Thank you, Lynn.

Again, Open, you're pointing out people who are not only extremely dominant, but narcissistic, selfish, embarrassingly sensitive to criticism, and completely oblivious to the fact that they are, in fact, morons. We have a term for such people. They're called "douchebags".

I don't pay attention to the relationships of famous people unless they're humorously dysfunctional or the success or failure of said relationship would affect me in some way. So I'm going to have to fall back on TV shows for examples.

Burn Notice - Both Westen and Fiona are assertive, determined people. They have a rocky relationship, but it works for them, considering their volatile nature and professions. In their professional lives, Westen usually calls the shots. I don't watch the show all that much, so I haven't seen much of their sex lives. But Fiona seems to be more controlling under the sheets.

Between Westen and Sam... Again, Westen calls the shots.

Suits - I've only seen the pilot of this show. And, granted, the relationship between Harvey and Michael is a business relationship, and thus has an established hierarchy, but it's still a good example. Harvey is definitely the boss, and it shows in the way he carries himself. He holds his head high, maintains eye contact, and he speaks his mind. He has the more dominant personality. And he's a narcissistic, selfish womaniser. But he sure is likeable. Michael is confident as well, but, in his relationship with Harvey, he's more likely to listen and learn than take charge.

The Godfather - Don Vito Corleone is the epitome of great leader. He is calm and patient. He listens to the advice of his peers. He considers everyone's opinions before deciding and does his best to be fair. But his word is law. And everyone respects him (except that bastardo Sollozzo, but that's why he gets himself killed in the end). Don Corleone is the boss in his personal and professional relationships.

In healthy relationships which involve dominant and submissive dynamics (which is, arguably, nearly all relationships), the submissive is hardly lacking in control. They willingly enter into a relationship with a person who compliments their more submissive characteristics - an outgoing, perseverant, problem solver. Furthermore, the sub's opinion is heard and duly noted. But, as the more complaisant person in the relationship, they are simply less likely to be making the decision in the end ... usually because they don't like making decisions. So they hand over the responsibility to someone who wants it. The extreme form of this is a dependant slave. I'm not talking about that.

I might add more to this later, but I'm starving...