We've covered communication, trust, and honesty, now we have respect. Respect is another one of those components that is earned. To earn it, you have to give it (kind of like the controversy of the chicken and the egg). Like all the keys (or spokes) to a Dominant submissive (D/s) relationship, it works both ways. It's giving your partner and other people in the lifestyle the appropriate recognition and validation, providing they have earned it.

Respect is acquired and earned by giving that total communication, allowing someone to trust in you and trusting in others. Being honest and going out of your way to please another individual can certainly help in the challenge to attain that complex word.

Many believe that respect is agreeing with anyone and everyone, and is automatically just given to all Dominants - no questions asked,,, I don't think so!!! Giving respect is not necessarily being agreeable, it's more understanding someone's opinion and having manners in the way you present your agreement or disagreement. As for the belief that all Dominants get respect automatically, I would have to disagree, because for one, they are also human too, and secondly, (I know I already said this, I'm reinforcing this thought) I believe that respect is earned - whether you are a Dominant, submissive or otherwise.

A closing thought... Remember respect and courtesy are two different things.

~vixen~

January, 2002

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