submissive

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Submissiveness is the incidence or trait of yielding to the expressed will of another or some display of force. It can be found in everyday human and animal interaction. Submissiveness in humans can be a benign aspect of the social fabric, or it may be part of other problems that a person experiences.

Within human relationships there may be a submissive partner. This partner may be trying to appease the others through agreeing to their command. If they are otherwise healthy this partner may be content. If one or both of the people are experiencing chronic, pervasive emotional distress then the relationship or individuals may require re-evaluation.

People who are eager and willing to take on a recurring submissive role in a relationship or who fetishize the trait of submissiveness may seek out others that share their interest or form long term pairings based on consenting to heightened levels of submission in a relationship. This may be incidental in certain cultural or social groups, or may be explicitly expressed in others such as the Dominance and submission part of the BDSM subculture.^{[original research?]}

A complimentary trait to submissiveness is assertiveness and lively.

Submissiveness can mean many things, including obedience, tameness, meekness, compliance or passivity. However, submissiveness can also mean agreement, respect, duty, or deference.

See also

• Aggression
• Assertiveness
• BDSM

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