I know I find no objection to someone who is very "conventionally good looking" (at all), but it just isn't the whole ball of wax for me, as far as being an attraction. I can find myself attracted to a person who I consider "cute" for the quirkiest of reasons, even if they have what some might view as a major physical "flaw"- it's a pretty subjective judgment.

So overall, I guess I can be "Mastered" by someone not all that good-looking (or as a Mistress, want to dominate someone some might consider not conventionally hugely attractive). Don't get me wrong - great looking is wonderful, too. It goes without saying, though, that if they cannot manage their own weight or work-outs, I am not going to let them try to manage mine. I think there is no excuse for having yellow teeth these days, either, with all of the teeth whiteners on the market. I appreciate someone who pays some attention to personal grooming and up-keep, no matter what basic looks their Maker gave to them.

I think I cannot be Mastered by anyone I consider a dim bulb. If I repeatedly find them uttering naive statements, or saying things they simply have failed to think through, I can find myself still charmed in some ways, but never willing to entrust my well-being to them. As a Domme (I am a Switch), I can find this slightly charming, but overall, I still like a submissive with brains. I find brains to be a huge turn-on. Two caveats - and very important ones here, though. I cannot abide even the brainiest of men if they simply have no heart. No heart, and I will run for the hills as fast as I can. Ditto as well for having no common sense.

Wealth - Hmmm. This is I guess the most confusing attribute for me to figure out how much to be willing to negotiate with myself on. On the one hand, I've been incredibly attracted to types that are merely holding a job, even if that job barely pays their own rent. If they are really good at what they do - I find competence in itself  very attractive.

On the other hand, I don't want to get stuck having anyone "order" me to "help them out" of any financial mess they should have seen coming, or that is a result of their wanton irresponsibility (it would make me laugh at them, actually, and then I'd get "fired" as their submissive. As a Domme, I am more willing to be giving, but they need to have a job). No way are they handling my money, unless I have pretty darned good proof over time they can handle their own). And I am not so sure there isn't a lot to be said for someone having ambition - especially as a Master. 

Political views - well, I am an Independent with a leaning toward Democrat more than Republicanism, overall, and I can't describe myself as "liberal" or "conservative" snce I here those words tossed about with such subjectivity I hardly understand what people mean anymore when I hear them used. But if we are way too far apart, it's not going to work for me - mostly because I would tend to border on almost seeing ther views as morally opposed to mine. 

But I guess my basic question (besides the above) is:
 
If a D/s relationship is going to be fundamentally based on inequality anyway - how much should "equal" re: These things really matter? Is it easier to dominate someone less bright or good-looking than you? Or harder? Or does it not figure in your equation at all? If you're submissive - is it "easier" to respect and look up to somoen you consider your "superior" in some pretty fundamental ways?
 
Or - Is the inequality of a D/s relationship all the more reason they should matter, or not? (and by "inequality", I mean the fact that what a Master says is final anyway - so you can disagree all you want, and it won't matter - you need to do what they say).
 
Do they matter more if the person is a primary partner, as opposed to being an addition to a Poly family, or strictly a service slave, for instance?
 
Just curious about what people think about this. Thanks for any replies.

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 9/21/2007 5:28:47 PM >


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:02:48 PM   
Decimus


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Although your post is very well thought out, it seems a bit strange, at least to me. Personally I just look for a dominant personality as well as the other traits I look for in a partner. Granted I am looking for a relationship as to which this is an integral part and not just as a side activity. If they don't have beauty brains and are a domme then I have no interest in them as a compatible partner. As they say why settle for less than you want, makes it harder to find but it also makes the end that much sweeter.

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:07:05 PM   
SirCache


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Ultimately what I require in a sub is someone who is fluid enough to follow me intellectually.  I don't need a genius--lord knows I'm not one--but someone of at least reasonably intelligence.  Wealth is a moot point for me as well.  Ideally I like someone to contribute to the relationship in some sort of tangible way but that doesn't necessarily mean financially.  Politically is also a bit unnecessary for me.  Whether you agree or disagree with me, so long as you are respectful I really don't mind.  I know that some people let their political ambitions run a bit amok, but come on--I'm not in office, neither is my partner.  Is it *really* worth a fight?  No, it isn't.


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:08:15 PM   
SusanofO


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Decimus: Well I guess my implication is that  -despite how I've heard some protest they want someone who is as smart or as good-looking as they consider themselves to be - the partners they choose sometimes don't seem to bear out their words.

I've heard people say they want an "equal" for a partner - but then they appear to be looking for anything but that -(especially some (not all) male Dominants. Some do. 

