What is Submissive Behavior? Complete Overview And The Benefits (2024)

What is Submissive Behavior? Complete Overview And The Benefits (1)

Throughout history, submissive behavior has been a part of human interaction. In fact, it is an essential part of many relationships.

Whether we are deferring to a boss or teacher, or simply showing respect for our elders, submissiveness is a way of showing that we value the other person’s opinion and experience.

And while it is often seen as a sign of weakness, submissive behavior can actually be a strength.

By honoring the needs and desires of others, we not only strengthen our relationships but also add a sense of meaning and purpose to our own lives.

So next time you find yourself in a subordinate position, remember that you are not powerless. Instead, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on those around you.

What is submissive behavior?

Submissive behavior is a way of interacting with others in which you defer to their wishes or opinions.

This can be done out of respect, as a sign of weakness, or simply because you value the other person’s experience more than your own.

In many cases, submissive behavior is a strength rather than a weakness.

By honoring the needs and desires of others, you not only strengthen your relationships but also add purpose to your own life.

In a world that is constantly changing and filled with uncertainty, submissive behavior can provide stability and direction.

It can also be a way of showing others that you care about them and are willing to put their needs above your own.

Whether you are deferring to a friend, family member, or authority figure, remember that submissive behavior is an act of strength, not weakness.

Read also: What is Instant Gratification

What are the characteristics of submissive Behaviour?

There are many different characteristics of submissive behavior. Some of the most common include:

  • Respecting the wishes or opinions of others
  • Deferring to authority figures
  • Showing humility
  • Listening more than talking
  • Accepting criticism without getting defensive
  • Putting the needs of others above your own
  • Avoiding conflict
  • Saying “yes” more often than “no”

While these are just some of the most common characteristics of submissive behavior, it is important to remember that not all submissive people will exhibit all of these traits.

And, similarly, not all people who exhibit these traits are necessarily submissive.

What causes a submissive personality?

There is no single cause of a submissive personality. Instead, it is often the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, upbringing, and life experiences.

For some people, submissiveness may be innate – meaning they are born with it.

For others, it may be learned through observation and imitation. And for still others, it may be the result of a traumatic experience or trauma.

No matter its cause, submissiveness is often seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Submissive people are often good at listening and taking direction. They are also often very empathetic and compassionate. As a result, they make excellent friends, employees, and loved ones.

Read also: What is Self Expression

How can I change my submissive personality?

What is Submissive Behavior? Complete Overview And The Benefits (2)

If you feel like your submissive personality is holding you back in life, there are steps you can take to change it.

Become more assertive

One of the best ways to change a submissive personality is to become more assertive. Assertiveness means standing up for yourself and your beliefs.

It also means speaking up when you feel like you are being treated unfairly. If you are not used to being assertive, it may take some time to get comfortable with it. But, with practice, it will become easier.

Set boundaries

Another way to change a submissive personality is to set boundaries. This means learning to say “no” when you don’t want to do something.

It also means setting limits on how much you are willing to do for others.

For example, if you are always the one taking care of your family and friends, set a boundary and tell them that you need some help.

Setting boundaries can be difficult, but it is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in your life.

Seek therapy

If you find it difficult to change your submissive personality on your own, you may benefit from therapy.

A therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of your submissiveness and work with you to find more effective ways of dealing with them.

Therapy can be an extremely helpful tool for anyone who wants to make lasting changes in their life.

Read also: What Is Identity Diffusion

What are the benefits of submissive behavior?

There are many benefits to exhibiting submissive behavior. Some of the most common include:

  • It can provide stability and direction.
  • It shows others that you care about them.
  • It is an act of strength, not weakness.
  • It can make you a better listener.
  • It can help you avoid conflict.
  • It can make you more empathetic and compassionate.

If you are struggling with submissive behavior, there are many resources available to help you. Seek out the help of a therapist or counselor if you feel like you need assistance making changes.

Remember, exhibiting submissive behavior is not a sign of weakness – it is a sign of strength.

Read also: What is Retroactive Jealousy

The takeaway

Although submissive behavior is often seen as a sign of weakness, it can also be a form of strength. By deferring to others and relinquishing control, individuals can avoid conflict and maintain relationships.

In some cases, submissive behavior may also be a form of protection, as it can help to prevent aggression from others.

Ultimately, submissive behavior is a complex phenomenon that can be motivated by a variety of factors. While it is often seen as undesirable, it can also serve an important social function.

