fireandice,

I think you trying to work out the "how" of why your Master respects you as his submissive is a very natural thing to do. I know when I first recognised that I was submissive, I used to wonder about how I could be equal and still be a sub. What I have learnt is that it is that very submissiveness that my Master respects. He knows it is a gift and that it is my choice to give it to him.

Good luck in your journey and in quietening that inner voice.