Female-Led Relationship: How It Works And 6 Tips For a Happy FLR
We recommend helpful products in our articles. Read our full disclosure here. The content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
There are many types of relationships, and people have discovered new ways to partner up more recently.
While some of these relationship structures may feel unusual or even unbalanced, they all have their benefits.
Female-led relationship, in particular, is becoming increasingly common.
What Is a Female-Led Relationship?
A female-led relationship is a partnership where the woman has the most power.
The woman takes on an alpha role in the relationship by assuming primary responsibility for monitoring communication, setting expectations, clarifying rules and boundaries, initiating physical contact, and leading in problem-solving.
The woman – not the man – has the primary role in the relationship.
She makes the rules and is in charge of the relationship.
Why Do People Choose a Female-Led Relationship?
A female-led relationship can be a fun and fantastic way to get to know each other in a new way or explore a relationship that’s different.
It can be a way for both men and women to explore themselves, find out what they like, or discover what they need in a relationship.
It can also be a way for people to get more fulfillment in personal moments.
It’s important to note that relationships where women lead are not new.
In fact, the research on female-led relationships dates back to 1991.
It’s been around for quite a while and has been associated with positive outcomes such as greater relationship joy.
Many people who participate in these relationships tend to feel that they are much healthier than standard relationships.
Why is this the case?
Let’s take a look at what it’s like to be in a woman-led relationship.
What Does a Female-Led Relationship Look Like?
A female-led relationship is about a woman as a leading person in a couple.
There are no hard and fast rules about how a relationship like this should look.
Some couples might have an almost equal relationship, while others may have a relationship where the woman has all the power she can.
Some relationships have a clearly physical focus, while others are purely romantic.
Some are a combination of both.
How Is a Female-Led Relationship Different from a Standard One?
Please note that the term “standard relationship” is mostly used here as a comparison.
Usually, a standard relationship is one where the man and woman are on equal ground, or the male has the leading role.
In a female-led relationship, one partner (female) takes the lead while the other follows. It’s important to note, however, that the term “following” here doesn’t mean that the person is doing nothing.
A female-led relationship can look like a standard one, though.
The difference between the two is in the dynamic between the two partners.
Problems That Often Arise in Female-Led Relationships
FLR is a different way to be a couple and can come with its own problematic situations.
- Jealousy. Jealousy is an issue that often arises in all kinds of relationships and happens in FLR, too.
Thankfully, jealousy can be lessened by openly discussing your feelings and expectations with your partner.
- Resentment. When one partner feels like they are following too much, they can feel resentful.
Resentment can destroy any relationship, no matter what type of relationship it is.
Note: communication is the key!
If you are in a female-led relationship, ensure you and your partner communicate well.
If you feel your partner is following you too much, or vice versa, share your feelings.
If you feel like you are controlling your partner too much, talk to them about it.
Don’t let these problems fester.
They can destroy your relationship if left unchecked.
6 Tips for Happy Female-Led Relationships
If you’re interested in exploring this type of relationship, here are six female-led relationship tips that are worth noting.
1. Healthy FLR is always built on trust and communication
In any relationship, open and honest communication is vital.
Communication can be verbal, non-verbal, written, or even digital (using apps).
Partners should be willing to explore different ways of communicating, like daily check-ins, journaling, and setting aside time for communication about the relationship and your feelings.
When communication breaks down, resentment and misunderstanding can creep in, and a relationship can quickly become unhealthy.
2. Consent is everything in a female-led relationship
In FLR, consent is the key.
That is, you should consent to everything that goes on in the relationship, and your partner must give their consent, too. A female-led relationship requires full consent from all partners. If there is any doubt, the FLR idea should be discussed.
3. Be open about your preferences
If you’re in a female-led relationship, being transparent and open about your wishes is important.
Your partner should know what you like and what you don’t like.
If you want to try an idea, it’s important to share it with your partner.
If you have an idea that you don’t want to try, it’s also important to share that with your partner.
Any relationship is about communicating your wishes so that you both have a fulfilling relationship physically and mentally.
If you’re in a male-led relationship, it’s important to be transparent and open about what you want, too!
You don’t want to put pressure on your partner.
Instead, you want to create a safe space for your partner to share their likes with you.
4. Establish your FLR rules together
Partners in a female-led relationship should establish rules together.
Rules can be anything from having a curfew to what’s allowed for different activities.
Rules are different for every relationship, and you should always discuss what rules will work best for you and your partner.
Some partners may feel more comfortable with fewer rules, while others may feel more comfortable with more.
Even if you both have different rules, you can still work together.
5. Don’t let jealousy in
If you feel jealous, talking to your partner about it is important.
Jealousy can turn into resentment if you don’t address it, and resentment can really harm a relationship.
Jealousy can also lead to other issues, like controlling behavior and anger.
Partners should also discuss what they’d like to do if they feel jealous.
6. Try new things together and have fun
In any type of relationship, it’s important to have fun together.
FLR is not an exclusion.
Fun time can include spending time together, creating traditions, and exploring new things together.
This can also include having private moments – they are a big part of any relationship, and it should be something that you both enjoy and feel comfortable with.
Conclusion
A female-led relationship is a romantic relationship where the woman has the most power and is in charge of the relationship.
If you are interested in this relationship model, you and your partner must be open and honest from the very beginning. Honesty lets you and your partner know what you are signing up for.
"We love to research problems, examine studies, analyze solutions, and share with you ideas that make life healthier. You can learn about us and our editorial standards here. Have suggestions or feedback to share? Send us a message!."
Leave a Comment