This post is part of an effort to provide a glossary for novice submissives of words commonly seen across this site and in the BDSM community.
Often considered interchangeable, the words Dominant and Domineering have very distinct differences. Very basic differences include that Dominants will show compassion and caring while Domineering people push and force people to their bidding. Being a Dominant means that someone is in control, whereas Domineering people exert that control against other people's will. Domineering people are selfish and control people to get their own way. Dominants typically have a earned the trust and respect of their peers to gain recognition.
* Dominant people show others that they're right. * Domineering people bully those around them to get their way.
*Dominant people do it for the good of all and take responsibility. *Domineering people do it for themselves and refuse to take responsibility or be held accountable.
* Dominant people are not afraid to admit that they are wrong. * Domineering people feel that admitting that they are wrong means that they are weak.
* Dominant partners encourage their followers to try harder, and teach them how to achieve more. * Domineering partners scream at their followers to get them to work faster and/or harder and/or longer.
* Dominant people surround themselves with strong people, who can push them to achieve more. * Domineering people surround themselves with weaker people, who they can push around.
What other comparisons would you add to this list?
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