Signs She Wears The Trousers In The Relationship

1. Makes major decisions without consulting you

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This partner frequently assumes a leadership role in making significant life choices, such as career moves, major purchases, or life-altering decisions, often without seeking or considering the input or agreement of the other person. They tend to prioritize their own judgment and preferences when steering the relationship's course because they believe that their way is the right way!

2. Plans most activities and outings

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Often the initiator and organizer, this partner takes charge of planning and scheduling various activities, outings, and experiences within the relationship. Their proactive approach keeps the relationship engaging and dynamic, but it may also influence the direction of shared experiences. If the other partner doesn’t engage, their interests may get pushed to the sidelines.

3. Takes charge of household budgeting

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This partner serves as the primary driver of financial decisions, including household budgeting, investments, expenditures, and splurges. Their assertiveness in handling financial responsibilities may offer stability and a healthy financial status, but it can also result in an unequal distribution of financial control and power within the relationship.

4. Initiates and guides conversations

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Frequently the conversation initiator, this partner actively drives discussions and topics of conversation, maintaining a level of control over what is discussed and how interactions unfold. While this can promote engaging communication, it may limit the other person's input. They might feel like what they have to say doesn’t matter or will be bulldozed by the other person.

5. Sets boundaries and enforces them

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With a strong sense of personal boundaries, this partner takes responsibility for defining, communicating, and upholding limits within the relationship. This assertive approach can contribute to a healthy dynamic, but it might also lead to potential conflict over different preferences. Generally though, having the ability to set and enforce boundaries is a very good thing!

6. Has a strong personality and presence

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Possessing a commanding and influential demeanor, this partner's strong personality naturally assumes a central role in the relationship's interactions and decision-making. They are typically center stage, while their partner hangs out in the background. While this assertive nature can provide direction, it may also overshadow the other person's voice and needs.

7. Takes the lead during conflict or arguments

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In moments of disagreement, this partner steps into a leadership role by actively seeking resolutions and making decisions to address any conflict that unfolds. This approach can expedite conflict resolution, but it can also result in one-sided decision-making. That’s why it’s so important for both partners to speak up during conflict and resolution.

8. Organizes household chores and responsibilities

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With a proactive attitude toward domestic chores, this partner oversees and distributes household responsibilities, ensuring that the home functions smoothly. Their leadership in managing chores might create efficiency, but it can also foster an unequal and unfair distribution of workload. The burden generally falls on the proactive partner because they’re the initiator.

9. Decides on vacations and travel plans

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Taking the initiative in planning vacations and getaways, the dominant partner selects destinations, accommodations, and itineraries. While this can lead to exciting travel experiences within the relationship, the dominant partner might not always consider the preferences and desires of the other person. It’s their responsibility to speak up about what they want, too.

10. Takes the lead in social interactions with others

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Often the driving force in social engagements, this partner initiates and coordinates interactions with friends, family, and acquaintances. Their assertive social presence can contribute to a vibrant social life, but the other partner might feel left out if they don’t typically contribute to the planning process. In this kind of relationship, one partner is usually more extroverted and one is more introverted.

11. Has a confident and authoritative demeanor

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Radiating self-confidence and authority, this partner naturally assumes a leadership role in various situations. Their confidence is typically bright, all-encompassing, and self-assured. They take the lead when plays go awry, when they need to fix a complicated situation, or when they need to wrangle a group of people at an event. Their confidence allows them to take center stage.

12. Initiates physical intimacy and affection

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Almost always the initiator of physical intimacy, this partner takes charge in expressing affection, initiating romantic moments, and maintaining a strong connection. This assertive approach can enhance emotional closeness and foster a strong emotional and physical connection. When the dominant partner craves closeness, intimacy will follow. When they’re not, intimacy will not be a priority.

13. Determines long-term goals and aspirations

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With a clear vision for the future, this partner assumes a leadership role in shaping the couple's long-term goals and aspirations. Their proactive planning can provide direction, but it may not fully incorporate the other person's aspirations. If their partner isn’t also vocal about what they want for the long-term, the dominant partner will make decisions based on their own desires.

14. Guides the direction of the relationship

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Actively steering the relationship's trajectory, this partner plays a pivotal role in making key decisions about the future, such as commitment levels and major milestones. This assertiveness can ensure a focused path, and it will generally lead the relationship towards marriage and starting a family, unless the relationship ends before that point or the less dominant partner speaks up about their alternative desires.

15. They’re the primary breadwinner

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Holding the primary responsibility for earning income and managing finances, this partner assumes a dominant role in financial matters and the relationship in general. While their assertiveness can contribute to financial stability and comfort, it may also create an uneven power dynamic. This can be dangerous, as both partners need to have equal influence!

