Can relationships where the woman is the dominant figure be 'happy'?

[SteR]

I know that on these boards, the view of the man as the dominant figure in the relationship is what we're told to aspire to. Personally I can't see a relationship being successful without the man taking charge but I was chatting to some friends about this the other day and it got me thinking.

Within my social circle there are a couple of relationships where the girl blatantly seems to have all the power. They boss their other halves around constantly, make unreasonable demands and have them completely under the thumb. I find it very difficult to be around these couples because I find it so ridiculous that these guys can allow this to go on. Anyway, I was talking about it to my buddies and they both said, "So what if they're happy?" and to be honest, it stopped me in my tracks because I never saw it that way. I've always looked at their relationships with blinkers on and compared their relationship to my ideal but at the end of the day, does it really matter if the dynamic is so distorted yet they're still happy?

Or do you guys think that innately, the women yearn to be led and the relationships will eventually crumble?

My gut feeling is the latter, but an interesting point has been raised none the less. What do you guys think?

 

[Scaramouche]

Dear SteR,
It takes all kinds to make a World......Some Men require a strong Woman to put a bit of back bone in them.....For these guys it really is best that a Woman tells them what to do,it relieves them of a lot of responsibility...gives a little direction in life.
"Or do you guys think that innately, the women yearn to be led and the relationships will eventually crumble?".....Good question,despite agreeing with you,in my experience it doesn't generally happen....Having a social handbag seems a rewarding enough experience in itself....I have on a few occasions tried to seduce Women in these situations,but despite their obvious attraction nothing ever happened...I think both parties appreciate the short term nature of any "fling" and the inevitability of eventually being at each others throats?.....I am closely watching a relationship like this with one of my Family and look forward to the real life contributions of the more experienced guys here!

 

[In2theGame]

IMO, The man should be in charge. When i see a female dominating the man, it just makes me think WTF. Maybe some guys want their girlfriends or wife to be in charge but to me there either has to be a balance or the man be the head in the relationship. The problem is that women let "power" go to their heads and if they think they can boss you around... you better get some scissors to cut your balls off or she will.