Thank you all for the positive responses so far. Many of them have been rather heartwarming to read, and some quite thought provoking. For those that don't know, J-Go is my Dom. What he writes in his original post is truly how I feel he acts toward me and treats me. I am pleased beyond words to say that his post is more practice that theory.

J and I met at a theatre company just over two years ago. Back in October of 2006 we started a show together and grew to know each other through that research and rehearsal process. We are both actors, occasional writers, business professionals, and each other's greatest love. What fuels the latter of those titles is the respect we each have for all that comes prior and more.

And that respect, I'd like to add, creates the strength in the D/s dynamic for us, not the other way around.

Certainly, we step on each other's toes now and again as we work out the subtleties of each other's personalities and boundaries; but the respect is there even in conflict as we take the time to sort out where we had an issue, why we had an issue, and a resolution to it.

Please continue to add your thoughts, everyone, it is wonderful to see how many flavors and varieties respect and love takes on.