Originally Posted by fireandice
"I have a question that's been going around in my head for quite awhile now. As a submissive to my Master, I always, always, ALWAYS respect him both as my dominant and as a person. This is fairly easy for me, as I find him to be intelligent, creative, and receptive (all qualities that I greatly admire

I have enough self-respect to be able to realize that I too possess these qualities and I was just wondering how those of you who are dominant in nature respect your submissives/slaves (if you do at all). This is not a biased question-- if you don't, then you don't. I have often heard of a slave being compared to a cherished pet or possession. In comparison-- I love my kitty with all of my heart, but I wouldn't say that I respect him (because he's a kitty and he's on a mental level that is far below me).

My Master tells me that he respects me as his submissive and as an individual, but after turning this over and over in my head, I still have my doubts (which I've voiced to him). He likes to call me his pet, and I like being his pet, but there's this little voice inside my head that says it's demeaning to my character. I would like to make it shut up I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that it is possible to submit completely to someone and still retain your sense of self-worth and self-respect."

A submissive MUST have self-worth and self-respect. In a true D/s relationship, the respect must go both ways... and the sub must be able to hold her head up proud of who she is. Submission need not be demeaning, as it is the sub who is in control of a real D/s partnership; she/he always has the ability to withdraw submission, to stand up and say, "HELL, NO!!"

You must realize that inside, and grasp that in the long run, either you *must* have that feeling clear in your mind, or the relationship will never develop as it should, to the depths it should.

I wish you the best in finding that realization, and in developing yourself into all you can be!