With the compelling and challenging dynamics of a relationship: emotional anxieties, incompatibility issues, falling out of love, unmet expectations and painful heart break, a lot of relationship models have emerged over time to suit individuals’ preferences and expectations.
We have the traditional male-led relationship where men are regarded as figureheads in a relationship and have the sole responsibility to dictate the affairs of the relationship from finances to child upbringing.
Contrary to the female led relationship, this relationship dynamic recognizes the man as the dominant individual.
With increased gender inequality and disregard to women’s expectations, a gradual shift from the traditional male-led relationships to a relationship dynamic where gender equality is upheld, is gradually gaining ground.
Presently, a direct variant of the traditional male-led relationship has emerged and is already gaining widespread acceptance. The female led relationship dynamic is unique in its own way and recognizes largely the leadership skills of women.
What is female led relationship?
Female led relationship is a kind heterosexual relationship that recognizes women as the dominant individuals in the relationship. It is a direct opposite of the traditional relationship models like male-led relationships.
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In female led relationship, creates a situation where women take up the roles which have been traditionally occupied by men: financial decisions, day-to-day operations of the household, among others.
This relationship model is not about gender equality between the partners; it seeks to enthrone the woman as the leader and figurehead in the relationship.
With female led relationship, the female assumes control of the relationship in terms of authority, decisions, sexual life, among others. The female is the dominant individual while the male takes up the submissive role.
However, this kind of relationship and its dynamics have to be deliberated, agreed upon and negotiated by the partners. It is not a one-person thing as the approval of the both parties would be needed for the relationship to operate smoothly.
Types of female led relationships
The dynamic of every female led relationship is largely dependent on the terms agreed upon by the partners. The level of control and dominance are dependent on the terms of the couples and this produces the dynamic that may be prevalent in a given female led relationship. With this, here are the 4 main types of female led relationship.
1. Low control type
This kind of female led relationship recognizes the opinions and decisions of the man. Decisions are not entirely taken by the woman as things are mutually deliberated upon before she could call the final shot. Succinctly, in low control type of female led relationship, decisions are mutually taken by the partners.
2. Moderate control level
This is a more balanced form of the different types of female led relationships. The woman sees to the day-to-day decisions of the relationship and takes charge of major aspects of the relationship, though there’s a boundary to her limits.
3. Defined control level
The boundaries in the relationship is extensively identified to allow the partners manage their expectations. The woman has some domains where she calls the shots while the man has some aspects where he controls. This is followed judiciously to prevent clash of interests and disregard.
4. Extreme control level
Every power and authority belongs to the female and she takes decisions on every aspect of the relationship. These decisions are mostly taken according to her discretions and judgement. This is most prevalent where the female is a naturally dominant while the man has no issues being submissive.
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Benefits of female led relationships
Female led relationships come with a lot of benefits opposed to the general societal views about such relationship dynamic.
1. Ease and transparency in communication
Unlike the traditional male-led relationship where there’s a communication gap between the man and the woman because of induced superiority, female led relationship allows the partners to enjoy transparent communication.
In female led relationships, the partners already know their limits and what is required of them and there’s a sense of commitment and involvement.
This further bridges the communication gap between the two and allows them to enjoy transparent communication because they are seeing themselves as equals.
2. Family-based decisions
Women are naturally more attentive to the needs of the family. Having them at the helm of affairs is the easiest way to ensure family-first decisions. As they would consider profoundly the interests and situations of the family before taking any decisions.
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3. Less pressure
Because there’s almost no defined roles in the traditional male-led relationship, there’s some level of pressure and expectations on the partners. However, with definite roles and boundaries in female led relationships, each of the partner is abreast with responsibilities.
4. Enhanced sexual life
Women are very sexually active and less expressive. Because of their submissive nature, women tend to rely on the lead of the man during sexual intercourse. However, giving the woman some dominant roles would allow her the luxury to be more expressive during intercourse and also dictate the direction of the intimacy.
Benefits of female led relationships to men
Aside the general benefits of female led relationships, there are other advantages that are quite peculiar to each of the partners. For men, here are a few advantages of female led relationships.
- Some men are not naturally decisive; they have challenges taking informed decisions. With a female led relationship, such men can delegate such responsibilities to the partner while taking up some submissive roles.
- Relationships are more pleasing if the partners see themselves as equals instead of a leader-subordinate kind of dynamic.
- The lack of tension that comes with a female led relationship gives men peace of mind.
- Some men would not have much interest and abilities to take up the breadwinner role, especially in a scenario where the female is the huge earner. With a female led relationship, men can push aside this role and take up other female roles like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children, among others.
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Benefits of female led relationships to women
- There are chances that the woman may likely end up loving and cherishing her partner more, because of the care and attention he gives her.
- Women need and have to get a fair shot at decision making in the household.
- Naturally, some women enjoys the power and authority to control every domain of the relationship.
- Power struggle is significantly reduced as there are definite roles, which makes the woman to be at peace with the partner.
- Women could have the opportunity to mould their men into the men of their dreams. Using their power to help them drop bad habits and pick up good ones.
Bottom Line
Just like a female led relationship, there other relationship dynamics with varying features. It is left for the partners to decide on the relationship model that best suits their personalities.
However, with a female led relationship, the partners stand a better chance of enjoying transparent communication and little to no pressure in the relationship.