The question of what makes a woman submit to a man is becoming increasingly popular today.
Traditional men who value submissive women have increasingly found it difficult to find such women. More than ever, some women are now reluctant to submit to a man based on some factors and experiences.
One of the most significant causes of this trend is the increase in the percentage of women earning more or as much as their men.
A recent report by the Pew Research Center reveals that while men still predominantly earn more than women, the number of women who match or surpass their men in income has tripled.
In the current scenario, 55% of opposite-sex marriages have the husband as the primary or sole breadwinner, a stark decrease from the 85% reported half a century ago.
Almost one-third of these marriages, constituting 29%, have both spouses earn nearly the same amount. That’s a substantial increase from the mere 11% recorded.
The report further notes a remarkable surge in marriages where the wife is the primary breadwinner, rising from 5% to 16% over the past five decades.
With the increase in women’s education and earning potential, it should be no surprise that more women are beginning to do away with traditional marriages and gender roles.
It has also become more difficult for women to get behind the idea of submitting to their men.
However, this feeling typically stems from a misunderstanding of what submission means. Most people think submitting to a man is admitting that women are somehow inferior to men.
However, this is not so. Submission in this context doesn’t imply inferiority; instead, it is characterized as a woman’s capacity to allow her man lead the way.
It entails dismantling the walls of independence, allowing her to choose a partner to take charge of some decisions and choices concerning her welfare.
It is a personal choice influenced by upbringing, cultural background, and individual values.
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What makes a woman submit to a man
So many reasons may influence a woman’s inclination to embrace a submissive role in her relationship.
Below, we discuss some of these reasons.
1. Cultural and societal expectations
Cultural norms and societal expectations wield substantial influence on our behaviors in relationships.
The concept of submission for some women may be deeply rooted in traditional views on gender roles.
Women who grow up in traditional societies with the idea of submission in marriage tend to hold and practice such opinions in their relationships with their men.
Also, such cultures and societies have societal expectations that teach notions of respect and harmony to adhere to these roles, leading women to adopt submissive stances as a reflection of commitment to the established norm of their culture.
2. Upbringing and role models
Our formative years and the role models we encounter significantly mold our perceptions of relationships.
Women who grow up in an environment that emphasizes traditional gender roles, where women exemplify submissive positions, may instinctively replicate these dynamics in their relationships.
The same thing happens when people have role models who they try to emulate in their lives.
Suppose these role models espouse a submissive role in their relationships with their men; in that case, some women may also consider submitting to their man to emulate this figure.
3. Communication and emotional intimacy
Effective communication and emotional intimacy form the bedrock of all healthy relationships. A woman might embrace a submissive role when a profound emotional connection exists.
This is even more pronounced if the relationship provides an environment where both partners, especially the woman, feel heard, understood, and mutually supported.
In such instances, submission becomes a genuine expression of emotional closeness and shared vulnerability.
4. Mutual respect and trust
Submission within a relationship is a mutual act tied to respect and trust.
In relationships where both partners feel valued and respected, submission becomes an expression of trust and would come naturally.
Far from indicating weakness, submission in a healthy relationship reflects the strength and mutual trust between partners.
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5. Sense of security and stability
Although the inherent need for security and stability is universal, women desire this even more than men. This intrinsic and often overlooked need plays a pivotal role in relationship dynamics.
A woman may adopt a submissive role in specific scenarios to establish a sense of security within the relationship.
This form of submission is a method of creating a stable foundation supporting the growth and well-being of both partners.
She may also instinctively submit to her man if she feels secure and stable in his presence enough to let down her guard and share her vulnerable side with him.
6. Personal values and beliefs
Individual values and beliefs wield profound influence over the fabric of relationships.
Although the environment one is raised in can significantly influence one’s opinions about relationships, the decision to submit ultimately rests on the personal values and beliefs of the woman.
Some women find deep fulfillment and satisfaction in adopting more traditional roles.
The alignment of personal values with relationship dynamics significantly influences a woman’s decision to embrace a submissive role.
If her values align with this, she would find it easy to submit to her man.
7. Religious and spiritual beliefs
A woman’s religious or spiritual beliefs may significantly impact her choices within a relationship.
Certain belief systems may advocate for traditional gender roles.
So, for some women, adopting a submissive position is a way of aligning with their faith or spiritual convictions.
8. Past relationship experiences
Everyone learn from their experiences. That is why we tend to repeat activities that have, in the past, brought us some fulfillment and peace.
Previous relationship encounters can also imprint a woman’s approach to future partnerships.
If a woman had positive experiences by taking up a submissive role or if it has been a source of fulfillment in her past relationships, she might be inclined to replicate those dynamics in subsequent relationships.
9. Coping mechanism and stress management
Adopting a submissive role might serve as a coping mechanism or a way of managing stress.
For some women, surrendering specific responsibilities can alleviate the pressures of decision-making. It can also provide them with a sense of relief in their daily lives.
They don’t have to spend all day worrying about their well-being when they have someone who always has their back.
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10. Cohesiveness with partner’s preferences
Another factor influencing a woman’s decision to embrace a submissive role is the desire for cohesiveness with her partner’s preferences.
In most relationships, there exists a natural inclination to harmonize with the desires and expectations of one’s significant other.
Some women may willingly adopt a submissive stance as a conscious effort to align with their partner’s vision for the relationship.
This cohesiveness isn’t about sacrificing personal agenda but creating a shared narrative within the relationship.
A woman may find fulfillment and satisfaction in adapting her role to complement and enhance her partner’s preferences.
It becomes a collaborative effort and creates a sense of unity and mutual understanding.
This dynamic fosters an environment where both partners feel heard and respected and cultivates a shared vision that incorporates the preferences of each individual.
11. For empowerment
Paradoxically, some women may feel empowered in embracing a submissive role.
The freedom to make such a choice, grounded in personal autonomy, can be a conscious decision that aligns with her understanding of empowerment.
12. Personality traits
Sometimes, a woman’s personality plays a significant role in relationships. Some women’s personality traits lead them toward a more nurturing or caring role.
It’s like an instinct. They find joy and satisfaction in taking care of others.
In a relationship, this might translate into adopting a more submissive role where they willingly support and care for their partner.
It’s not about being weak; it’s about playing to their strengths and what feels right for them.
In a way, it’s like a dance of complementary traits in a relationship.
If a woman has a personality inclined towards being caring and supportive, adopting a more submissive role can be a natural expression of who she is.
In doing so, the relationship becomes a harmonious space where both partners complement each other’s personalities and create a balance that feels right for both.
In summary, a woman’s decision to be submissive involves trusting her man with her well-being and his ability to lead.
It means wholeheartedly letting go of independence and allowing her chosen partner to make decisions for her, trusting that he has her best interests at heart.
So many factors could influence a woman’s choice to do this. Some include her personality traits, upbringing, personal values, security and stability in the relationship.