And I was wondering if the fundamental inequality of D/s had anything to do with why they were doing things that way. Because (maybe?) they think it will be "easier" to dominate someone who is: Not as bright, less good-looking, less financially stable, etc. And maybe (for them) it is easier? Note: Again I repeat - I am not saying I think all male Dominants seek out "inferior" partners.

I also have  found myself wondering if the reverse is true for submissives, and for the same reasons; they find it easier to "look up to" someone the view as "superior" to them in many ways.

Given the nature of D/s relationships, it wouldn't surprise me if people out-right stated this as their reasoning for making these choices. But few seem to admit it, if it happens - and for some reason I've found submissives admitting seeking this more often than Dominants, if they agree it has happened in their relationships, ever.

I am just wondering how it's worked for people, is all.

Sir Cache: Thanks for the reply.

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 9/21/2007 5:54:36 PM >


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:28:03 PM   
Daddyskittin


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My Daddy and I are equal... both good looking... both intelligent...both have extremely similar thinking patterns... It's not easy for me to be his kittin... but he will tell you it's not easy at all being my Daddy... but would we have it any other way.... HELL NO lol.

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:29:46 PM   
SusanofO


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Daddyskittin: Thanks - I appreciate your response.

- Susan

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:30:01 PM   
Decimus


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Ah I understand now. And Honestly I don't know how to answer that question. Being a submissive myself I would not mind if my domme was superior in intelligence or strength or any of those things as long as she liked me for who I was. But also I am not sure if that is just the normal nature of myself in what I want in a partner or if it is a submissive thing.

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:32:05 PM   
SusanofO


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Decimus: Thanks for replying. I am not sure I know myself either. Because I've always considered myself "submissive" too,(even if I wasn't always conscious of that - I only recently realized I am a Switch) so I am not sure I know, really, the reason why I've chosen the partners I have - all I can say is I was attracted to them. That's why I asked this question - I was wondering if others had a particular idea about these things and how they affect D/s for them. If not, that's okay too, of course.

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 9/21/2007 5:55:30 PM >


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:35:22 PM   
Honsoku


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It might indeed be easier to dominate someone who you felt superior to, but it doesn't interest me as much. I could see it as easier from the psychological perspective as there is then an objective basis for the authority difference. Something both partners can turn to and rationalize why one is submitting to or dominating the other. If I could find someone who mas more financially better off, more attractive (not terribly difficult), and/or smarter than I was, I would be ecstatic (assuming we got along). While I'm at it, I'd like to win the lottery, never have to pay taxes, and eat anything I want and not gain weight.

I think POV issues would depend on the relationship. If one is aiming for a loving D/s than similar outlooks on life become important. If not aiming for a loving D/s, then they don't matter a whole lot and actually might make the relationship more interesting if their views are widely different. Especially if the submissive/slave found the dominant's POV repulsive (I think this would qualify as a form of humiliation).

Honsoku

< Message edited by Honsoku -- 9/21/2007 5:38:55 PM >

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:41:00 PM   
SusanofO


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Honsuku: I appreciate your reply. I think it brings out (for me) just how much  importance the decision for a submissive to allow themselves to be dominated - the idea of consent- actually is. I think it's a totally conscious (even if "natural") decision. Even allowing oneself to be "mesmerized" (or dominate someone else) is a conscious choice - isn't it?

If I can talk myself into allowing a relationship to happen, then it will - no matter what other factors or differences with someone I might have. Maybe not on a permanent basis - but temporarily, at  least. For a scene, or for a month or two - if I have agreed to let someone dominate me (or me them) - then for some reason, I've done that - and whatever other differences I have with them don't matter as much (to me) -

Because I see D/s as more of  an "arrangement" , or a decision, between two people - more than I see it as simply being carried away with "my "submissive (or Dominant) nature"  - or whatever. In the long-term, though, I can (and have) found very pronounced differences sometimes to be pretty wearing (for me) - simply because I think Domination especially can be "hotter" if it's more of a challenge.

As a submissive, I am a lot more willing to just want to consider the other person "superior" without tons of objective "proof" of that (and I can sometimes see them that way, in some respects, even if objectively they just aren't. Because even if it is only a head-game I play with myself, it makes the relationship "hotter" for me. It really is amazing how I can sort of talk myself into things like this. And it works, too - for awhile. And it's also enjoyable.  

