Pandora,

First, having read a number of your posts, I believe that you already have a good understanding of the qualities a good dom should possess. Of course TG's comments were eloquent and on target as usual and I hope they helped to affirm your thoughts (even if you did have to nudge to get him to write instead of just supplying a web reference).

I wanted to give my input on this issue though because my dom and I are having similar issues. For me, what it boils down to is not necessarily time per se but rather that he understands my needs and shows that he cares enough so that I feel comfortable giving him my trust, respect, and submission. It sounds like you are having similar questions as far as whether or not he is worthy of your trust at this point. After all, it's difficult for an intelligent, independent person to submit to another if she is unsure whether or not he is able to accurately judge when to push limits and when to offer gentler forms of support. And of course there has to be enough time to share and communicate in order to create the type of mutual understanding and trust necessary for gifts of dominance from one partner and submission from the other. Okay, I think I'm rambling now so I'll stop but please know you're not alone on this issue so hang in there, Dear.

Also, this thread did serve to remind me that things can always be worse...at least neither of us is in a relationship with a "gorean master"!

eb