16. Handles communication with extended family and friends

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Acting as the main point of contact with extended family members and friends, this partner manages communication, event planning, and social interactions. Their assertive role can maintain strong connections with these people and make or break relationships based on how often plans are made. If this is the case, they're definitely the dominant one in the relationship.

17. Guides decision-making regarding family planning

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Taking the lead in discussions about family planning and children, this partner plays a central role in making decisions about when and how to expand the family. They lead conversations about when to start trying, how many years to put between children, and how many children to have. Their assertive stance provides direction and planning for the entire family.

18. Takes control of home decor and organization

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Leading in the design and organization of the living space, this partner ensures that the home reflects their preferences and sense of order. Their assertive approach can create a harmonious environment, but it may not fully consider the other person's style. For example, the dominant partner’s favorite colors might be primarily incorporated into the home’s color scheme.

19. Decides on household rules and routines

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Taking responsibility for establishing and enforcing household rules and routines, this partner ensures structure and order within the home. Their assertiveness can create a stable living environment that incorporates certain rules that keep everything organized and aligned. This partner also likely determines both family and individual routines around the house.

20. Displays assertiveness in public settings

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In social or public situations, this partner confidently takes charge of interactions, discussions, and decision-making. Their assertive demeanor often commands attention. If something needs to get accomplished within a short amount of time, this partner steps in and takes the reigns. They’re authoritative, commanding, and can easily get people to take them seriously.

21. Takes responsibility for major household repairs

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Assuming control of managing repairs and improvements around the house, this partner ensures that the home is well-maintained. Their assertive role can ensure a comfortable living space that’s up-to-date, organized, tidy, and functioning. With this partner on top of things, the family will never have to deal with repairs that are never addressed or improvements that fall by the wayside.

22. Guides personal and relationship growth

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Taking an active role in personal and relational development, this partner proactively seeks opportunities for growth and improvement. Their assertiveness can lead to self-enhancement. If their partner isn’t also invested in improving themself, this can create an unbalanced dynamic where one partner is self-aware and working toward growth while the other partner is comfortable and stagnant.

23. Has a leadership role in couple’s hobbies or interests

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Assuming the lead in shared hobbies and interests, this partner organizes and drives activities, fostering engagement and enjoyment. Their assertiveness can lead to fulfilling experiences, but the other person may find that their hobbies are not acknowledged or pursued. Because of this, both partners need to express their desires and preferences when it comes to hobbies and how free time is spent.

24. Exercises control over the relationship’s online social media presence

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Managing and curating the couple's online presence, this partner leads in shaping how the relationship is portrayed in the digital realm. Their assertive role can create a consistent image, but it might not be one hundred percent accurate. For example, this partner might only post happy-go-lucky, positive photos, even when the relationship is experiencing challenges.

25. Guides decisions about joint purchases (like a house or a car)

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Leading in decisions about substantial joint purchases, this partner ensures prudent investments in shared assets. Their assertiveness can lead to sound financial choices, such as investing in a home or a car that will benefit both parties in the short-term and the long-term. Typically, the dominant person will initiate these conversations and move forward with the decision.

26. Takes the lead in initiating apologies or reconciliations

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Often taking the first step in resolving conflict and fostering reconciliation, this partner ensures emotional healing and harmony. Their assertiveness can mend relationships, but it may also require shared effort in understanding and resolution. For the dominant person, it might become draining to always be the initiator, especially if their partner was in the wrong for something.

27. Influences their partner's personal decisions and choices

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Exerting a significant influence on the other person's personal decisions and choices, this person plays a role in shaping their partner’s individual growth. Their assertiveness can offer guidance, but it may also require space for independent decision-making. It’s important to let your partner make their own decisions and follow their own heart, at the end of the day.

28. Handles logistical details for almost everything

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Assuming the logistical responsibilities for events, gatherings, school projects, trips, and more, this partner ensures smooth execution and organization of just about everything. Their assertive role can contribute to successful occasions, but doing so constantly can become draining and detrimental to the relationship without some sort of balance.

29. Leads in making health and wellness decisions

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Taking the lead in health-related decisions, this partner prioritizes well-being and proactive self-care. Their assertiveness can promote a healthy lifestyle. This partner will initiate cooking healthy dinners, going on daily walks, doing a monthly challenge to cut out alcohol, encourage going to the gym, and other things that promote health and wellness.

30. Has a strong influence on mutual friends and social circles

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Exerting a substantial influence on shared social connections, this partner shapes interactions and dynamics within the social circle. Their assertiveness can strengthen social bonds, but it’s all dependent on which social bonds the dominant partner wants to foster. She definitely wears the pants if she’s the determining factor when it comes to social circles and friendships.