- Susan 

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 9/21/2007 6:20:52 PM >


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, wealth or p... - 9/21/2007 5:43:28 PM   
Remorseless


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quote:

ORIGINAL: SusanofO
I also have found myself wondering if the reverse is true for submissives, and for the same reasons; they find it easier to "look up to" someone the view as "superior" to them in many ways.
For me this is in fact the case.  I am submissive but only to my Sir and if he was not "superior" to me in every way; then I would not be able to serve him. 





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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 5:44:48 PM   
sambamanslilgirl


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quote:

ORIGINAL: SusanofO
 
Submissives - do you see yourself as needing a Master whom you see as your "superior" in these areas (or some of them?) or are you attracted to Dominants who are seemingly your equal in one (or all) of them?



oops - hit enter before responding

i saw myself needing a Dom who was equal in most and/or all things such as politics, thoughts, interests, hobbies, etc.  i do know with  Daddy and SO that i'm not equal in income however doesn't bother me. i'm not a golddigger and not looking for anyone to take care of me or my UMs.


< Message edited by sambamanslilgirl -- 9/21/2007 5:49:29 PM >


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 5:47:58 PM   
SusanofO


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sambamanslilgirl: Is there a reply? Maybe I am missing it, or it was edited out accidentally?

- Susan

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 5:49:57 PM   
sambamanslilgirl


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i was editing when you replied

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 5:51:33 PM   
SusanofO


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Oh (sorry). Thanks for the reply.

- Susan

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 5:54:57 PM   
DiurnalVampire


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quote:


If you are a Dominant, do you ever find yourself attracted to someone specifically because you do consider yourself "superior" to them, in one or more of these areas? Or do you need someone who you see as more "equal" to you in them?


Yes, I do. I have found myself very attracted to someone who was weaker than myself , physically. That would fall under looks, someone delicate, effeminate, and smaller than average. I am superior to them physically which I find extremely appealing.
ASide from that, I tend to seek out intellectual equals, wealth doesnt phase me and politically I dont believe there CAN be a superiority.

DV


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 5:57:16 PM   
CuriousLord


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Intelligence
I couldn't see a "Dom" being over a "sub" who was brighter than him.  In my world, intelligence is paramount; less intelligent people are less fit to lead by the very nature of being less intellligent.

Dominance, leadership.. being able to see ahead, understand situations, understand possible actions and consquences.. all of this is understanding.  Why would anyone want to be led by someone who would be liable to make poorer decisions than themself?

Wealth
I generally see a "Dom" as being more wealthy than a "sub".  After all, the Dom should be more powerful than a sub, in my view, or else the dynamic can feel like a bit of a lie.  Wealth's a much weaker, though still significant, factor here to me.

Wealth is, escentially, a major factor of social power.  Humans are, for the most part, relatively insignficant alone; most of the power one might have is often a consquence of his power over others.  This power is probably most often found as having money; position in government and other organizations and fame are other sources.  Wealth, especially when considering these factors, is pretty much the individual's overall power at the time.

A sub with more money than a "Dom" is likely more powerful than that "Dom", despite physical differences.  Her submission would almost seem patronizing as much of his power is a consquence of the sub; the sub could remove her own collar, effectively nuettering the "Dom".

Not that money's the absolute, solitary factor of important ever.  But wealth is power, and a weak "Dom" doesn't strike me as entirely.. dominant.

Appearance
Looks.. meh.  Couldn't really care.  Of course, imagining an obese "Dom" with pus oozing out of his pores isn't exactly pleasant, but, meh, I suppose it doesn't really make 'em less "Dominant".

Appearance can be a factor of the Dom's overall power, better looks are a factor.. just not nearly so much as wealth, and not even a consideration when contrasted to the importance of intelligence.



Edit:  Added some things in.  Neater topic than I initially considered it as.


< Message edited by CuriousLord -- 9/21/2007 6:11:36 PM >

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 5:57:54 PM   
SusanofO


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DiurnalVampire: Thanks for the candid reply. I guess as far as politics, I should have been more clear. My basic question was whether the Dominant would need to have a partner who ageed with their political views.

CuriousLord: Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 9/21/2007 5:59:33 PM >


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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 6:06:13 PM   
submittous


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We have minimum requirements regarding looks, brains and wealth (well at least the ability to be self sufficient) as well as health and hygiene. Beyond those minimums we don't really think those are important criteria in bdsm relationships. Honesty, integrity, the ability to communicate, to love and be loved and of course an overwhleming drive to live a bdsm lifestyle are.

Bill and Iris

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RE: How much do a partner's looks, brains, or wealth a... - 9/21/2007 6:11:19 PM   
ddthrill


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Wouldnt it be the same as any other partner?  Why are we special?

thinking

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