Human beings are complex creatures. We make mistakes, often inadvertently, and no amount of caution, care or experience can prevent us from doing so. What counts, I believe, is not that we are all imperfect to a certain degree, but that we learn out of our mistakes, as well as the way we deal with them. In that way, a good dom is somebody who learns from his mistakes and who acknowledges them. A good dom is also somebody who knows when to take advice, or fall back on the strengths of the submissive part. This is of course my personal viewpoint, but I don't think that it makes you less dominant to acknowledge a mistake and apologise for it -- it reduces hard feelings, really. I also think it would be silly to not utilise potential where there is potential -- different people are good at different things, and it would be silly to do something you are not good at yourself in order to remain 'dominant'.

Generally, I think it's easy to get a wrong impression when you go online without knowing anything about BDSM and start to read. It's not only flawless dominants who are never un-dominant and who never make any wrong decisions. There are also the flawless subs/slaves with no limits, always compliant and docile, never struggling with real life or the fact that sometimes you are simply not in the mood. If I recall correctly, there was a thread dealing with this subject a while ago...if you judge only from what you read (and of course not ALL of it is described like that) you'll be easily under the impression that in order to be dominant you will have to be always demanding and never be allowed to fail or make a wrong decision, whereas when you are submissive...well, you better be up to it at all times. Personally, I find that sad. It's a diverse lifestyle, and it's diverse people participating in it. There is no one right way -- there is only a way that is right for you and your respective partner. And this way should be okay -- without having to worry that because you do not apply to the role-model you are not really dominant or not really submissive. Anyway, just my two cents