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FAQs

What are the benefits of being submissive? ›

It can reduce conflict: If you are willing to be submissive in certain situations, it can help to reduce conflict and lead to more peaceful interactions. It can foster a sense of connection: Some people find that being submissive can help them to feel more connected to their partner or others.

What is submissive behavior? ›

To be submissive is to obey or yield to someone else. When you are submissive, you submit to someone else's will, which literally, you put your own desires lower than theirs. You can see this in the Latin root of submit, submittere, which is formed by sub- "under" + mittere "send, put." Definitions of submissive.

What is the purpose of being submissive? ›

A submissive person is someone who willingly submits to the authority of another. A submissive person enjoys having a service-oriented mindset and finds peace of mind in taking orders from those he or she has placed in positions of power.

What are the characteristics of a submissive person? ›

As they seek both approval and support, a person with a submissive personality cannot express opinions or disagreement, especially with those on whom they're dependent. It may seem like they don't have a strong sense of who they are or what they like or dislike.

What are the roles of a submissive in a relationship? ›

Roles and Responsibilities In a healthy D/s relationship, roles are clearly defined, but that doesn't mean they're rigid or inflexible. Dominant partners often take the lead in decision-making, while submissive partners provide support and input.

What is the role of a submissive wife? ›

Being a Submissive Wife
  • 1 Be Quick to Listen and Slow to Respond.
  • 2 Let Him Lead. Re-Direct Only in the Background.
  • 3 Allow Him to Have Space.
  • 4 Embrace the Role of Helper.
  • 5 Be Grateful Everyday.
  • 6 Make Him feel Important.
  • 7 Trust.

What are the physical signs of submission? ›

The Submissive Cluster
  • Lower Body. - Seated – feet and legs crossed and tucked underneath chair (making themselves look smaller) ...
  • Upper Body. - Leaning forward, making their body smaller and less threatening. ...
  • Other Indicators. - Facial expressions of fear, sadness, or "fake" happiness.
Nov 16, 2011

What are examples of submissive? ›

allowing yourself to be controlled by other people or animals: He was looking for a quiet, submissive wife who would obey his every word. In the presence of older birds, the younger eagles tend to be submissive.

Why is submissive behaviour not good? ›

Whereas submissive behaviors may be adaptive in aggressive environments, in prosocial environments fear and submissiveness are potentially unattractive, and may hinder the individual in fulfilling various social goals such as attracting peers and partners or impressing powerful others (e.g., Taylor & Alden, 2011; Weeks ...

What makes a woman submit to a man? ›

The woman who submits to her husband is putting trust in him to make the best decisions for the family. Providing and protecting the best interest of the woman or family. It does not mean your opinion doesn't matter. It means if there is a tough call to make, you give him the benefit of the doubt.

What is the uses of submissive? ›

submission noun (GIVING)

the act of giving something for a decision to be made by others, or a document formally given in this way: No date has yet been set for the submission of applications. The final deadline for submissions is 21 February.

What is the psychology behind dominance and submission? ›

Dominance and submissive behaviors serve to regulate aggression and conflict while ensuring that dominant individuals generally have first access to the resources that garner the greatest reproductive success (Fournier, Moskowitz, & Zuroff, 2002).

How to stop being submissive? ›

How to Avoid Being Submissive
  1. Overcome Anxiety. Break old patterns of submission, gain confidence to assert yourself and speak out when needed.
  2. Increase Self-Awareness. Develop self-awareness, understand behavior patterns, and boost confidence for more effective communication.
  3. Video Feedback.

What is submissive behavior with respect to another person? ›

Submissive behaviours among humans communicate the acceptance of someone else's leadership over the environment and/or over oneself. Submissive behaviour relinquishes power over the environment and gives that power to others.

What is the social submissive behavior style? ›

The behavior style that reacts to change by laughing it off and not adapting is the Social Submissive style. This type of person tends to avoid conflict and suppress their own needs in order to maintain peace in a group. They may use humor as a defense mechanism to deflect or downplay the impact of change.

What are the benefits of being submissive to God? ›

Your service and submission to the Lord are not in vain. He will Lead, Restore, Comfort, and Supply till you overflow with goodness and mercy. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” No man that ever submitted to God became a loser.

What are the benefits of a sub Dom relationship? ›

5 benefits of a dominant-subordinate relationship
  • You might have fewer arguments. Misunderstanding can be the root cause of conflicts in most relationships. ...
  • Possible mental health benefits. ...
  • Can help strengthen trust. ...
  • Less desire to cheat for some. ...
  • More interesting sex life.
Apr 10, 2024

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