A dom/sub relationship is not about abuse or the strength or either partner; it's about two people satisfying each others mutual needs. The ancient philosophers describe Yin and Yang as where in a harmonious universe Heaven/Earth dark/light good/evil pleasure/pain (ie:relationship), relationships will last when they naturally reach a stage of meetings each others needs.

Respect and friendship are the most important aspects of any maintainable long term relationship. Otherwise, the lust and all other aspects of the relationship will wilt. It takes WORK. People change over time. Adapt to survive. Love for happiness.

SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask How are you? 
Do you hear the reply? 
When the day is done do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down. 
Don't dance so fast. 
Time is short. 
The music won't last. 
Ever told your child, 
We'll do it tomorrow? 
And in your haste, 
Not see his sorrow? 
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die 
Cause you never had time to call and say,"Hi" 
You'd better slow down. 
Don't dance so fast. 
Time is short. 
The music won't last. 
When you run so fast to get somewhere 
You miss half the fun of getting there. 
When you worry and hurry through your day, 
It is like an unopened gift.... 
Thrown away. 
Life is not a race. 
Do take it slower 
Hear the music 
Before the song is over.